Mentor Worker

Overview

Are you a kind, compassionate, considerate, open minded, empathetic person?

Do you enjoy being active and making a difference in people's lives?

All while you build a career in mental health.

Then being a Bright Light Mentor worker could be for you

We are recruiting for four staff members who have a strong understanding of Indigenous culture and beliefs, a strong understanding of mental health and trauma-related behaviours, and who show compassion, inspiration and reliability. Learn more on the Bright Light Mentoring website and review the job description below. If this sounds like something you would enjoy, apply now.

Job Title: Mentor Worker

Job Description

The ND​IS Workforce Capability Framework describes this role as a General Support Worker for services funded under the NDIS. Persons in 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 centre of all 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 supports to participants as detailed in their support plans.

• 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.
• Adjust tasks to meet the participant's needs, preferences and priorities.
• Record all work as per the organisation'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
• Assisting with home-based tasks such as food preparation and housework
• Assisting to undertake tasks outside the home, such as shopping and medical appointments
• Ensuring varied programs of social activities
• Providing emotional support and friendship

Communication

• 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 recognise 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 participant and their important people to understand involvement
• Communicate directly with the participant unless otherwise determined
• Prioritise participant's voice during any conflict
• Treat equally but recognise the imbalance in the relationship
• Recognise and report any threat in circumstances and environment

Rights

• Understand participant and worker rights
• Support participant to express views, raise concerns, report complaints and incidents

Work Collaboratively

• Support all supporting stakeholders
• Work within role and responsibility
• Recognise 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, kind, hopeful and patient

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
• Maximise participant's control and confidence

Health and Safety

• Talk to participant/supervisor about any intermittent conditions to determine strategies
• Support access to preventative and responsive health services
• 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

Qualifications / Requirements

• Current NDIS Worker Screening check
• First Aid Certificate
• Driver's Licence
• Reliable and 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 1 year relevant experience
• Experience supporting people with mental health
• 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

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 prioritise
• Ability to use Microsoft Office suite and record-keeping systems
• Excellent problem solving and conflict management skills
• Ability to work as part of a team and maintain good working relationships

Benefits

• Travel reimbursement

Application Information

• Education: High School (Year 12) preferred
• Experience: Mental health experience required (1 year)
• Licence/Certification: Driver's Licence and car required
• Work Authorisation: Australia required

Job Type: Casual

Pay: From $36.00 per hour

Note: This description reflects the original job information provided and has been reformatted for clarity while preserving content.

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