Youth Support Worker

**Location**: [inman valley]
**Position Type**: Casual (anywhere from 10-40 hrs a week offered though), 2:1 or 1:1 Support Ratio
**Shift Hours**: usually between 08:30 - 17:30 or 08:30 - 20:30

**About the participant**:
We are seeking a compassionate and patient Support Worker (_**preferably a male aged between 20-29**_) to join our team in providing support for this young man who is an 18-year-old male who is navigating the transition from high school to post-school life. He has complex needs, including a history of sexualized behaviors (non-aggressive), PICA, and occasional self-harming tendencies (such as biting and hitting when triggered), though these behaviors are rare. He can also experience challenges with triggers that may cause distress, so having the ability to build rapport and trust is essential for success.

**Key Responsibilities**:

- Provide 2:1 support when accessing the community, ensuring his safety and well-being.
- Occasionally work 1:1 in the home with experienced staff.
- Assist him in engaging in community activities, building social connections, and exploring new experiences.
- Facilitate and encourage physical activity and fun, focusing on opportunities for exercise and social interaction.
- Support with his interests in babies, families, and animals (with guidance on appropriate boundaries, especially around dogs).
- Help him work towards developing more independence and building positive relationships in his community.
- Support him with swimming outings, despite previous challenges in this area.
- Work closely with his therapist, following behavioral plans and guidelines, and participate in training for new support strategies when required.
- Experience working with individuals who have autism, ODD/PDA, or other complex behavioral and developmental needs.
- Ability to build rapport and form strong, trusting relationships with individuals who may take time to connect.
- Patience, empathy, and a proactive approach to behavior management.
- Comfort with occasional physical intervention and managing challenging behaviors in a calm, respectful manner.
- A genuine interest in supporting him to engage in the community, develop independence, and enjoy new experiences.
- Collaborative mindset and openness to training and support from his existing team, including his therapist.
- Ability to stay calm and focused in challenging situations.
- **Previous support work experience**:

- **Ideally studying disability/youth work degree/diploma**

**What We Offer**:

- Ongoing support and training from his permanent support team and therapist.
- A rewarding and engaging role in a supportive network that aims to make a meaningful difference in this young legends life.
- Opportunities to grow and develop your skills while working with a young adult navigating significant life transitions.
- A positive, team-oriented work environment where you will never be placed alone until you are fully comfortable and experienced

If you have the skills, experience, and enthusiasm to work with this young man and support him on his journey to greater independence, we’d love to hear from you

**Job Type**: Casual

Pay: $33.94 - $74.72 per hour

Expected hours: 10 - 40 per week

Schedule:

- 8 hour shift
- Afternoon shift
- Day shift
- Evening shift
- Fixed shift
- Morning shift
- Public holidays
- Rotating roster
- Shift work
- Weekend availability

**Experience**:

- support work: 1 year (preferred)

Licence/Certification:

- First Aid Certification (preferred)
- Driver Licence (preferred)

Work Authorisation:

- Australia (required)

Work Location: In person