Specialist Developmental Support Worker

Help a young person build confidence, independence and participation.

Living It Up Community is seeking a compassionate, reliable and motivated Support Worker to join a small specialist team supporting a young person with complex developmental and communication support needs.

This role focuses on helping a young person participate more confidently in everyday life through consistent, relationship-based support before and after school and within the community.

We are particularly interested in applicants who are studying or working in:

• Occupational Therapy

• Speech Pathology

• Education

• Teacher Aide / Education Support

• Youth Work

• Psychology

• Social Work

• Allied Health Assistance

• Disability or Community Services

Whether you are an experienced support worker or looking to build practical experience alongside your studies, this role offers meaningful work with excellent learning opportunities.

This position centres on school readiness, community participation and capacity building.

You will provide calm, consistent support that helps reduce barriers to participation while promoting confidence, communication and independence.

Typical duties include:

• Supporting morning routines and preparation for school

• Assisting with school drop-off and transition into the school environment

• School pick-up and after-school support

• Community participation and recreational activities

• Building daily living skills

• Supporting communication using agreed strategies

• Encouraging emotional regulation through predictable, supportive interactions

• Implementing strategies recommended by Occupational Therapists, Speech Pathologists and the participant's broader support team

• Recording clear, respectful and objective support notes

This is a non-clinical support role that complements the work of allied health professionals.

This is an opportunity to work consistently with one participant and become part of a collaborative support team.

Rather than rotating between multiple clients, you will develop a genuine understanding of one person's strengths, support needs and goals while contributing to meaningful long-term outcomes.

You will receive guidance, mentoring and ongoing support from Living It Up Community.

We are particularly seeking applicants available for:

• Weekday mornings before school

• School drop-off support

• Weekday afternoons for school pick-up

• After-school community participation

• Additional hours during school holidays may be available

Regular availability during school terms is highly desirable.

This role provides valuable practical experience in:

• Developmental disability support

• Trauma-informed practice

• Neuroaffirming support

• Functional capacity and participation

• Community inclusion

• Communication support strategies

• Emotional regulation

• School participation and transition support

• Working collaboratively with educators and allied health professionals

• Professional documentation and evidence-based case notes

This experience is particularly valuable for students pursuing careers in allied health, education or community services.

You are someone who:

• Is calm, patient and emotionally mature

• Enjoys working with children and young people

• Communicates respectfully with families and professionals

• Can remain consistent even when situations become challenging

• Is reliable and punctual

• Enjoys supporting people to achieve meaningful goals

• Is willing to learn and accept feedback

• Understands the importance of professional boundaries

• Appreciates that trust is built through consistency

Previous disability experience is welcomed but not essential.

Your attitude, reliability and willingness to learn are more important than extensive experience.

Applicants must hold, or be willing to obtain:

• NDIS Worker Screening Check

• Working With Children Check

• Current First Aid and CPR

• Current Australian Driver Licence

• Reliable, comprehensively insured vehicle

• Australian working rights

At Living It Up Community, we believe quality support begins with quality relationships.

You will join a small, values-driven organisation where workers are supported, respected and encouraged to grow professionally.

We provide:

• Consistent participant matching

• Structured onboarding

• Ongoing mentoring

• Trauma-informed practice

• Supportive leadership

• Professional development opportunities

• A collaborative team culture

• Opportunities to build genuine allied health experience

If you are studying Occupational Therapy, Speech Pathology, Education, Psychology, Youth Work, Social Work or another allied health discipline—or you are an experienced disability support worker looking for meaningful, consistent work—we would love to hear from you.

Please submit your resume together with a brief cover letter telling us:

• Why this role interests you

• What experience you have supporting children or young people

• Your current studies (if applicable)

• Your regular availability for before and after school shifts

• Why you believe relationship-based support matters

We are looking for someone who wants to make a genuine difference in one young person's life while developing valuable professional experience in disability and allied health.