Student Placement Program

**About Us**:
For over 50 years Melba Support Services has been providing services to people with disability that focus on supporting people to dream big, embrace life and do what they choose and value. Melba is firmly grounded in upholding human rights and recognises that part of living a happy, healthy life is being independent and being able to do the things that bring us joy. Melba won the 2023 National Disability Award for Excellence in Service Quality.

**About the Placement**:
This student placement offers hands-on experience in the disability support sector, where you’ll gain valuable insights and practical skills to support your future career. Working under the guidance of experienced team members, you'll support people to achieve their personal goals, build their independence, and live a fabulous life - all while learning in a supportive and purposeful environment.

**What you’ll be doing (Key accountabilities)**
- Assist in the planning and delivery of individualised support services to people supported
- Participate in daily activities, community engagement and capacity building programs
- Develop supportive, respectful and inclusive relationships with people supported, colleagues
- Maintain appropriate records and documentation in accordance with Melba policies on privacy and confidentiality
- Engage in reflective practice and participate in supervision, training and team meetings as required
- Collaborate with team members to promote inclusive practices upholding Melba Values, policies and procedure
- Adhere to Melba policies, procedures and relevant legislation including NDIS requirements.

**Learning Outcomes**

By the end of the placement, students will:

- Develop practical skills in providing direct support to people with a disability
- Gain a deeper understanding of human rights and person centred practice
- Learn how to operate within a team in a disability services environment
- Gain insight into service delivery standards and NDIS requirements
- Build confidence in communicating effectively with people supported, families, colleagues and other service providers.

**Your Background (Skills and attributes)**
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work respectfully with people from diverse backgrounds and varied support needs
- A genuine interest in supporting people to live a fabulous life.

**Requirements**:

- Students must be at least 18 years of age at the time of placement.
- A current NDIS Worker Screening and an Employee Working with Children Check (we can support you through the process of obtaining one or both checks if you don’t already have them).
- Current First Aid Certificate with CPR is desirable
- Current Victorian P1 Driver's License or above is desirable
- Evidence of COVID-19 vaccination status, including booster
- Compliance with OHS&W regulations, legislation, and Policies and Procedures is required.

**Why Join Us?**
- We are a human-rights, values-based, not-for-profit community organisation committed to providing services that support individuals with disability to lead everyday lives of their choice.
- Join a supportive and collaborative culture where your contributions make a real impact.
- Enjoy onsite parking and other benefits to support your professional development.

**Ready to Make a Difference?**

Click "Apply" now and submit your resume. We look forward to meeting you

We are an equal opportunity Employer and aim to ensure every individual is treated with dignity and respect regardless of their cultural background, ability, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, spirituality or religion.

First nations people; people from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds and people with a disability are strongly encouraged to apply.

As a provider of supports and services to children, Melba is committed to ensuring that every child feels safe and respected. All Melba staff and volunteers have a responsibility to make sure that children’s wellbeing and safety comes first, that they are supported to achieve their potential, respected, and protected from abuse and neglect.