About autism adventures

Specialising in delivering services to autistic youth (14 years to mid 20s). Some of our participants may present with complex needs, e.g. co-morbid conditions, including mental health needs.

We are committed to providing opportunities for young people to build meaningful relationships, and to reach their true potential in life. We achieve this through the delivery of social groups, and community-based day and overnight Adventures. Our services are tailored to individuals' interests, wants, and needs.

Our social groups provide autistic youth the opportunity to meet their peers and to make friends, in an environment that is safe and supportive for building their confidence in social situations. We run groups for 15 years + (to mid 20s). A facilitated group discussion forms part of the session, which focusses on positive engagement and developing conversations with others.

Our day and overnight Adventures are small-group activities (1:3 ratio) providing autistic youth with the opportunity to try new experiences with their peers, whilst also developing a number of skills around independence in the community.

Key responsibilities

You will be responsible for facilitating social groups, as well as facilitating day and overnight Adventures, in accordance with the organisational model of service delivery.

No Adventure days are the same; one day you may be visiting museums, another day you may be horse riding, kayaking, or saving the world from zombies at the virtual reality gaming rooms… the possibilities are endless!

This role requires you to have a sense of adventure, be physically fit, be hands on and to try out new experiences with our participants. You will have a strong focus on health and safety, and genuinely enjoy sharing your passion for adventure with others. You will be flexible and responsive to the individual needs of the participants within the group.

This is a varied and rewarding opportunity for you to make a positive difference to a young person’s life by supporting them to build friendships, develop their self-esteem, reduce social isolation, and expand their social and communication skills.

The ideal candidate will be passionate about supporting young autistic people in overcoming social barriers for community participation and helping them realise their potential.

You will be required to work outside of office hours, which includes social groups in Brisbane (Ascot) on Friday nights, as well as weekends for day and overnight Adventures. The ideal candidate will be located in Brisbane south, but not essential, for the right candidate.

Key responsibilities

• Facilitate weekly youth social groups, including guiding a group discussion topic;
• Facilitate day and overnight Adventures and actively participate in activities. This may include intrastate and interstate travel;
• Form and maintain professional, nurturing relationships with our participants, and their families, by building trust through visible interest and active engagement;
• Act as a positive role model and mentor, seeking to engage young people in social activities aimed at forming and developing relationships and increasing self-esteem;

Skills, experience and qualifications

• Positive, proactive approach to supporting autistic youth;
• Problem solving skills and possess a flexible approach to support;
• Effective time management skills within competing demands;
• Possess strong communication skills and able to develop positive relationships with our participants, their families and carers;
• Valid full unrestricted driver’s licence, with good driving record (essential) – a Traffic History Report will be required as you will be driving a company car;
• NDIS Worker Screening Check clearance and QLD Blue Card (for paid employment);
• Mandatory completion of the NDIS Worker Orientation Module “Quality, Safety and You”;
• Minimum Certificate III in Youth Work or Disability Services, or equivalent (desirable);

• Availability to run Adventures on weekends across Brisbane, Moreton Bay, Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast.

Benefits

• CASUAL position;
• SCHADS Award, Level 2;
• Use of a company vehicle;
• Ongoing support and mentoring.

Enquiries should be directed to: Caroline Smith, National Operations Manager, on 0410 376 882, [email protected] using the subject line: Support Worker / Group Leader enquiry via EthicalJobs.

For more information about Autism Adventures: go to www.autismadventures.com.au.