Job Description

Chosen Family fosters a community-centric ecosystem that embraces diversity, flexibility, and enrichment for all. We continuously reimagine how our services can create platforms for equality, inclusion, and belonging. Committed to a culture of acceptance, we ensure that everyone is welcomed and valued. Recognising the interconnectedness of our humanity, we strive to empower individuals to live independently. By honouring each person’s unique identity and experiences, we celebrate and uplift one another in return.

What We Are Looking For

We are seeking an experienced male Disability Support Worker to support a participant living in Redfern, NSW, with a primary diagnosis of schizophrenia

The role will focus on community access and practical support, with a particular emphasis on helping the participant work towards her immediate goal of finding suitable rental accommodation

The successful Support Worker will be someone who is calm, patient, respectful and confident working with people experiencing mental health challenges Experience supporting participants with schizophrenia or other complex mental health needs will be highly regarded.

Support Schedule

The participant requires:

• 2 weekdays per week
• 3 hours per shift
• 6 hours per week in total

The specific weekdays and times will be discussed and confirmed as part of the matching process.

Key Responsibilities

The successful Support Worker will assist the participant with:

• Searching for suitable rental properties and accommodation options.
• Making enquiries with real estate agents, landlords and relevant housing services.
• Attending property inspections and housing-related appointments.
• Accessing relevant community and housing resources.
• Providing safe and appropriate community access support.
• Encouraging independence and self-advocacy throughout the housing search.
• Supporting the participant to make informed decisions about accommodation options.
• Building a respectful and trusting professional relationship.
• Providing calm and consistent support in the community.
• Recognising and appropriately communicating any relevant changes in presentation or wellbeing.
• Maintaining professional boundaries and participant confidentiality.
• Completing accurate shift notes and required support documentation.
• Supporting the participant in a person-centred manner that respects her choices, preferences and autonomy.

About the Ideal Support Worker

We are particularly interested in a male Support Worker who:

• Has demonstrated experience supporting people with mental health conditions
• Has experience or confidence supporting people living with schizophrenia
• Is calm, patient and emotionally regulated.
• Has strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Can build rapport without being overly directive or judgmental.
• Understands the importance of choice, control and self-determination
• Can encourage independence rather than creating unnecessary dependence.
• Is confident assisting with community-based activities and appointments.
• Can advocate appropriately while maintaining professional boundaries.
• Is reliable, consistent and able to work independently.
• Has strong written communication and documentation skills.
• Understands the importance of privacy, confidentiality and duty of care.

Essential Requirements

• Male Support Worker preferred.
• Previous experience in disability support, mental health support or community services
• Experience supporting participants with schizophrenia or complex mental health needs is highly desirable.
• Current NDIS Worker Screening Check
• Current First Aid and CPR Certificate
• Valid Australian Driver Licence.
• Reliable vehicle with appropriate insurance.
• Strong communication and documentation skills.
• Ability to provide respectful, person-centred and strengths-based support.
• Availability to commit to two weekday shifts per week, 3 hours per shift

Why This Role Matters

This is more than simply providing community access. The participant's immediate priority is to secure suitable accommodation, and the Support Worker will play an important role in helping her navigate this process while maintaining her independence, choice and control.

The right person will be able to provide practical assistance while also building a consistent, respectful and trusting support relationship

How to Apply

If you are an experienced male Disability Support Worker with mental health experience and believe you would be a good fit for this participant, we would love to hear from you.

We strongly encourage applications from people with a disability, Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people, Culturally & Linguistically Diverse people, and LGBTQIA+ people. We welcome and value your lived experience and knowledge.

Please apply with your resume and a brief overview of your mental health/disability support experience, including your availability for weekday shifts.