Organisation: Life Without Barriers
Job Title: Disability Support Worker
Word Limit: 2 pages
Certificate III in Community Welfare, or similar, or willingness to complete within 2 years
Reference and suitability clearance/s required by legislation and these clearances maintained throughout
employment
I have successfully completed a Diploma in Community Welfare Work from the Australian Education
Academy, Melbourne, in 2011. I have undertaken a police check as required by my current employer and I
am happy to obtain a working with children check when required.
A current Senior First Aid Certificate
I am willing and able to gain my Senior First Aid Certificate prior to commencing employment.
A current unrestricted driver’s licence
I possess a Northern Territory full driver’s licence, and am fully capable of driving both manual and
automatic vehicles.
A commitment to supporting and promoting the individual needs, skills, abilities, and personal goals of
people with disabilities
Within my current role as a Community Services Employee — Casa Central Australia Inc., I am responsible
for supporting two people with disabilities, including catering for their specific needs, skills, abilities, and
personal goals. I facilitate individually tailored disability schedules for my two clients, and include, outings,
Doctors visits, preparing food, engagement in arts and writing activities, and setting of personal goals for
each client. One of my clients has a personal goal to ride a horse, something that she is scared of at
present, but which we are working towards together.
Commitment to the values of dignity, respect, inclusion, empowerment, confidentiality, and strength-
based practice
Ability to maintain service user privacy and confidentiality
I have respect for all people, regardless of if they have a disability or not. My work and volunteer roles
within the community sector have furthered my understanding of people with a disability, including their
need to be respected, maintain their dignity, and be empowered — the same as everyone else. My ability
to maintain confidentiality has been tested throughout my career, where I have referred people to my
managers for further information should they require it. On numerous occasions, I have checked with my
manager to ensure I can pass on certain information, and still maintain confidentiality around incident
reporting. Through my role in supporting and caring for people, I work hard to maintain their dignity in
small ways, such as asking if they need assistance, and talking calmly and quietly with them, and in large
ways, through advocating on their behalf with colleagues and families.
A professional and positive outlook about direct care work
I maintain my professional and positive outlook by using a range of strategies when caring for my clients,
such as behavioural strategies to calm agitated people, and safety strategies should they be required. One
of my clients has very challenging behaviours at times, and I use a strategy of distracting her with the things
she likes when she is upset. She enjoys going in the centre’s car, and on occasions, I can reward her good
behaviour with a trip in the car. When challenged by this client, I ensure I remain calm and consistent in my
message, and we can usually get through these times together.
Ability to fulfil the requirements of the Key worker role if required
My understanding of a key worker role is that they facilitate with families of clients to ensure they
understand the offered services, and to discuss any issues as they arise. This is something I would be happy
to fulfil, and which I have done on numerous occasions within my current role, including providing direct
information when appropriate, and attendance at family meetings as required. I am aware of difficulties for
parents, and tend to focus on the positive progress or experiences their child or family member has
undertaken. This ensures I maintain their trust and confidence, and reassures them that a high level of care
is being provided.
The ability to develop a positive relationship with service users and to support their individual personal
plan
All clients have an individual personal plan (IPP), which I implement, and follow over time. This plan is
adaptable, depending on progress or new goals formed with clients. The development and implementation
of this plan enables the development of a positive relationship with services users, and relies on their input
to be successful. One of the keys to providing great services to service users is to get to know them, and
work together regarding their care on a daily basis, and as a matter of course, maintain a positive
relationship. In getting to know my clients with challenging behaviours, I have discovered the things that
make them happy within appropriate boundaries, and understand when to draw the line with demanding
behaviour as well.
Ability to apply to objects and principles of the Disability Services Act 2006
Whilst not familiar with the actual act itself, I understand that all of our policies and procedures stem from
compliance with the act, and make every effort to comply with those on a daily basis. I have an excellent
understanding of appropriate and inappropriate behaviours, the rights of people being cared for, and
understand the standards that need to be upheld. One of these areas ensures protection if assaulted by a
client, and the use of non-retaliation techniques to get through the situation should it arise.
Good communication skills including the ability to develop and maintain good working relationships with
internal and external stakeholders (including families of service users)
I possess excellent communication skills, and have the ability to tailor my communication style depending
on my audience. For example, with my clients, I ensure I am speaking at the right pace, and using simple
English to ensure understanding, whereas I communicate very differently with colleagues or families of
clients. As mentioned earlier, I like to focus on positive aspects of care if possible with families, rather than
the day-to-day concerns. Certainly, if there are ongoing concerns that require attention, I mention them as
well. I try to model friendly and open communication with families, and understand how this can have a
positive impact on clients and their families.
Established problem solving and conflict management skills
Within my role, a large amount of conflict is managed through getting to know the clients, and pre-empting
behaviours before they happen. For example, one of my clients really loves going out in the car, and when
it goes out without her, she can be very difficult and challenging to keep calm. I have developed a range of
strategies to deal with this behaviour, and have asked that I be informed if anyone is going to take the car,
so I can implement these strategies. This is a good example of demonstrating my combined problem solving
and conflict management skills.
Ability to use initiative and to work both individually in supporting service users and as part of a team
A large percentage of my current direct care work is undertaken individually with my specific service users.
However, overall there are around 5-7 workers within my team, and we often work together when
required. If another team member requires help with a client, or feels unsafe at any time, I am more than
happy to assist them as required. When there are new staff working on my shift, I will often advise them of
certain clients’ behaviour so that they can prepare and pre-empt their behaviour more effectively.
Ability to work within and demonstrate the Life without Barrier way in all interactions and tasks
Having familiarised myself with the values of Life without Barriers, I have come to realise that I work within,
and demonstrate these values in my own life and in my work. I build relationships with both clients and
their families and colleagues, imaginative in the kinds of activities I engage with service users, am respectful
of all people, responsive to the needs of clients, and think I am courageous for both dealing with the
unpredictable, and in advocating for my clients when needed.
