Support Worker

**ABOUT AUTISM ADVENTURES**:specialising in delivering services to autistic youth (12 years to mid 20s). Some of our participants may present with complex needs, e.g. co-morbid conditions, including mental health needs.

We are committed to providing opportunities for young people to build meaningful relationships, and to reach their true potential in life. We achieve this through the delivery of social groups, and community-based day and overnight Adventures. Our services are tailored to individual interests, wants, and needs.

Our social groups provide autistic youth the opportunity to meet their peers and to make friends, in an environment that is safe and supportive for building their confidence in social situations. We currently run groups for 12-14 year-olds, and for 15 years + (to mid 20s). A facilitated group discussion forms part of the session, which focusses on positive engagement and developing conversations with others.

Our day and overnight Adventures are small-group activities (1:3 ratio) providing autistic youth with the opportunity to try new experiences with their peers, whilst also developing a number of skills around independence in the community.

**ABOUT THIS ROLE**:you will be responsible for facilitating social groups, as well as facilitating day and overnight Adventures, in accordance with the organisational model of service delivery.

No Adventure days are the same; one day you may be visiting museums, another day you may be horse riding, kayaking, or saving the world from zombies at the virtual reality gaming roomsthe possibilities are endless

This role requires you to have a sense of adventure, be physically fit, have a willingness to be hands on and to try out new experiences with our participants. You will have a strong focus on health and safety, and genuinely enjoy sharing your passion for adventure with others. You will be flexible and responsive to the individual needs of the participants within the group.

This is a varied and rewarding opportunity for you to make a positive difference to a young person’s life by supporting them to build friendships, develop their self-esteem, reduce social isolation, and expand their social and communication skills.

**KEY RESPONSIBILITIES**
- Lead weekly youth social groups, including facilitating a group discussion topic;
- Facilitate day and overnight Adventures and actively participate in activities. This will include intrastate and interstate travel;
- Form and maintain professional, nurturing relationships with our participants, and their families, by building trust through visible interest and active engagement;
- Act as a positive role model and mentor, seeking to engage young people in social activities aimed at forming and developing relationships and self-esteem;
**SKILLS, EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS**
- Positive, proactive approach to supporting autistic youth;
- Problem solving skills and possess a flexible approach to support;
- Effective time management skills within competing demands;
- Possess strong communication skills and able to develop positive relationships with our participants, their families and carers;
- Valid full unrestricted driver’s licence, with clean driving record (essential);
- NDIS Worker Screening Check clearance and QLD Blue Card (for paid employment);
- Mandatory completion of the NDIS Worker Orientation Module“Quality, Safety and You”;
- Minimum Certificate III in Youth Work or Disability Services, or equivalent (desirable);
- Ability to work across two sites in Brisbane (Hamilton) and Moreton Bay (Caboolture) to facilitate groups on Wednesday and Friday evenings;
- Available to run Adventures on weekends across Brisbane, Moreton Bay and Sunshine Coast.

**BENEFITS**
- Permanent part-time position - 14 hours / week (with potential to increase hours);
- SCHADS Award, Level 2;
- Superannuation and leave allowances;
- Use of a company vehicle;
- Ongoing support and mentoring.

**Enquiries should be directed to**:Caroline Smith, National Operations Manager, on 0410 376 882.

**To apply**:you are required to include a cover letter and resume.

**Job Types**: Part-time, Permanent
Part-time hours: 14 per week

**Salary**: $29.30 - $58.60 per hour

**Benefits**:

- Company car

Schedule:

- Evening shift
- Every weekend
- Flexible hours
- Weekend availability

Supplemental pay types:

- Overtime pay
- Penalty rates

Licence/Certification:

- NDIS Worker Screening Check (required)
- Working with Children Check (required)
- Driver Licence (required)

Work Authorisation:

- Australia (required)