Disability Support Worker

**About Care Fast**

Care Fast Group is an NDIS-registered provider offering Supported Independent Living (SIL), Respite, and Community Access services across Victoria. We’re committed to compassionate, person-centred support for people with mental health conditions, psychosocial disabilities, autism, and dual diagnoses.

This role is critical in providing **24/7 support (1:3 ratio)**, including active and inactive overnight shifts, to ensure the safety, well-being, and capacity-building of all participants in line with their individual NDIS plans and behavioural support requirements.

**Key Responsibilities**

**1. Personal Care & Daily Living Support**
- Provide personalised support including verbal prompting, physical assistance, and step-by-step guidance for personal care tasks such as showering, oral hygiene, grooming, and dressing.
- Support meal preparation, with the ability to prepare cold meals for one participant (due to a phobia of heat) and promote healthy, balanced nutrition for all.
- Assist with household management, including laundry and cleaning, using a “doing with” approach to build capacity and independence.
- Implement and maintain structured routines using visual schedules and prompts to reduce anxiety and promote engagement.

**2. Medication & Health Monitoring**
- Provide physical assistance and prompting for medication administration, including the critical administration of prescription eye drops.
- Monitor for and accurately report any signs of changing mental or physical health, including signs of psychiatric relapse or distress.
- Ensure all health-related tasks are completed as per individual support plans.

**3. Behavioural, Emotional & Cognitive Support**
- Use calm, reassuring, and non-confrontational communication techniques.
- Skilfully redirect behaviours using positive reinforcement and clear, consistent boundaries.
- Provide constant line-of-sight supervision and support for participants with reduced safety awareness and judgement.
- Support participants with cognitive impairments in sequencing tasks, problem-solving, and decision-making.

**4. Community Access & Social Inclusion**
- Provide 1:1 support for community access, transporting participants to appointments and preferred activities (e.g., bowling, gym, concerts, beach outings).
- Encourage and facilitate social interaction both within the home and in the community.
- Support appropriate public behaviour and safety, including providing physical support for crossing roads due to phobia and trauma.

**5. Documentation & Communication**
- Maintain accurate and timely documentation, including daily shift notes, incident reports, and communication logs.
- Work collaboratively within a team and liaise effectively with family members, support coordinators, and therapists.

**Skills, Qualities & Experience Required**
- Proven experience supporting individuals with **Intellectual Disability** and **Autism Spectrum Disorder**.
- Experience and understanding in supporting individuals with **chronic mental health conditions** such as schizophrenia and psychosis.
- Exceptional patience, empathy, and the ability to build trust and maintain professional boundaries.
- Skilled in proactive prompting, de-escalation, and emotional regulation techniques.
- Excellent observation skills and the ability to be proactive, as participants may not always ask for help.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.

**Qualifications & Mandatory Requirements**
- Certificate III or IV in Disability, Community Services, or Mental Health.
- Current **NDIS Worker Screening Check**.
- Current **First Aid and CPR** certificate.
- Valid Australian Driver’s Licence and reliable, insured vehicle.
- Must be a smoking-friendly worker (one participant is a heavy smoker; staff must manage this safely per policy).

**Work Environment**
- SIL property located in **Frankston North, VIC**.
- A rotating 24/7 roster including days, evenings, and active/inactive overnight sleepovers.
- Structured, supervised, and supportive team environment.

**Job Types**: Full-time, Part-time, Casual

Pay: $30.95 - $45.48 per hour

Work Location: In person