Support Worker

Job Description:

The NDIS Workforce Capability Frameworkdescribes this role as a Support Worker for services funded under the NDIS. Persons working within this role are responsible for using the strategies determined in the participant's support plan.

All practices are participant-focused and promote their choices, rights, and decisions. Due to the variable nature of participants, this role requires the worker to promote participants' voices, choices and report any areas of concern. The participant is at the center of all practices. The disability Support Worker must apply the Child Safe Standards in their practices.

Workers are required to follow all policies and procedures and report to management:

· feedback from participants (positive, constructive and complaints)

· changes in participant circumstances or environment

· work health and safety issues and concerns

· need for resources to undertake the role.

· if you think that the participant is experiencing discrimination, exploitation, neglect, abuse, or violence.

· when unsure of appropriate practices

· when unsure of actions that should be undertaken

· stressed or anxious feelings

Main Duties / Responsibilities:

Provision of care and support to participants as detailed in their support plans.

As a Community Access Support Worker, you will play a pivotal role in helping individuals with disabilities achieve their goals and connect with their communities. You will be responsible for designing and implementing engaging activities, outings, and experiences that promote social interaction, skill development, and independent living.

General

· Always check your understanding of the participant's required tasks before commencing your work.

· Implement personal hygiene and infection control procedures.

· Be alert if you notice the participant is distressed or apathetic (uninterested or listless)

· Adjust your tasks to meet participant's needs, preferences, and priorities.

· Record all work as per the organization’s requirements.

Work Practices

Duties will vary according to the participant's support plan but may include:

· Assisting people to perform important daily activities.

· Facilitating daily personal hygiene and dressing tasks

· Performing home-based tasks such as food preparation and housework

· Undertaking tasks outside the home such as shopping

· Ensuring varied programs of social activities

· Providing emotional support and friendship

· incorporate Child Safe Standards in their practice when working with children and young people.

· Report any real or potential risks of harm to a participant, including child and young people.

Communicate:

· clearly, inclusively, and respectfully

· adapt to participant's age, culture, and cognitive ability.

· understand individual communication – verbal and non-verbal.

· use the best communication method to recognize the difference between self and participant.

· be persistent and patient.

Build trusted relationships

· build relationships based on mutual respect.

· determine what makes the participant feel safe and valued.

· work with both participants and their important people to understand how they are involved.

· communicate directly with the participant unless otherwise determined.

· prioritize participant's voice during any conflict.

· treat equally but recognize the imbalance in the relationship.

· recognize and report any threat in circumstances and environment.

Rights

· understand participant and worker rights.

· support participants to express views, raise concerns, report complaints and incidents.

Work Collaboratively

· support all supporting stakeholders.

· work within role and responsibility

· recognize the participant's skills, experience, and contribution to everyone in the team.

· keep participants informed when sharing and discussing them.

· focus on strengths.

· be optimistic, hope and patience.

Observe and respond

· review all relevant notes and support plan information.

· identify needs and strategies.

· clarify your understanding.

· be observant, attentive, and present.

· act responsively and flexibly

· celebrate reaching goals and independence.

· maximize participant's control and confidence.

Health and Safety

· talk to participant/supervisor about any intermittent conditions to determine strategies when confronted with the situation.

· support access to preventative and responsive health, dental etc.

· respond quickly if the participant is uncomfortable, distressed, apathetic or in poor health.

· identify potential and actual risks, then act promptly and in consultation with the participant.

· escalate to your supervisor any situation when the participant is at risk.

· identify and report any work health and safety issues.

· promote independence and choice.

· never use restrictive practice unless approved and trained in the practice.

Qualifications/ Requirements:

· Current Worker Screening and WWCC (if required)

· First Aid Certificate

· Driver’s License

· Reliable and comprehensively insured vehicle

· New Worker NDIS Induction Module

· Smartphone

· A formal certificate may not be required if the individual has relevant experience and skills – recommended qualifications Certificate III in Individual Support, Mental Health, Aged Care, Community Services, Disability Work or similar.

Experience:

· Preferred minimum six months relevant experience.

· Experience supporting people with disabilities.

· Demonstrated continuing professional development.

· Knowledge of continuous quality improvement principles

· Use of equipment related to personal and work safety.

· Promoted participant's choice and independence.

· Supported participants in hygiene practices.

Skills:

· Verbal and written communication skills.

· Ability to work with various ages, cultures, and ability levels.

· Ability to build rapport and trust with clients.

· Strong time management and ability to prioritize.

· Ability to use Microsoft Office suite of programs and other computer systems for record-keeping.

· Excellent problem solving and conflict management skills.

· Ability to work as part of a team and maintain good working relationships.

Job Type: Casual