Disability Support Worker

Summary

We are seeking a warm, patient and reliable Disability Support Worker to provide individualised 1:1 support to a paediatric participant who has recently commenced Core Supports with Power of Grace Care Services.

The participant has higher support needs across communication, daily living activities, emotional and sensory regulation, community access and safety. Building a strong relationship with the participant and his family will be particularly important. We are therefore looking for someone who is calm, engaging, observant and genuinely enjoys working with children with additional support needs.

Shortlisted applicants may participate in a meet-and-greet with the participant and family before regular shifts are confirmed.

Responsibilities

• Provide safe, respectful and person-centred 1:1 support appropriate to the participant’s age, needs, preferences and established routines.
• Build a positive and trusting relationship with the participant through consistency, patience and genuine engagement.
• Provide close supervision and maintain awareness of environmental and community safety risks.
• Support the participant with age-appropriate daily living activities and personal care where required.
• Assist with community access, play, recreational activities and opportunities for social participation.
• Support the implementation of strategies recommended by the participant’s allied health and Behaviour Support team within the Support Worker’s scope and training.
• Use clear, simple and consistent communication and allow the participant appropriate time to understand and respond.
• Recognise signs of sensory or emotional dysregulation and respond calmly in accordance with established support strategies.
• Encourage independence and participation while providing the level of assistance required to maintain safety.
• Maintain professional boundaries while providing warm, engaging and child-centred support.
• Follow the participant’s support plans, Behaviour Support Plan where applicable, risk-management strategies and organisational procedures.
• Complete accurate progress notes following each shift and report relevant changes, concerns or incidents.
• Work collaboratively with the participant’s family, POGCS team and allied health professionals.
• Maintain the participant’s privacy, dignity, safety and confidentiality at all times.

Skills and Experience

• Previous experience supporting children with disability, developmental differences or complex support needs is highly regarded.
• Experience supporting children with Autism or communication, sensory and emotional regulation needs is desirable.
• A warm, patient and engaging personality with the ability to build rapport gradually.
• Strong observation skills and the ability to recognise changes in behaviour, communication and regulation.
• Calm and confident when responding to behaviours of concern or situations involving increased safety risks.
• Ability to follow established therapy, Behaviour Support and risk-management strategies consistently.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with parents, clinicians and other members of the participant’s support team.
• Reliable and punctual, with the ability to provide consistent ongoing support.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgement and seek assistance when required.
• Understanding of person-centred practice, dignity of risk, choice and control, child-safe practice and professional boundaries.
• Willingness to participate in a meet-and-greet and gradual matching process with the participant and family.

Qualifications

A Certificate III in Individual Support, Certificate IV in Disability, or another relevant community-services qualification is beneficial but not essential. Relevant experience and demonstrated compatibility with the client will also be considered.

Essential Requirements

• Current Australian Driver Licence.
• Reliable vehicle with appropriate registration and comprehensive insurance where transport is required.
• Current NDIS Worker Screening Check.
• Current Working with Children Check.
• Current First Aid and CPR certificates.
• Completion of the NDIS Worker Orientation Module.
• Full Australian working rights.
• Ability to satisfy all POGCS onboarding, child-safety, training and compliance requirements.
• Willingness to follow participant-specific support, behaviour and risk-management plans.

Desirable Requirements

• Experience supporting paediatric participants with higher or complex support needs.
• Experience supporting participants with limited verbal communication.
• Experience supporting sensory regulation, emotional regulation and behaviours of concern.
• Medication-assistance training.
• Manual-handling training where relevant.
• Experience implementing strategies developed by OTs, Behaviour Support Practitioners or other allied health professionals.
• Availability to provide regular afternoon and weekend support over the longer term.
• Flexibility to gradually increase availability if the initial matching period is successful.