Disability Support Worker

About The Role

As a Disability Support Worker based in Branxholme, you will provide person-centred, in-home and community-based support to people with disability, promoting independence, dignity and quality of life. Working as part of the Support Workers team on a casual basis, you will assist clients with personal care, manual handling, domestic tasks and community access, while following individual support plans and organisational policies. This role is ideal for a compassionate and reliable professional with at least 2 years of experience in disability or related support work. Experience with horses is desirable, as some clients may participate in horse-related activities or therapies, and your confidence around animals will support positive, meaningful engagement.

What You'll Do

• Provide high-quality, person-centred support to people with disability in their homes and in the community in the Branxholme area.
• Assist with personal care, including showering, dressing, grooming, toileting and mobility support, with respect, dignity and privacy.
• Undertake safe manual handling tasks, including use of hoists and other mobility aids, in line with training and organisational procedures.
• Provide domestic assistance such as meal preparation, light housekeeping, laundry and other household tasks to support independent living.
• Support clients with community access, including attending appointments, shopping, social and recreational activities and community programs.
• Follow individual support plans, behaviour support plans and health care plans to ensure consistent, safe and effective support.
• Monitor and report any changes in clients’ health, behaviour or circumstances to supervisors in a timely and accurate manner.
• Accurately complete and maintain required documentation, including progress notes, incident reports and other records.
• Work collaboratively with families, carers, other support workers and professionals to achieve client goals and positive outcomes.
• Promote clients’ choice, control, independence and participation in decision-making at all times.
• Maintain professional boundaries, confidentiality and a high standard of ethical practice.
• Follow all workplace health and safety guidelines, including risk management and infection control procedures.
• Where relevant, support clients to engage in horse-related or animal-assisted activities, using safe and respectful handling practices (experience with horses is desirable).
• Participate in ongoing training, supervision and team meetings as required to maintain skills and service quality.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of experience as a Disability Support Worker or in a closely related support role.
• Certificate III or Certificate IV in Disability, Individual Support, Aged Care or a related community services field.
• Demonstrated experience providing personal care, including assistance with showering, dressing, toileting and mobility.
• Proven ability to perform safe manual handling, including use of hoists and other assistive equipment, in line with best practice.
• Experience providing domestic support such as meal preparation, cleaning and general household tasks.
• Experience facilitating community access, including transport support and participation in social, recreational and community activities.
• Understanding of person-centred practice, human rights and the principles of choice, control and inclusion for people with disability.
• Ability to follow support plans, behaviour support plans and health care plans, and to accurately document support provided.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build positive, professional relationships with clients, families and colleagues.
• Reliable, punctual and able to work flexibly on a casual basis, including possible mornings, evenings and weekends as required.
• Current First Aid and CPR certificates (or willingness to obtain prior to commencement).
• Current Victorian Working With Children Check and NDIS Worker Screening Check (or ability to obtain, as required by legislation).
• Current Victorian driver’s licence and access to a reliable, registered and insured vehicle suitable for transporting clients, if required for the role.
• Experience with horses or confidence working around horses is desirable.
• Basic digital literacy, including the ability to use mobile apps or electronic systems for rostering, documentation and communication.