Disability Support Worker

Position Summary

The Disability Support Worker provides person-centred support to people with disability, helping them live safely, independently and meaningfully in their homes and communities. The role supports participants to achieve their individual goals while promoting choice, dignity, independence and inclusion.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day support in line with each participant’s individual support plan and goals.
• Assist with personal care activities where required, including showering, dressing, grooming, toileting and mobility.
• Support participants with household tasks such as meal preparation, cleaning, laundry and general home maintenance.
• Assist participants to access the community, attend appointments, participate in social activities and develop greater independence.
• Provide transport and support for community outings, appointments, work, education or recreational activities where required.
• Support participants with medication in accordance with organisational policies, training and individual care requirements.
• Encourage participants to develop and maintain daily living, communication and social skills.
• Provide emotional and social support while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.
• Follow behaviour support plans and provide positive behaviour support where applicable.
• Identify and report changes in a participant’s wellbeing, behaviour or support needs.
• Maintain accurate progress notes, incident reports and other required documentation.
• Communicate effectively with participants, families, carers, colleagues and other relevant professionals.
• Follow workplace health and safety, infection control, privacy and safeguarding requirements.
• Report incidents, hazards, concerns or suspected abuse and neglect in accordance with organisational and NDIS requirements.
• Respect each participant’s privacy, cultural background, preferences, choices and right to make decisions about their own life.

Skills and Attributes

• Caring, patient and respectful approach.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to build positive and professional relationships.
• Reliable, punctual and able to work independently.
• Ability to remain calm and respond appropriately in challenging situations.
• Understanding of person-centred support and participant choice and control.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries.
• Good written skills for completing progress notes and other documentation.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a support team.

Qualifications and Requirements

Depending on the organisation and nature of the role, requirements may include:

• Certificate III or IV in Individual Support, Disability, Community Services or a related qualification, or relevant experience.
• NDIS Worker Screening Check.
• Working with Children Check where required.
• Current First Aid and CPR certification.
• Current Australian driver’s licence and access to a reliable vehicle where required.
• Completion of relevant NDIS Worker Orientation training.
• Ability to undertake manual handling and other role-specific training as required.

Key Outcomes

The Disability Support Worker contributes to participants being able to:

• Exercise greater choice and control over their lives.
• Build and maintain independence and daily living skills.
• Participate in their community and activities that are important to them.
• Feel safe, respected and supported.
• Work towards the individual goals identified in their support plans.