Disability Support Worker/Carer

Position: Disability Support Worker/Carer

Position Type: Full-Time

Salary: $70,000 to $80,000 plus superannuation per annum

Location: Cairns QLD 4870

Our client is seeking multiple candidates for Disability Support Worker/Carer positions in Cairns, Queensland.

Role Purpose

• To provide quality support and services to people with a mental health issue, aged or disability
• To work collaboratively with participants, their family, social supports, clinical team and community on the persons recovery journey
• To provide tailored support that is individually focussed, community orientated and sensitive
• To assist participants with mental health issues, aged and/or disability to develop and maintain relationships, which facilitate independence and autonomy
• To assist participants with mental health issues, aged and/or disabilities to improve their daily living skills through guidance, supervision, role modelling and encouragement
• To mentor and act as role models for participants in building positive social skills, utilising effective conflict management and negotiation, and building healthy relationships
• Encourage and educate participants on healthy living habits to support emotional wellbeing
• To encourage the growth of self-esteem, self-worth, and self-confidence in the person

Main responsibilities

• all paperwork relevant to such participant (reports, assessments, management of young person’s files and associated paperwork, and other paperwork as required)
• regular individual contact and support
• regular contact with the person’s Mental Health Service Case Manager (if under case management), parent/guardian/carer, and other identified stakeholders
• Facilitate supporting individual to build their community capacity.

General

• Provide advocacy and support commensurate with level of skill and experience, maintain awareness of community and organisational objectives and professional boundaries.
• Assist participant in accessing community services; making and keeping appointments (e.g., medical, case manager, psychiatrist); and accessing educational and / or vocational opportunities)
• Mentor participants in the development of their daily living skills including the following: cooking, cleaning, social skills, financial and budgeting skills, personal hygiene, healthy living habits, etc.
• Assist participants with daily household duties including cooking and cleaning tasks ensuring service standards are maintained in adherence to WH&S and Duty of Care
• Effectively and efficiently respond to issues raised by participants, their advocates or family members in a collaborative, compassionate, and respectful manner
• Maintain records/case notes of activities undertaken with all participants during each shift
• Work collaboratively, cooperatively and effectively within a team, and with participants, their families / carers, and other stakeholders, utilising strong communication skills to help participants work toward their identified goals
• Maintain effective communication with the Team Leader and co-workers
• Facilitation of TSS program activities (i.e., weekly house meetings, weekly menu planning, shopping with young people, taking young people on outings, teaching and cooking meals with young people, facilitation of chores, etc.)
• Observe participant to check and take medications as prescribed / instructed by their clinical team/ General practitioner
• Maintain an attentive and proactive attitude to best assist Participants to achieve their goals for independence and emotional well-being
• Involvement in the development and implementation of ongoing program activities to support the participants and facilitate recovery and improved quality of life
• Attendance and active participation in team and professional development activities, including own continuing professional development
• Attend mandatory and relevant training
• Maintain a current understanding and awareness of TSS policies and procedures, relevant legislation and ethical guidelines
• Comply with the requirements of Workplace Health and Safety, Equal Employment Opportunity and Anti-Discrimination practices and behaviour in the work environment
• Ad hoc duties related to the position of TTS Support Worker and related to the ongoing service needs as required and directed by the Team Leader

Key relationships

Internal

• Administration Staff, Support Workers/Carers, Team Leaders, Managers, Director

External

• Participants, Families, Advocates, Government Workers, Service Providers, Funding Bodies, Government Departments, NDIS, Support Coordinators

Requirements:

Selection Criteria

• AQF Certificate III or higher
• At least one (1) year of relevant industry experience
• Previous experience working as a Disability Support Worker, Carer or in an equivalent support role
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with people showing empathy, compassion, flexibility, and respect
• Demonstrated capacity to relate to people, their families / carers, and other stakeholders (this includes government agencies and community services) with dignity and respect
• Ability to think and act calmly and deal sensitively with people in distress
• Demonstrated and effective listening and communication skills in both written and verbal formats. Ability to tailor communication to suit the audience
• Ability to assess risk and follow relevant protocols to manage crisis situations calmly and effectively
• Understanding of and commitment to the principles of duty of care, and rights to privacy and confidentiality and choice and control
• Willingness to abide by the Disability Services Acts and Standards and Work Health & Safety Act
• Proficiency in use of Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel) and basic computer programs
• Current QLD Blue Card (for working with children) and NDIS workers Screen Clearance
• In order to fulfill the responsibilities of the position you must hold a current QLD driver’s licence and have access to a reliable motor vehicle

Desirable

• Tertiary qualifications in Social Work or Psychology or Occupational Therapy or Nursing, and registration with the relevant discipline specific board, or working towards