Buddy Support Worker

**Come join our passionate Community Respite team to help our clients remain connected to their community and loved ones through engagement in activities, attending classes and learning new skills**
- Be the difference. Enjoy great rewards and benefits.
- Various casual positions available in the metropolitan West & North Eastern suburbs of Adelaide

You will have the opportunity to be the difference whilst enjoying great rewards including salary packaging benefits, Bupa Health Insurance discounts, discounted gym memberships and much more.

**About the role**

As a Buddy Support Worker you will assist in reducing client's risk of social isolation, improve connections to the wider community, promote independence and support engagement in activities that are meaningful and purposeful to our clients, including learning new skills.

Key Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

- Supporting, enabling and empowering clients to maximise independence, improve and maintain their health, wellness and quality of life
- Providing opportunities for all clients to engage in meaningful pursuits and reach their well-being goals
- Acting with a sense of urgency to address decline in; clients' physical performance and/or social engagement and the well-being of the client's carer
- Supporting the implementation of organisational projects to improve client outcomes as directed by the Community Respite Program Lead

As some examples a buddy service could involve you accompanying a client who loves dancing to attend a local dancing group or; going for walks with a client who loves nature or; in the home participate in games and activities with a client who loves a to challenge their brain; or maybe you could teach each other a new skill the possibilities are endless

For further details regarding the scope of the role, please refer to our website or to the attached position description.

**About you**

We are looking for people who will be the difference in the lives of our residents and clients.
- Certificate III and/or IV in a relevant field (Aged Care, Home and Community Care, Disability)
- Current and unrestricted driver's licence & own registered and insured car
- Experience in dementia care and working with older adults in a meaningful way, i.e. towards a social, physical and/or mental goal
- Sound interpersonal skills including the ability to foster relationships and communicate with clients that are presented with reduced cognition and high level needs, whilst also being able to work with clients and families / representatives to support positive quality of life outcomes
- Ability to deliver a program with emphasis on person-centredness, healthy ageing through goal setting, emotional support, health literacy and community engagement
- Strong organisational and time management skills
- Proficient computer and keyboard skills and the ability to use Google Suite (Docs, Sheets, Gmail etc.) as well as in-house databases
- Applicants with a current First Aid certificate will be highly recommended

**About us**

Southern Cross Care is one of Australia's leading charitable aged care, health and retirement living service providers. We value the diversity in our team, live and breathe our values of Service, Courage and Compassion and offer salary packaging benefits to maximise your take-home pay.

When you work for us, we value you as an individual, care for your well-being and develop your skills to help you build your career. We reward creativity and provide the stability and flexibility you need. When you work for us, you work better for life.

**Applications close**: 4pm on Wednesday, 9th of October 2024