DISABILITY SUPPORT WORKER – COMPLEX SUPPORTS (KAREN-SPEAKING REQUIRED)

DISABILITY SUPPORT WORKER – COMPLEX / FORENSIC SUPPORTS (KAREN-SPEAKING REQUIRED)

EMPRESS SUPPORT SERVICES 📍 Location: Western Suburbs (Wyndham Vale / Werribee Corridor) 💰 SCHADS Award (Level based on experience) + penalties 🕒 Employment Type: Casual (structured ongoing roster)

About the Role

We are seeking reliable, culturally aware, and grounded Disability Support Workers who are fluent in Karen (S’gaw Karen preferred) to join a structured support team within a Supported Independent Living (SIL) environment.

You will be supporting a participant with complex psychosocial and behavioural needs in a low-stimulus, structured setting, with a strong focus on routine, emotional regulation, and safety.

You will work under the guidance of a Key Worker and leadership team to deliver consistent, high-quality, person-centred support.

Participant Overview

You will be supporting a participant who presents with:

• Psychosocial disability with emotional regulation needs
• History of behaviours of concern (BOC)
• Justice-involved / forensic background
• Currently living in SDA with 24/7 SIL supports
• Strong preference for routine, structure, and consistency
• Cultural and language needs requiring Karen-speaking staff

🚨 Participant-Specific Requirement (IMPORTANT)

Due to the participant’s individual needs, Karen-speaking support workers are required for this role.

This is essential to support:

• Clear communication and understanding
• De-escalation during periods of distress
• Building trust and rapport
• Cultural alignment and engagement
• Effective implementation of Behaviour Support strategies

⚠️ Applications without Karen language capacity will not be considered for this role.

Key Responsibilities

Participant Support

• Provide daily living support (personal care, meal preparation, household tasks)
• Follow structured routines and support plans
• Support emotional regulation and engagement in daily activities
• Encourage independence while maintaining safety and stability

Behavioural Support

• Follow Behaviour Support Plan (BSP) strategies
• Recognise early signs of escalation and respond appropriately
• Maintain a calm, non-reactive approach
• Maintain clear and consistent professional boundaries

Structure & Consistency

• Maintain consistent routines across all shifts
• Support a predictable and low-stimulus environment
• Ensure clear and effective shift handovers

Health, Safety & Risk

• Follow all safety and risk management procedures
• Maintain awareness of triggers and environmental risks
• Support a safe environment for participant and staff

Documentation & Reporting

• Complete accurate progress notes
• Record factual observations
• Report incidents or concerns promptly

Team Collaboration

• Work closely with Key Worker and leadership team
• Follow direction and contribute to a consistent team approach
• Participate in training and reflective practice

What We Are Looking For

We are specifically looking for staff who:

• Speak Karen (S’gaw Karen preferred)
• Have experience with complex behavioural or psychosocial participants
• Can maintain routine, structure, and boundaries
• Remain calm under pressure
• Are reliable, accountable, and team-oriented

Essential Requirements

• Certificate III in Disability, Individual Support, or equivalent
• NDIS Worker Screening Check & Police Check
• First Aid & CPR
• Manual Handling & Infection Control
• Valid driver’s licence
• Mental Health First Aid (or willingness to obtain)
• Strong communication and documentation skills

Highly Desirable

• Experience in forensic or justice-involved settings
• Understanding of Positive Behaviour Support (PBS)
• Training in MAPA, CPI, PMAB or similar
• Experience in SIL environments

Why Join Empress Support Services

At Empress, we specialise in structured, high-quality support for participants with complex needs.

You will be supported by:

• Strong leadership and clear direction
• Ongoing training and development
• A collaborative team environment
• Consistent and well-structured support models

Important Note

This role requires maturity, consistency, and professionalism. It is best suited to individuals who can work within structured environments and deliver safe, culturally appropriate, high-quality support.

If this sounds like you, we would love to hear from you. Apply now.