Job Description

Disability Support Worker – Coolanu Day Program (Woollahra)

Coolanu is our NDIS Day Program in Woollahra for adults with Disability and Mental Health support needs. Open every Tuesday and Thursday, it is a full day where participants move through a structured timetable of workshops, share a meal together, and head out into the community. It is busy, it is loud in the best way, and it changes shape depending on who is in the room and what kind of day they are having.

Our timetable runs across the year and includes yoga and mindfulness, pilates and fitness sessions, dance, cooking, art and craft therapy, music, creative writing, games and group discussion, shopping and community outings and seasonal, cultural and Jewish festival celebrations.

We are looking for support workers who thrive in that. People who can hold steady when the plan shifts, who notice what a participant is telling them without needing to be told, and who want to become one of the familiar faces our participants look for when they walk in.

This is group-based work. You will support a consistent group of participants across the full program day, at ratios ranging from 1:1 to 1:3 depending on individual needs.

What this role involves

Coolanu is a environment with its own demands, and we induct workers specifically for it. To match the program we are looking for people who want to become part of the regular team rather than pick up occasional shifts.

Alongside Coolanu, JewishCare delivers Supported Independent Living, in-home and community supports across the Eastern Suburbs and North Shore. If you are looking to build a fuller week, there is real scope to take on additional shifts across those services.

You will be providing direct support to participants, including but not limited to:

• Supporting active participation across the full range of workshops and activities
• Supporting participants on shopping trips and community outings
• Responding to behaviours of concern within a positive behaviour support framework
• Personal care, where identified in a participant’s plan
• Mealtime assistance, where identified in a participant’s plan
• Supporting social connection, choice and community participation
• Accurate progress note documentation to NDIS standard Participant transport to and from the program, on shifts where this is required

• Participant transport to and from the program, on shifts where this is required

We are looking for candidates from all different backgrounds who have:

• Experience providing direct support to adults with intellectual disability, psychosocial disability, complex needs and challenging behaviours
• Emotional resilience and composure, with the ability to stay calm, consistent and non-reactive when a situation escalates
• The ability to adapt communication to the individual, including non-verbal communication, communication boards and AAC tools
• Understanding of person-centred plans, behaviour support plans and health care plans
• An understanding that behaviour is communication, not a problem to be managed
• Knowledge of relevant legislation and its implications for participants
• High levels of enthusiasm, initiative and a positive attitude
• The ability to work independently and as part of a small, close-knit team
• Consistent availability on Tuesdays or Thursdays, with an interest in an ongoing placement rather than ad hoc shifts, and openness to additional shifts across our other services
• First Aid and CPR Certificate, or willingness to obtain prior to commencement
• Clearance checks: NDIS check, Police Check

Desirable Criteria

It is desirable, but not essential, that you have:

• Relevant qualifications in Disability, Social Services, Mental Health or Nursing (minimum Certificate III level)
• Experience supporting people with psychosocial disability or co-occurring mental health needs
• Mental Health First Aid certification
• Education in Epilepsy Awareness
• A skill or interest you can bring into the room, such as art, music, dance, cooking, yoga or fitness
• Driver’s licence, vehicle with comprehensive insurance and willingness to use it for work purposes (required only for shifts with a transport component)
• Knowledge and an understanding of Jewish values, heritage and culture

Our values

Our values are universal and enduring in nature. They reflect core Jewish values, placing emphasis on creating a strong and cohesive community. They embrace:

• Mishpocha (family)
• Chessed (kindness)
• Professionalism
• Integrity
• Inclusivity

Please note that all shortlisted applicants for this position will be asked to consent to a NDIS Worker Check. Please visit https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/ndiswc for more information.