Disability Support Officer

**Position Summary**:
**Key Responsibilities**:
**1. Client Assessment and Planning**:

- Perform thorough evaluations of clients' requirements, capabilities, and aspirations.
- Create, execute, and assess personalized care strategies, ensuring they are in line with the client's preferences and desired outcomes.
- Consistently evaluate and modify support plans to reflect the client's advancement and evolving requirements.

**2. Advocacy and Client Rights**:

- Advocate for clients' rights in accessing essential services including healthcare, housing, education, and employment.
- Ensure clients understand their legal rights and entitlements under disability legislation (e.g., ADA, local disability acts).
- Support clients in navigating government systems, getting their benefits, and accessing funding opportunities.

**3. Service Coordination**:

- Collaborate with a range of professionals, including healthcare providers, social workers, and educators, to coordinate a comprehensive person-centred approach to client care.
- Facilitate the integration of various services, such as therapeutic interventions, educational programs, job training, and career or employment opportunities.
- Work with external agencies to ensure clients receive appropriate services in a timely manner.
- **4. Access to Resources**:_
- Connect clients with community-based services, such as housing, transportation options, financial assistance, and assistive technologies and adaptive equipment.
- Keep up-to-date with local, state, and national disability programs and services to provide clients with up-to-date information.
- Assist clients to secure assistive devices or accommodations that promotes their independence.

**5. Monitoring and Reporting**:

- Maintain clients record to be accurate and up-to-date, including assessments, support plans, and progress reports.
- Ensure compliance with organizational policies, legal regulations, and confidentiality standards.
- Prepare reports detailing client outcomes and service quality, provide feedback to management and funding bodies as needed.

**6. Training and Education**:

- Provide information and training to clients and their families on disability services, self-advocacy, and accessing community resources.
- Educate employers, schools, and community organizations on enhancing their spaces to be more welcoming and accommodating for people with disabilities.

**7. Crisis Management**:

- Provide support and guidance during emergencies or crises, helping clients access immediate assistance.
- Coordinate with emergency services, housing authorities, and healthcare providers to address pressing client needs.

**Key Qualifications**:
**Education and Experience**:

- A diploma or degree in Social Work, Community Services, Disability Services, Psychology, or a related field.
- Current First Aid and CPR certification.
- NDIS Screening Check.
- Current Police Check.
- Working with Children Check.
- Experience working with individuals with disabilities, preferably in a case management or support coordination role.
- Knowledge of disability legislation, rights, and access to community services.

**Skills and Competencies**:

- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to advocate effectively for clients.
- Excellent organizational and time-management skills, adept at handling numerous clients and responsibilities simultaneously.
- Proficiency in using case management software and maintaining detailed records.
- Problem-solving and crisis intervention skills, with the ability to remain calm and resourceful in high-pressure situations.
- Compassionate, tolerant, and culturally aware when interacting with diverse populations.

**Why Join Us**:
At **SIA Support Services, **we are committed to empowering individuals with disabilities to achieve greater independent and lead more fulfilling lives. As a member of our team, you will find a vibrant and encouraging work environment that offers chances for career advancement and skill enhancement. We offer flexible working arrangements, ongoing training, and a chance to make a real impact in our enviroment.

Pay: $73,000.00 - $77,000.00 per year

Schedule:

- Afternoon shift
- Day shift
- Evening shift
- Monday to Friday
- Morning shift
- Night shift
- Public holidays
- Rotating roster
- Shift work
- Weekend availability

Supplementary Pay:

- Penalty rates

Ability to commute/relocate:

- Wallan, VIC: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (required)

**Education**:

- Diploma (required)

**Experience**:

- disability support officer: 1 year (required)

Licence/Certification:

- First Aid Certification (required)
- Working with Children Check (required)
- National Police Certificate (required)
- Driver Licence (required)

Work Authorisation:

- Australia (required)

Willingness to travel:

- 50% (preferred)

Work Location: In person

Application Deadline: 31/10/2024