Senior Support Worker

About The Role

The Senior Support Worker serves as the lead operational figure within our support teams, blending direct care with mentoring responsibilities. This role is crucial in managing complex care situations while offering a reliable, experienced presence in the homes and programs operated by our organization. Although this position does not have formal managerial duties, it involves significant participant interaction and supports shaping team culture, quality, and consistency.

Key Responsibilities

• Delivering hands-on support to participants, which remains a main component of the job
• Guiding and mentoring new Support Workers through answering their queries, demonstrating best practices, and offering on-shift coaching
• Leading shadow shifts during onboarding processes of new staff
• Providing formal training sessions when necessary
• Managing complex care situations promptly and effectively
• Serving as senior contact in the absence of the Service Coordinator during shifts
• Assisting in onboarding and induction for new team members
• Contributing to reviewing support plans and enhancing the quality of shift handovers
• Identifying training needs and escalating concerns to leadership
• Upholding documentation, compliance, and safety standards consistent with Support Worker requirements
• Engaging in continuous professional development

Experience and Qualifications

• A minimum of 2 to 3 years experience in a direct Support Worker role or an equivalent position in disability support
• Exposure to supporting participants with diverse and complex needs
• Understanding of operational requirements for facilities such as day programs or Supported Independent Living (SIL) homes
• Excellent communication, empathy, and problem-solving capabilities
• Capability to take initiative and assist in supporting colleagues
• Mandated at hire to possess the following: NDIS Worker Screening Check, First Aid certification, CPR certification, completed NDIS Worker Induction Modules, Working With Children Check, a valid driver’s license, personal vehicle with full comprehensive insurance, and legal eligibility to work in Australia

Preferred Skills and Knowledge

• Certificate IV in Disability Support or a comparable qualification
• Previous experience mentoring, training, or supervising others
• Familiarity with behavior support, complex care, or specialized participant needs
• Knowledge of NDIS Practice Standards and Quality & Safeguards Commission guidelines
• Experience in incident management and detailed report writing

Reporting and Career Development

• Direct report to the Service Coordinator, who oversees the operation above the Senior Support Worker position
• Opportunity for career growth toward becoming a Service Coordinator

Employment Details

• Compensation aligned with the SCHADS Award for Senior Support Workers
• Role provides senior operational responsibilities without full management duties
• Extensive paid induction and ongoing professional training opportunities
• Specialized training in mentoring, leadership, and handling complex care scenarios
• Professional development budget available continuously
• Flexible work scheduling possible depending on role allocation
• Participation in team events to foster social connections
• 6-month probation period with a mandatory two weeks' notice after confirmation