Seeking experience support workers who have worked with:

ASD

ID

ADHD

Sensory difficulties

Communication difficulties

Challenging behaviours

Following support plans

Medication management

Shifts are Casual with Community Access, AM, PM, AN and weekend shifts as the young person required.

Availability for weekday active overnights is highly desirable.

Guide for Support Workers

Purpose
- Ensure safety and dignity for individuals needing support.
- Provide a calm, engaging environment with clear communication.
- Follow outlined strategies to manage challenging behaviors safely and positively.

Understanding the Individual’s Needs
- Social Preferences: Enjoys social activities like swimming, walking, and familiar company.
- Communication Style: Primarily non-verbal, using gestures and some repeated phrases.
- Routine Importance: Benefits from structured routines with clear expectations.

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Preventative Strategies
1. Environment:
- Keep spaces calm, hazard-free, and safe.
- Allow for personal space; avoid crowding.
- Offer choices and a sense of control using options like “this or that.”

2. Routine and Activities:
- Use a structured schedule with preferred activities as motivation.
- Introduce new tasks with visual aids and clear instructions.
- Encourage autonomy by allowing participation in decisions about daily activities.

3. Communication Techniques:
- Use simple, clear language and a positive tone.
- Avoid overloading with information; patience is key.
- Use visuals, gestures, and body language that show warmth and understanding.

Responding to Escalations
1. Early Warning Sign:
- Recognize signs of discomfort, like fidgeting or verbal distress.
- Redirect to preferred activities or offer breaks.
- Use positive reinforcement to acknowledge good behavior.

2. Escalation Management:
- Stay calm, maintain a safe distance, and avoid direct demands.
- Remove nearby objects that could be used in escalation.
- Allow a ‘time-out’ period to let the individual de-escalate in a safe space.

3. Post-Escalation:
- Re-establish a calm environment with minimal engagement.
- Provide simple instructions and encourage routine re-engagement.
- Document incidents per protocol for monitoring and reflection.

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Medication Awareness
- Purpose: Medication assists in managing behavioural escalations.
- Monitoring: Be alert for side effects, such as restlessness or drowsiness, and consult medical guidelines for any administration.

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Sensory Support
- Provide sensory-stimulating activities like aromatherapy, hand massages, or listening to preferred music.
- Engage in physical activities, such as swimming, to support emotional regulation.

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Final Reminders
- Regularly review BSP strategies and adapt as needed.
- Maintain a compassionate, patient approach in all interactions.
- Document and report all incidents and escalations according to protocol.

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CHECKS will be completed including:

NDIS clearance

WWCC clearance

Police check

Reference

Rights to work