in disability work

There are very few jobs as personally rewarding as those that make a difference in the quality of life experienced by other people. A career as a Disability Support Worker (DSW) with Ageing, Disability and Home Care (ADHC) will give you this opportunity.

You will be employed in a professional environment providing care and support to people with an intellectual and/or physical disability living in our community-based group homes.

The work is not always easy, but the rewards are attractive and it will bring out the best in you. The needs of the people we care for vary, so you will need to remain flexible, adaptable and positive in everything you do.

What is Ageing, Disability and Home Care (ADHC)?

ADHC provides support and services to more than 260,000 older people, people with a disability (children, young people and adults) and their carers. The agency operates more than 350 group homes and respite services for people with a disability in local communities across NSW. There are more than 2,500 people working as DSWs with ADHC.

What would I do?

As a DSW you would be working actively with people with an intellectual disability, who may also have a physical disability who are living in a group home. You would be developing and implementing programs to support them to develop skills and abilities so they are more able to make decisions affecting their lives, live as independently as possible and to help them participate in the community. You will encourage clients to develop personal, community and social relationships, and help them develop and maintain independence and safety in personal care, health care and hygiene (such as eating, dressing, toileting and bathing).

Enjoy making a difference with a career in disability work as a Disability Support Worker

This career involves a lot of variety and no two days are ever the same. One day you might take our clients to the local park for a picnic, but the next day have to support someone through an episode of self-harming behaviour. Supporting people with a disability is rewarding, as well as challenging and unpredictable. But you will be trained and supported to manage the range of work required.

A DSW may be required to perform some of the following tasks:

implementing individual program plans to enable learning, independence and safe living skills that will improve the person’s quality of life;

creating and maintaining an environment that empowers people with a disability;

helping people with a disability to maintain contact with their family, friends and advocates;

identifying and utilising specific communication methods to aid interaction with other people;

undertaking health care procedures relating to the person’s personal hygiene, and well-being;

performing various household tasks including planning menus, cooking and serving meals, cleaning, shopping, and general services;

providing companionship and support during daily activities;

observing safe working practices;

working individually and as part of a team;

completing administrative work (often computer assisted) including maintaining client records and household accounts; and

liaising with other professional organisations.

Where would I be working?

As a DSW you may work in a range of accommodation settings located in residential neighbourhoods. Usually these are group homes or respite centres which usually house four to six people with a disability.

Respite services are provided in houses where clients are provided with short term support on a planned basis.

The services provided by the agency are located across the State.

What do I get in return?

A career in disability work allows you the opportunity to make a difference to the quality of someone’s life. Competitive rates of pay and superannuation are also on offer.

The pay and conditions of DSWs are covered by a NSW State Award. From 1 July 2012, the salary range for DSWs is $46,452 to $48,417 for those with no formal qualifications, and $49,450 to $57,193 for employees with a Certificate III in Disability Work.

Penalty rates also apply.

A rewarding career and opportunities for on-going training.

A formal induction program which aligns to a certificate IV in Disability with the option of assessment to obtain the certification.

What are my career prospects?

Beginning your career as a DSW will give you a strong foundation from which to develop a career in disability services. The accredited induction program is provided as part of the job, so you can obtain a Certificate IV qualification in Disability.

There are a range of positions that you may become qualified for as you gain experience and/or qualifications. DSWs who have, or go on to obtain Certificate IV level in Disability could progress to a Team Leader role. Other positions include Respite Client Liaison Officer, Service Support Analyst, Practice Support Coordinator and other positions available in the Operations Support Unit.

Would I be good at this work?

To have a successful career in disability work you must be compassionate, down to earth and practical. You must be able to work as a part of a professional, close-knit team. You must be willing to undertake training and can work independently.

Making a meaningful contribution to society is important to you. You are ethical and can respect the confidentiality of our clients.

How do I start my career in disability work?

Selection for positions within disability work is based on the skills, knowledge and attributes that are required to achieve the key objectives of the role. DSWs need to have a current driver’s licence and a First Aid certificate.

Client Focus | Equity | Integrity | Performance | Valuing People

If you would like more information:

For more information or to apply online, please visit the careers page on ADHC’s website: www.adhc.nsw.gov.au

Vacant positions are also regularly advertised in local newspapers, the Sydney Morning Herald and Daily Telegraph and on the NSW Government’s job vacancy website: www.jobs.nsw.gov.au

1283 © July 2012