Inclusion Support Worker - Sunshine, VIC and surrounds

Are you a student in Psychology, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Social Work, Education, Youth Work, Community Services, Speech Pathology, or Health Science? Looking for invaluable on-the-job experience?

*We are particularly intersted in hearing from those in or around Sunshine, VIC!

Extended Families is seeking passionate individuals to join our LinC program, a transformative initiative designed to empower children and young adults with disabilities by enhancing their skills, and participation in their community.

Experience is not necessary – if your values align with ours, and you have the right attitude, a willingness to learn, and an ability to be reflective in your practice we encourage you to apply!

We are looking for people who are happy to work short shift times (minimum 2 hours) and who can commit to participants for 12 months at a minimum.

The Role:

As an Inclusion Support Worker, you will provide one-on-one support, focusing on skill development, motivational support, and positive behaviour support. Whether you’re building life skills or facilitating community engagement, your work will have a lasting impact.

Who we are:

At Extended Families, we believe that having joy in one’s life and being a part of the community is important for everyone and that friendship and support are important cornerstones of a meaningful and fulfilling life. We focus on facilitating positive connections between people within a community and seek to widen social networks, empower individuals, promote inclusion, and strengthen the bonds people have within their local areas.

We offer an array of programs which focus on building meaningful companionship and social experiences in the community though sports, arts, recreation and general participation in all life’s experiences.

The benefits of working as a Community Disability Support Worker with Extended Families Australia:

• Flexible Hours - we fit around your schedule, you can work as little as 6 hours per week and up to 38 hours per week.
• Opportunities for Career Progression - Support Workers are given the first opportunity to apply for other roles within the organisation. All our Services Facilitators started their role as Support Workers.
• Hands on Industry Experience - Opportunities to work alongside industry professionals, such as Occupational Therapists, Psychologists, Speech Therapists and Behaviour Support Practitioners to provide quality, informed support to people with a disability.
• Supportive Environment – You will have access to knowledgeable and approachable Services Facilitators who provide coaching and mentoring to you support you.
• Other Benefits – Benefit from our Employee Assistance Program for free well-being and counselling support and have access to a suite of professionally developed online learning courses.

Who you are:

• Currently enrolled in a relevant field or possess relevant experience/certification in disability support.
• Committed to personal growth, learning, and reflective practice.
• Hold necessary certifications and checks (NDIS Worker Screening Clearance, Working with Children Check, First Aid and CPR Certificates or are willing to obtain).
• Have access to a safe and insured motor vehicle to use for work and hold a current Driver Licence.

Role Overview:

As an Inclusion Support Worker, you will play a pivotal role in empowering individuals with disabilities, helping them to cultivate independence, forge meaningful relationships, and actively participate in their communities.

Below are key activities and the essential skills that students from Occupational Therapy, Psychology, Social Work, Speech Pathology, Physiotherapy can employ to make a tangible difference:

Social Group Participation:

• Enhance Social and Communication Skills: Utilise principles from Social Work and Psychology to improve interpersonal interactions.
• Anxiety Management: Apply psychological strategies to help individuals navigate and reduce anxiety.
• Behavioural Modelling: Use Occupational Therapy, Social Work, and Psychology techniques to model and reinforce positive behaviours.
• Positive Behaviour Support: Employ psychological methods to replace challenging behaviours with constructive ones.
• Relationship Building: Facilitate the establishment of significant connections, drawing on Occupational Therapy, Youth Work, and Social Work.

Weekly Basketball Game:

• Physical Health: Utilise skills from physiotherapy to promote strength and endurance.
• Emotional Intelligence: Draw on psychological and speech therapy techniques to foster emotional expression and awareness.
• Communication Skills: Practice Speech pathology and social work strategies to enhance effective communication strategies via Social Work and Speech Pathology.

School Attendance Support:

• Time Management: Utilise Occupational Therapy techniques to develop organisational skills.
• Self-Care Practices: Encourage independence in personal care routines, drawing on Occupational Therapy and social work practices.
• Person-Centred Approaches: Apply principles from Physiotherapy, Social Work, and Youth Work to empower people to identify their individual needs and preferences.
• Routine Establishment: Support the creation and maintenance of daily routines using Occupational Therapy strategies.

Public Transportation Navigation:

• Crisis Management: Equip individuals to handle unexpected situations with tools from Psychology and Speech Therapy.
• Travel Planning: Assist in the logistical aspects of city travel, including the use of public transportation systems, through Occupational Therapy.
• Emotional and Behavioural Support: Identify emotional triggers and provide tailored support, integrating practices from Psychology, Social Work, and Occupational Therapy.

Location and Hours:

We offer positions across greater and metropolitan Melbourne, with flexible hours tailored to your availability. Shifts may be weekly or fortnightly and typically range from 2-4 hours, including before and after school, weekends, and school holidays.

How to apply:

Please follow the link below to apply for the ‘Inclusion Support Worker’ position online and click ‘Apply Now’ at the bottom of the page. There you will also find a position description, including selection criteria.

https://www.extendedfamilies.org.au/about-us/work-with-uswww.extendedfamilies.org.au

Extended Families welcomes the rich diversity of our community and strives to be inclusive for all. As an equal opportunity employer, we promote social inclusion and encourage applications from people with disabilities, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, those from all cultural backgrounds, and people from the LGBTIQ+ community.

Extended Families wholeheartedly commits to creating a culturally safe environment that honours and empowers Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and adults, actively opposes racism, and ensures their full participation and well-being within our organisation. We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first inhabitants of this nation and the Traditional Custodians of the lands where we live, learn and work.

Extended Families is committed to ensuring the safety, wellbeing, and empowerment of all children. Discrimination is not tolerated, and we treat every child with dignity and respect.