Support Worker

Position Summary

The Family Support Worker provides practical, social and wellbeing support to children, young people, individuals and families experiencing disability, complex support needs or other circumstances that may affect family wellbeing and participation in the community.

Working within a person-centred and family-centred framework, the Family Support Worker assists individuals and families to identify their support needs, establish goals, access appropriate services and participate safely and meaningfully in family and community life.

The role works collaboratively with families, carers, guardians, case workers, support coordinators,allied health professionals and other service providers to facilitate coordinated support and promote independence, safety, wellbeing and positive family outcomes.

The Family Support Worker operates in accordance with individual support plans, organisational policies, relevant legislation, NDIS requirements and applicable safeguarding standards.

Key Responsibilities

1. Family and Individual Support

- Provide person-centred and family-centred support to individuals, children, young people and families according to their identi?ed needs, goals and support plans.

- Develop positive and respectful relationships with individuals, family members, carers and guardians to understand their circumstances, preferences, strengths and support needs.

- Assist families and individuals to identify practical, social and community support needs and communicate identi?ed needs to the relevant supervisor, case worker or support coordinator.

- Support individuals and families to develop practical strategies that promote independence, participation, wellbeing and positive family relationships.

- Provide practical assistance to families experiencing challenges associated with disability, social isolation, community participation or access to support services.

- Encourage individuals and families to develop their skills, con?dence and capacity to manage daily activities and participate in their community.

2. Support Planning and Goal Development

- Work collaboratively with families, carers, case workers and other relevant professionals to implement individual and family support plans.

- Assist in identifying appropriate goals, support strategies and practical interventions based on the needs and circumstances of each family.

- Monitor the implementation of agreed support strategies and provide feedback to supervisors and relevant professionals regarding progress, emerging needs or changes in circumstances.

- Assist families to identify barriers to achieving their goals and support them to develop practical strategies to address those barriers.

- Participate in case meetings, team meetings, handovers and other discussions concerning the wellbeing and support needs of individuals and families.

3. Community Access and Service Coordination

- Assist individuals and families to access appropriate community, health, education, disability, welfare and social support services.

- Facilitate and support attendance at appointments, community programs, educational activities, social activities and other services where required.

- Transport individuals and, where appropriate, family members to appointments, programs and community services using authorised vehicles and in accordance with organisational procedures.

- Encourage participation in community groups, recreational activities, social programs and other activities that promote inclusion and reduce social isolation.

- Liaise with case workers, support coordinators, allied health professionals, community organisations and other service providers to facilitate coordinated support.

4. Family and Carer Support

- Provide practical assistance and information to parents, carers, guardians and family members to support the wellbeing and participation of the person receiving services.

- Encourage families and carers to participate in appropriate community, educational and support programs.

- Assist families to understand and implement agreed support strategies within the scope of the role and relevant individual support plans.

- Identify changes in family circumstances or support requirements and promptly communicate these to the appropriate supervisor or professional.

- Support families to maintain positive relationships and promote the individual's participation within the family and broader community.

5. Behavioural and Wellbeing Support

- Implement agreed behavioural, wellbeing and support strategies in accordance with individual support plans and relevant professional guidance.

- Support individuals experiencing behaviours of concern using calm, respectful and proactive approaches consistent with approved support strategies.

- Promote dignity, autonomy, choice, safety and respect in all interactions.

- Recognise and report changes in behaviour, wellbeing, family circumstances or support needs to the relevant supervisor and professionals.

- Follow approved procedures when responding to incidents, risks, safeguarding concerns or behaviours of concern.

6. Documentation and Case Communication

- Maintain accurate and timely progress notes, case records, incident reports and other documentation relating to the delivery of family and individual support.

- Record information regarding the individual's participation, progress towards goals, emerging support needs and relevant changes in circumstances.

- Communicate relevant information to supervisors, case workers, support coordinators and other authorised professionals.

- Participate in case conferences, team meetings, supervision sessions and professional development activities.

- Maintain con?dentiality and handle personal and family information in accordance with privacy legislation and organisational policies.

7. Person-Centred and Community-Focused Practice

- Promote the individual's choice, control, independence and participation in family and community life.

- Encourage individuals and families to identify and build upon their existing strengths and capabilities.

- Support culturally safe and inclusive service delivery that recognises each family's circumstances, preferences and values.

- Advocate, within the scope of the role, for appropriate access to services and community resources.

- Contribute to continuous improvement of family support services and identify opportunities to improve outcomes for individuals and families.

Key Selection Criteria Essential

- Relevant experience in family support, community services, disability services, welfare support or a related human services environment.

- Demonstrated ability to provide person-centred and family-centred support.

- Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with individuals, families, carers, guardians and service providers.

- Understanding of con?dentiality, professional boundaries, safeguarding and duty-of- care requirements.

- Ability to work collaboratively with case workers, support coordinators, allied health professionals and other service providers.

Desirable

- Certi?cate IV or higher quali?cation in Community Services, Disability, Individual Support, Youth Work, Family Services, Welfare or a related ?eld.

- Experience supporting families, children, young aged people or individuals with disability or complex support needs.

- Experience working within NDIS, community services, family services or welfare environments.

- Knowledge of family support planning, community referral pathways and service coordination.

- Experience working collaboratively with case workers, support coordinators and allied health professionals.

Working Environment

- Work may be undertaken in clients' homes, community settings, service facilities and other appropriate locations.

- The role may involve attending appointments, community programs, family meetings and other support activities.

- Flexible working arrangements may include weekdays, evenings, weekends and public holidays.