Developmental Educator

**Introduction**:
Lutheran Disability Services have a rare and exciting opportunity for a Developmental Educator.
Reporting to the Positive Behaviour Support Manager, the Developmental Educator will play a crucial role in providing person-centred support and planning for individuals with disabilities to achieve their personal goals and enhance their quality of life. This position involves working collaboratively with clients, families, and other stakeholders to create an inclusive environment that fosters learning and development.
**About us**:
LDS is a not for profit organization with our core values being Faith, Excellence, Empowerment and Fun. This helps to create a client centric culture that empowers us to deliver what it takes to our people and clients, and to help create a life where our clients feel a part of the community and have a life of their choosing.
**Description**:
**About the Role**:
The Developmental Educator at Lutheran Disability Services plays a crucial role in supporting individuals with disabilities to achieve their personal goals and enhance their quality of life. This position involves working collaboratively with clients, families, and other professionals to create an inclusive environment that fosters learning and development.
**Key Responsibilities**:

- Assess the educational needs and capabilities of individuals with disabilities through comprehensive evaluations.
- Develop Individual Proactive Strategy Plans tailored to each client's unique strengths, challenges, and aspirations.
- Develop and implement educational programs that promote skill development in areas such as communication, socialisation, and daily living activities.
- Facilitate group activities that encourage peer interaction and support social skills development.
- Provide direct support to clients during educational sessions to ensure engagement and understanding of the material.
- Monitor progress towards individual goals and adjust strategies as necessary to optimise learning outcomes.
- Liaise with Positive Behaviour Support Practitioners ensuring client's goals and skill development is a primary focus
- Collaborate with families to ensure they are informed about their loved one's progress and to provide guidance on support
- Maintain accurate records of client progress, interventions used, and any modifications made to Individual Proactive Strategy Plans or programming.
- Create a positive learning environment by employing diverse teaching methods suited for various learning styles.
- Engage in ongoing professional development to stay current with best practices in developmental education and disability services.

**Skills and Experiences**:
**About you**:
Required skills
- Attend peer group supervision/mentoring and professional learning to help grow your expertise and skills
- Participate in a weekly team meeting or as required
- Strong understanding of Developmental Education principles and practices
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to create individualised support plans tailored to diverse needs
- Proficient in assessment tools and techniques for evaluating learner progress
- Effective problem-solving and critical thinking abilities
- Knowledge of relevant legislation and policies regarding disability services and the NDIS
- Experience with assistive technology and educational resources
- A comprehensive understanding and knowledge of restrictive practices

Required experience
- Hold a Bachelor of Developmental Education (or equivalent)
- A minimum of 2 years' experience collaborating with individuals living with disabilities
- You may be required to submit a suitability assessment and be deemed a Behaviour Support Practitioner by the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission (Evidence of letter required)
- Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing educational programs.
- Background in collaborating with families, educators, and support staff to enhance learner outcomes.
- Experience in conducting workshops or training sessions on developmental education strategies.
- Previous involvement in community outreach or advocacy related to disability services is valuable
- Be passionate professionals with a strong advocacy for removing barriers using the social model framework
- Show empathy and understanding, while being open and non-judgemental
- Be driven to see high impact outcomes in people's lives.
- Hold a valid driver's licence and own vehicle

**Why chose us**:
LDS is an equal opportunity employer and creates a working environment of diversity and inclusion, with our people at the center everything we do.
**We offer**:
Meaningful work experiences and personal fulfilment
Salary packaging options
A reward and recognition program
Tailored on-the-job training and development
Employee Assistance Program
Study Assistance Program
Annual flu vaccination
**What next**: