Working at Melba Support Services (Melba)

• We support people with disability to live the life they want.

• We have a Zero Tolerance approach to violence, abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

• Every member of the Melba community is committed to The Melba Way Charter, our vision, purpose and values.

• Melba aims to create welcoming and respectful workplaces that promote inclusive and collaborative working relationships.

For over 50 years Melba Support Services has been providing services to people with disability that focus on supporting people to dream big, embrace life and do what they choose and value. Melba is firmly grounded in upholding human rights and recognises that part of living a happy, healthy life is being independent and being able to do the things that bring us joy. Melba won the 2023 National Disability Award for Excellence in Service Quality. 

Why Join Us? 

We are a human-rights, values-based, not-for-profit community organisation committed to providing services that support individuals with disability to lead everyday lives of their choice, if this resonates with you, come join us!

Primary Purpose

To provide person led support to people with disability, enabling them to live a life that is meaningful, self-directed and consistent with their goals, preferences and rights, in accordance with individual support plans, and in line with Melba’s values, mission and human rights framework.

Employees in this role may be classified at Melba EA Level 1 or 2, based on individual qualifications, experience and organisational requirements. 

What you’ll be doing (Key accountabilities)

• Provide direct, person led support in line with individual support plans, assisting with daily living activities, personal care, household routines and skill development while promoting independence, dignity and choice. 

• Support people to exercise choice and control in all aspects of their daily lives, encouraging decision making, self-expression and participation in activities that are meaningful to them. 

• Communicate effectively and respectfully with people supported using their preferred communication methods, including alternative and augmentative communication where required. 

• Support participation in community life by enabling access to social, recreational, cultural, work and educational opportunities, and fostering the development of relationships and valued roles. 

• Implement Person Led Active Support approaches to build capacity, maximise participation and support skill development over time. 

• Support and monitor health and wellbeing, including administering medication and health related supports within scope of role, training and authorisation, and responding appropriately to changes in condition. 

• Recognise, prevent and respond to risks, incidents, abuse, neglect or exploitation, ensuring timely and appropriate reporting in line with organisational policies, safeguarding frameworks and NDIS requirements. 

• Maintain accurate, timely and confidential documentation, including progress notes, incident re-ports and other required records in accordance with organisational and regulatory standards. 

• Work collaboratively with colleagues, families, natural supports and external service providers (where agreed) to ensure coordinated, consistent and high-quality support. 

• Participate actively in supervision, training, reflective practice and team meetings to maintain and develop capability and contribute to continuous improvement. 

• Follow Workplace Health and Safety requirements, including safe work practices, manual handling and risk management, and take reasonable care for personal safety and the safety of others.

Program-Specific Role Contexts

The following sections outline additional context and responsibilities that apply when the Disability Support Worker role is performed within specific program environments. These sections do not change the classification or core accountabilities of the role.

Disability Support Workers may work across one or more program contexts depending on operational needs, skills, training and the support requirements of people supported. 

Supported Independent Living (SIL/ISL) – Disability Support Worker
When working in a Supported Independent Living (SIL) environment, the Disability Support Worker will:

• Work within a 24/7 residential environment, as part of a rostered team, including morning, evening, overnight and weekend shifts

• Support people in a shared or individual home setting, balancing individual needs, preferences and routines within a group environment. 

• Contribute to consistent household routines and a stable, supportive living environment.  

• Promote positive household dynamics, including respectful interactions and inclusion.  

• Work collaboratively with team members including effective communication and handover between shifts. 

• Respond to site-specific risks, incidents and emergencies, in line with procedures.  

• Maintain a safe, clean, and appropriate physical environment. 

Individualised Support Arrangements – Disability Support Worker
When providing one to one or individualised supports, the Disability Support Worker will:

• Deliver support on a one-to-one basis, often working independently without immediate team support.  

• Provide support across a range of environments, including the person’s home and community settings. 

• Apply judgement within established plans and procedures to respond to changing needs, preferences and situations. 

• Build and maintain a consistent, respectful and professional relationship with the person supported. 

• Adapt to changing routines, locations and individual circumstances throughout the day. 

• Manage risks in less structured environments and escalate issues as required.  

• Maintain professional boundaries while working in more informal or home-based settings.

Community Services – Disability Support Worker
When working in community based or access supports, the Disability Support Worker will:

• Deliver support across community, public and service-based environments, including activities delivered at Melba sites.

• Support participation in a wide range of community activities, programs and appointments.

• Manage transport, travel and movement between locations in line with organisational and safety requirements. 

• Identify and respond to risks associated with community and public environments.

• Support people to build confidence, independence and social connections within the community. 

• Engage professionally with community members, organisations and service providers.  

• Adapt support approaches to suit different environments, and social contexts.

Your Background (Skills and attributes) 

• Certificate IV in Disability or equivalent (desirable, not mandatory). 

• Demonstrated experience in, or willingness to learn, the skills required to provide personal care and day to day support to people with disability. 

• Understanding of, and commitment to, human rights based and person-centred practice. 

• Ability to communicate effectively with people with diverse needs, including those with complex communication requirements. 

• Ability to follow organisational policies, procedures and support plans and apply them in practice. 

• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build respectful working relationships with people supported, colleagues and stakeholders. 

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including accurate record keeping. 

• Flexible, reliable and able to adapt positively to change and different support environments.

Requirements 

• A current First Aid and CPR Certificate.

• A current NDIS Worker Screening and Working with Children Check.

• The ability and relevant driver’s license to perform travel and work a variety of shifts, including weekends. Position may also require working active nights.

• Compliance with OHS&W regulations, legislation, and Policies and Procedures is required.

• Successful completion of pre-employment safety screening checks, mandatory training, and their subsequent renewals is necessary.

Occupation Health Safety and Wellbeing (OHS&W)

• Take reasonable care for their health, safety, and wellbeing and that of others.

• Observe safe systems of work.

• Follow OHS&W policies and procedures.

• Report hazards, near misses and incidents in accordance with the agreed incident reporting system.

• Contribute to a positive culture in relation to OHS&W and participate in consultative structures.

Inclusion at Melba

Melba Support Services recognises the contribution that a diverse workforce makes to continuous improvement and service delivery and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Melba Support Services values diversity and encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. People with disabilities and from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds are also encouraged to apply. Melba Support Services is committed to making reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process and day-to-day work. As a provider of supports and services to children, Melba is committed to ensuring that every child feels safe and respected. All Melba staff and volunteers have a responsibility to make sure that children’s wellbeing and safety comes first, that they are supported to achieve their potential, respected, and protected from abuse and neglect.