Mental Health Support Worker

Position Description
Job Title:
Mental Health Support Worker
**Job Description**:
Astute Living Care is a NDIS provider that specializes in providing support to participants with on the NDIS. We are currently looking to recruit a mental health support workers to support our participants in the Blacktown area. We are looking for support workers that are passionate about providing quality support to our participants.
Type Of Employment:
Casual
Report To:
Team Leader
Location:Blacktown
Main Duties / Responsibilities:
Provision of care and supports to participants as detailed in their support plans.
General
Always check your understanding of the participant's required tasks before commencing your work.
Be alert if you notice the participant is distressed or apathetic (uninterested or listless)
Adjust your tasks to meet participant's needs, preferences and priorities
Record all work as per the organisation's requirements
Work Practices
Duties will vary according to the participant's support plan but may include:
Assisting people to perform important daily activities
Facilitating daily personal hygiene and dressing tasks
Performing home-based tasks such as food preparation and housework
Undertaking tasks outside the home such as shopping
Ensuring varied programs of social activities
Providing emotional support and friendship
Provide Recovery based support
Report any real or potential risks of harm to a participant, including child and young people
Must have experience with managing seizures

Communicate:
clearly, inclusively and respectfully
adapt to participant's age, culture and cognitive ability
understand individual communication - verbal and non-verbal
use the best communication method to recognise the difference between self and participant
be persistent and patient
Build trusted relationships
build relationships based on mutual respect
determine what makes the participant feel safe and valued
work with both participant and their important people to understand how they are involved
communicate directly with the participant unless otherwise determined
prioritise participant's voice during any conflict
treat equally but recognise the imbalance in the relationship
recognise and report any threat in circumstances and environment
Rights
understand participant and worker rights
support participant to express views, raise concerns, report complaints and incidents
Work Collaboratively
support all supporting stakeholders
work within role and responsibility
recognise the participant's skills, experience and contribution to everyone in the team
keep participants informed when sharing and discussing them
focus on strengths
be optimistic, hope and patience
Observe and respond
review all relevant notes and support plan information
identify needs and strategies
clarify your understanding
be observant, attentive and present
act responsively and flexibly
celebrate reaching goals and independence
maximise participant's control and confidence
Heath and Safety
talk to participant/supervisor about any intermittent conditions to determine strategies when confronted with the situation
support access to preventative and responsive health, dental etc
respond quickly if the participant is uncomfortable, distressed, apathetic or in poor health
identify potential and actual risks, then act promptly and in consultation with the participant
escalate to your supervisor any situation when the participant is at risk
identify and report any work health and safety issues
promote independence and choice
never use restrictive practice unless approved and trained in the practice
Qualifications/ Requirements:
Current Worker Screening and WWCC (if required)
First Aid Certificate
Willing to complete a mental health first aid certificate
Drivers License
Reliable and comprehensively insured vehicle
New Worker NDIS Induction Module
Smartphone
A formal certificate may not be required if the individual has relevant experience.
**Experience**:
Preferred minimum six months relevant experience
Experience supporting people with with complex needs
Demonstrated continuing professional development.
Knowledge of continuous quality improvement principles
Use of equipment related to personal and work safety
Promoted participant's choice and independence
Supported participants in hygiene practices

**Skills**:Verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to work with various ages, cultures and ability levels
Ability to build rapport and trust with clients.
Strong time management and ability to prioritise.
Ability to use Microsoft Office suite of programs and other computer systems for record-keeping.
Excellent problem solving and conflict management skills.
Ability to work as part of a team and maintain good working relationships.
Psychology, Social worker and diploma in mental health students are encouraged to apply

**Job Type**: Casual

**Salary**: $35.00 - $40.00 per hour

**Benefits**:

- Employee mentoring program
- Professional development assistance

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