POSITION PURPOSE

Mental Health Support Worker’s provide direct support to people with psychosocial disabilities in the context of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Working in line with the policies and culture of Connect and Grow Supports, Mental Health Support Worker’s provide participants with truly person centred care to build their independence and work towards their goals.

BUSINESS CONTEXT

Connect and Grow Supports is an NDIS Service Provider on the Sunshine Coast with the mission of providing truly person-centred and flexible support services for people with disabilities.

At Connect and Grow Supports, we take pride in being different from run-of-the-mill NDIS providers; we take the time to listen and work with participants to create a care plan and match support workers to build meaningful and long-lasting relationships. We ardently support participants to discover and nourish their unique and individual interests, passions and skills. We work alongside participants, and their families to connect with social groups, maintain health and wellbeing, grow independent living skills, seek and engage in employment or volunteer positions, develop and maintain their own enterprise, and have fun. Our unique service delivery model builds participant choice and control into our ways of working by providing individual skill development and training in budgeting, decision making, and planning.

Our positive, adaptive and energetic Support Workers have experience in providing mental health support to work with NDIS participants to work towards their goals, build independence and live fulfilling lives. We provide support to people living in their own homes and the community, ensuring that they have maximum opportunity for developing valued lifestyles.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Establish and build on rapport and trust with participants, whilst maintaining non-judgmental, empathetic, professional and respectful relationships.

Work legally and ethically by respecting participant’s privacy and confidentiality, working within the guidelines of the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission and adhering to your Duty of Care.

Support participants to work towards their goals as outlined in their care plan, and as directed by the participants, and management.

Provide direct support to participants while accessing the community and within their home environment as directed by the participants, and management. This may include but is not limited to maintaining calendars and routines, helping with household tasks, providing support with personal care, meal planning, grocery shopping and meal preparation, attending appointments, supporting participants to learn new skills (eg: budgeting, using public transport), supporting the development of hobbies and interests, supporting making and maintaining friendships and relationships, and adjusting and adapting communication and body language to suit participant needs.

Apply established work procedures to keep accurate records of support provided to participants and respond appropriately to crisis situations.

Support participants to make their own informed decisions using risks, benefits and consequence analysis.

Monitor the safety and well-being of the participants and report on all shifts.

Work with participants, family / carers, relevant case managers and other professionals to provide person-centred care that meets participant needs.

Actively contribute to a team environment through open communication with management and at monthly team meetings, contributing to planning processes and policy review.

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

Current First Aid & CPR Certificates

NDIS Workers Screening (or current Yellow Card) and Blue Card

Current Australian Driver’s License

Own vehicle with comprehensive car insurance and willingness to use your vehicle for work purposes

NDIS Worker Orientation Module Certificate

Flexibility to work across the Sunshine Coast Region (Caloundra - Noosa)

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS / EXPERIENCE

Certificate III (or higher) in Disability and/or Mental Health

Studying or interest in Psychology or Social Work

Previous experience working with people with mental health conditions

Lived experience

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

Patient, flexible and understanding with the ability to adapt to the changing needs of participants on a minute-to-minute basis.

Supportive, caring and empathetic nature, with ability to actively listen.

Excellent ability to communicate effectively with people from all walks of life.

Commitments to the rights of people with a disability and mental health conditions to live dignified lives, and a genuine desire to work alongside them to reach their goals.

Ability to work under the direction of management to meet clear and quantifiable objectives.

Respect for the privacy and confidentiality of all people within the context of the business.

Ability to work under pressure, identify and solve problems and deescalate crisis.

Ability to accept responsibilities.

Ability to cope with physical, mental and emotional demands of the job.

Have plenty of flexibility and availability to meet the needs of participants.

CULTURE & BENEFITS

Work with a small provider dedicated to empowering people with psychosocial disabilities.

In-house training and professional development opportunities.

Competitive remuneration in accordance with your qualifications and experience.