V-ndis Independent Person

ABOUT US

The Salvation Army is a Christian movement and one of Australia's largest and most-loved charities. We believe in doing good that transforms lives and futures for the better. It is this belief which drives us to find new ways and places where we can make a difference. From times of personal crisis to moments of national grief, we are always here — providing support, safety, community, and opportunity.

The Salvation Army Aged Care’s purpose is to promote a unique experience of choice, lifestyle and belonging for all people as they age. At times, our aged care centres accommodate NDIS participants who do not have family members or other trusted contacts to advocate for their care needs. The role of the Independent Person is to help them with their behaviour support plan and the proposed use of restraint and seclusion during reviews of their NDIS behaviour support plan.

The support of the NDIS Independent Person is a requirement that is unique to the Victorian Authorisation Process. This role is particularly ideal for those passionate about protecting the rights of the most vulnerable in our community. For this reason, it is a particularly special, unique, and rewarding position located primarily at our facility, James Barker House, in Footscray, Melbourne.

Key responsibilities

Support NDIS participant
- Assists and works closely with The Salvation Army Aged Care Authorised Program Officer to fulfil the Victorian legislative requirement for an independent person.
- The NDIS Independent Person demonstrates a commitment towards helping the person with a disability to understand their behaviour support plan and the proposed use of restraint and seclusion.
- The Independent person identifies whether the person with a disability understands the information provided to them and collaborates with the Authorised Program or external services e.g. VCAT for assistance.

Collaboration
- Communicates with the Authorised Program Officer following consultation with the person to provide report.

Communication
- The NDIS Independent Person uses excellent communication to explain to a person with a disability, why restraint or seclusion has been included in their behaviour support plan and that the person has the right to seek a review if they are unhappy with the proposed restraint or seclusion.
- The Independent person utilises strong active listening skills to engage and respond to the person with a disability.
- Understands the importance of maintaining confidentiality and privacy when undertaking this role.

Qualifications and skills (desired/required)
- Previous experience working with people with disabilities is essential.
- Knowledge of behaviour support plans is essential.
- Desired skills include ability to communicate using various methods of communication.
- Desired skills include knowledge of those living with a disability.

Capabilities and personal attributes

Act Ethically and with Integrity: Acts consistent with TSA vision, mission and values; represents the organisation in an honest, ethical and professional way; is reliable and trustworthy.

Show Respect: Responds in culturally appropriate ways and understanding of those living with a disability.

Communicate effectively: Listens to others when they are speaking and asks appropriate, respectful questions; speaks at the right pace and volume for varied audiences; clarifies own understanding.

Work collaboratively: Demonstrates effective communication with others. Showing the ability to connect and develop therapeutic relationship.

Background check requirements

Background checks play an important part in our commitment to being a safe organisation. Where an applicant has disclosable history, the selection process includes a fair assessment and a risk management approach. Collection of personal information is handled per our privacy and confidentiality policies. Below is what is required for this role:

- As this role involves dealing with confidential information it requires a Police Check.
- This role delivers services under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and therefore requires a NDIS Worker Check.

Training Requirements

One of the many ways we care for people is by ensuring our workers are well equipped with the necessary knowledge to complete their role safely. To successfully undertake this role, the following training is required:

- Foundational training which includes an introduction to The Salvation Army, code of conduct training, work-safe and child-safe practices.
- Additional role specific training includes NDIS orientation module.
- A formal training will be provided to provide an overview of this role and its requirement in more detail.

Work Health and Safety (WHS) considerations

We take Work Health Safety and well-being seriously at The Salvation Army. We want to ensure volunteers are fully informed and aware of key safety considerations. For this role, key considerations include (but not limited to):

- As thi