Disability Support Worker – Bendigo

Job Summary

Support Deaf clients with appointments, community access, complex information, paperwork, routines and everyday life administration.

1. Position Purpose

Signpedia is currently seeking a hearing Disability Support Worker to support Deaf and hard-of-hearing NDIS participants in the Bendigo region.

The support required will primarily involve community access, attending appointments, communication assistance and practical support with everyday routines and life administration.

You may be required to:

• Pick up clients and transport them to appointments.

• Support clients during medical, professional and community appointments.

• Help clients understand complex concepts or information containing heavy English text.

• Assist clients with paperwork, forms and written correspondence.

• Provide in-home support where required.

• Help clients establish and maintain everyday routines.

• Record appointments and assist with arrangements to ensure clients can attend.

• Support clients with other everyday life-administration tasks.

• Encourage clients to make their own decisions and develop greater independence.

2. Vision, Mission & Values

All staff are required to uphold and incorporate the Vision, Mission and Values of Signpedia in their day-to-day work.

Our Vision is to build a strong Deaf and hard-of-hearing community that supports each other.

Our Mission is to:

• Educate and empower people with disabilities to become more confident and independent in their learning and socialisation.

• Assist with communication techniques and strategies to foster understanding between Deaf, hard-of-hearing, non-verbal and hearing members of the community.

• Assist people with disabilities and their families to achieve a better quality of life.

• Create a network of community supports, role models and unity within the Deaf community.

• Promote the continuity of Auslan and the Deaf community for future generations.

All Signpedia operations and activities are built upon the values of:

• Problem Solving

• Empowerment

• Commitment

• Community

• Integrity

Signpedia staff are required to follow the Signpedia Code of Conduct and the NDIS Code of Conduct while performing their duties.

3. Team Values

• Actively participate in initiatives that promote a positive and collaborative workplace.

• Respect the independence, dignity, privacy, choice and control of all clients.

• Maintain the confidentiality of client information in accordance with Signpedia policies.

• Build positive professional relationships with clients, families and other stakeholders.

• Establish effective working relationships with clients while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.

4. Duties and Responsibilities

Community Access and Transport

You may be required to provide transport and practical support to help clients:

• Attend medical and other appointments.

• Participate in community and social activities.

• Complete shopping and other everyday tasks.

• Access services and maintain important community connections.

Communication and Information Support

You may be required to:

• Help clients understand complex concepts and English-heavy documents.

• Explain written information in a clear and accessible way.

• Assist clients with forms, paperwork and written correspondence.

• Adapt your communication style to suit each client’s individual communication needs.

• Support clients to make informed decisions while respecting their choice and control.

In-Home and Life-Administration Support

You may be required to:

• Assist clients to establish and maintain daily routines.

• Record appointments and other important information.

• Assist with arranging appointments and transport.

• Support clients with paperwork and other everyday life-administration tasks.

• Help clients build confidence and independence in managing their responsibilities.

General Responsibilities

• Support clients to work towards their individual NDIS goals.

• Promote independence by developing and strengthening clients’ skills.

• Provide safe, respectful and person-centred support.

• Respect each client’s choice, control, privacy and decision-making.

• Complete case notes, reports, timesheets and other required documentation accurately and on time.

• Observe and report changes in a client’s health, behaviour, needs or circumstances.

• Complete incident reports and notify the appropriate supervisor or Support Coordinator when required.

• Maintain a positive public image and professionally represent Signpedia within the community.

• Manage client finances or petty cash when required and in accordance with Signpedia procedures.

• Undertake other duties consistent with your skills, training and classification.

5. Training & Professional Development

• Attend all mandatory and client-specific training requested by Signpedia.

• Participate in performance reviews with management and HR.

• Seek opportunities for professional development in consultation with management.

6. Work Health and Safety

• Take reasonable care of your own health and safety and that of others.

• Comply with WHS legislation and Signpedia policies and procedures.

• Follow safe-work and infection-control practices.

• Report workplace hazards, incidents and risks promptly.

• Follow client support and risk-management plans.

7. Key Performance Indicators

• Demonstrate punctuality, reliability and professional conduct.

• Provide safe, respectful and person-centred support.

• Maintain positive working relationships with clients and their families.

• Support clients to work towards their individual NDIS goals.

• Complete case notes, reports and other records accurately and on time.

• Demonstrate effective teamwork and positive workplace practices.

• Communicate respectfully and accessibly with Deaf and hard-of-hearing clients.

8. Selection Criteria

• Relevant disability-support experience.

• Minimum Certificate III in Individual Support, Disability Services or a related qualification, and/or equivalent knowledge and experience.

• Auslan skills and an understanding of Deaf culture are highly regarded.

• Current driver’s licence and access to a reliable vehicle.

• Willingness and ability to transport clients using a personal vehicle.

• Strong written, verbal and non-verbal communication skills.

• Ability to explain complex concepts and English-heavy information clearly.

• Confidence assisting clients with paperwork, appointments, routines and life administration.

• Computer literacy and the ability to complete electronic case notes and records.

• Ability to adapt communication methods to suit individual client needs.

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and collaboratively with others.

• Demonstrated empathy and respect for people with disability and their families or carers.

• High standards of ethical and professional behaviour.

9. Additional Requirements

The successful applicant will be required to hold or obtain:

• Current and valid NDIS Worker Screening Check

• Current and valid Working with Children Check

• Current and valid driver’s licence

• Access to a reliable vehicle

• Comprehensive car insurance when transporting clients

• Current First Aid Certificate

• Current CPR Certificate

• Any additional Victorian screening or compliance requirements applicable to the role

The following NDIS modules must also be completed:

• NDIS Worker Orientation Module – Quality, Safety and You

• NDIS Supporting Safe and Enjoyable Meals Module

• NDIS Supporting Effective Communication Module

• NDIS New Worker Induction Module

This is a casual position based in the Bendigo region. Available hours will depend on individual client requirements and may vary from week to week.

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