Ethan is a 25 year old neurodiverse man looking for the right person to manage his support team min 20 hours/week under the direction of a governance board comprised of Ethan’s family and friends.

The right person will be an experienced manager and skilled support worker seeking a long term position who will lead the team by example, be able to problem solve challenges with empathy and be skilled in delegation and coordination. They will hold themselves and the team accountable ensuring that Ethan is supported to achieve his vision for a good life where he is valued for who his, contributes to the community, enjoys the company of friends, has a home that is his own personal sanctuary and has a team of high quality supports.

About Ethan

Ethan is a swimmer, dancer, live music fan, soccer player, woodworker, nature lover, gardener, cook, family man and keen people watcher.

He moved to the area late in 2025, took some time to reestablish a sense of routine and is now keen build friendships and find opportunities to participate in the activities he loves.

About your employer - Platypus Lodge Co-op Ltd

Platypus Lodge Co-op is a family governed Service for One that provides support services just to Ethan. It is governed by a board of directors comprised of family and friends who know Ethan’s will and preference and ensure that the company operates in a way that is compliant, sustainable, and puts Ethan’s voice at the centre of decision making.

We work hard to create a great working environment that:

• Works on a deep level with Ethan to make a big difference in his life
• Provides you with ongoing mentoring and training in how to support Ethan well
• Provides you with ongoing challenges and leadership opportunities
• Involves you in decision making
• Appreciates you
• Pays well
• Listens to your ideas and concerns
• Gives you a clear vision and purpose
• Empowers you to make decisions
• Trusts you

We are NOT looking for a support agency. We are NOT looking for independent workers. We ARE looking for an employee to work for our charity – Platypus Lodge Co-op which is a family governed organisation that only provides support to one person – Ethan. This model enables Ethan to have good quality, long lasting, reliable support that is crafted around his specific needs.

Perhaps you tired of working with a disability support agency? Tired of being moved from client to client and not getting to work on any meaningful level? Not getting a regular roster? Tired of feeling unsupported?

Maybe you are an independent worker who is overwhelmed by the administrative tasks of running your own business, or missing working alongside colleagues?

Being an employee of our "service for one" might give you a new and better experience working as part of a team to build the good life Ethan is seeking.

Duties

• Provide direct day to day support to Ethan, modelling to team mates the implementation of a quality care program developed in consultation with the family and therapists
• Oversee the management of the household including budgeting, meal planning, cleaning, house and garden maintenance, laundry and liaising with the property manager
• Assist in recruitment of team members
• Develop and oversee induction of new team members
• Manage performance of team members
• Mentor and motivate staff
• Ensure team members are effectively trained
• Ensure effective record keeping using our online systems
• Adhere to and implement team codes of conduct, policies and procedures and care plan
• Manage staff rostering
• Approve timesheets
• Liaise with Bookkeeper and HR advisor to ensure legal compliance
• Collaborate with the board to develop yearly plans and ensure plans are implemented
• Provide reports to the board on progress towards goals and bringing issues and risks to the board’s attention.
• Delegate and monitor team tasks ensuring they are completed on time and within expected quality standards
• Collaborate with the board to ensure continuous improvement of Ethan’s support program

Your working hours and availability

20 hours per week minimum.

While we will do our best to set a roster that works around your preferences and ensures you are well rested, your flexibility around availability will be important for the team.

We require our workers to be available for work at least 5 days a week including weekends and public holidays and also available to do over night shifts. This will allow us to have a team that is able to cover each other when a team member is on leave.

We are also seeking staff that are after a long term opportunity – 2 years or more - as we spend a lot of time investing in our staff training.

The role is subject to a 6 month probation period.

Pay

Pay Rate (depends on qualifications and experience) starting at SCHADS SACS Level 4.1 + allowances + superannuation.

Qualifications /certifications

Essential:

• Cert III in disability or similar
• NDIS Worker Orientation Certificate
• Current Australian Drivers Licence
• Current First Aid and CPR qualification
• Australian resident

Desirable:

• Certifications in medication management, mental health and seizure first aid
• Management qualifications
• Behaviour support training - understanding, reducing and responding to behaviours of concern

Experience and skills

• At least 3 years experience as a support worker working with people with Autism
• At least 2 years experience managing a team
• Thorough understanding of the impacts of autism on daily life
• Highly skilled at implementing positive behaviour strategies that reduce anxiety and overwhelm thereby reducing behaviours of concern
• A thorough understanding of person centred support and strengths based practice
• Thorough understanding and commitment to WH&S, NDIS Code of Conduct and standards
• Experience in using rostering tools
• Excellent people management skills
• Excellent spoken and written English
• Excellent organisational and administrative skills
• Strong computer skills
• Strong report writing skills
• Experience in working in collaboration with families
• Experience managing a household
• Customer service skills

Desired personal qualities

• Reliable – you do what you say you will do and have an impeccable attendance record
• A great listener and communicator – you use effective interpersonal and communication skills to build positive relationships
• Respectful - you respect the experience and knowledge of family in providing good care for Ethan and respond to others with care, respect and empathy
• A problem solver - you resolve conflict in a calm and composed manner seeking out win win solutions.
• Patient and calm – you allow time for others and work through challenges thoughtfully
• Emotionally intelligent – you understand your emotions and how they influence your interactions and manage them appropriately
• Flexible and adaptive – you are open to feedback, new ideas and different approaches
• Responsible – you take responsibility for your actions and are open about your mistakes, building trust and respect with teammates
• Lived experience of autism - you may have had experience through caring for family or friends

How to Apply

To submit your application please click 'Apply Now' by the closing date.