Who are we?

Project Potential Adelaide is a disability support service for the families of individuals with intellectual disabilities and learning delays. We are a small group of staff operating within the guides of being an ethical social enterprise. Operating from our Learning Centre in Welland, we primarily service clients based in Adelaide’s Western suburbs, our uniquely targeted educational service delivers an engaging and individualised programme tailored to the participant’s unique goals and needs.

What do we do?

Our services include but are not limited to, special education tutoring, young adult day options, overnight respite, school holiday programmes, mentoring, community access and in home support work.

Our interactive lessons focus on literacy, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), positive behaviour support, and problem-solving & reasoning abilities. This approach incorporates the use of general life skills that participants will go on to use throughout their lives.

Mission

Our mission at Project Potential Adelaide is to prevent this vulnerable minority group from becoming further disadvantaged. We are not only getting this cohort out there to engage in citizen participation, but a large part of what we do is exposing the public to what our cohort has to offer. Together we are assisting to promote those who have additional challenges in our community.

Our vision at PPA is to provide a service to NDIS participants which is built upon three pillars:

1. We aim to provide a service that allows lifelong learning regardless of the participant’s age or ability.
2. We encourage participants to undertake trial-and-error experimentation of their skills in a safe space with a caring community.
3. We aim to educate participants how to use self-regulation techniques to improve their mental wellbeing.

The Role:

We are seeking a committed Development Support Worker to work 20 – 35 hours per week with our ASD clientele located in Adelaide’s western suburbs.

Duties will include school pick-ups, excursions, literacy, crafts and care support with non-verbal youth on the autism spectrum. Applicants must be comfortable with challenging behaviours, driving clients to and from locations and delivering services within client homes.

All new recruits will initially begin on a 3-month casual contract (20 hour p/w). If successful, contract will be extended to full time hours (35 hour p/w). 2 positions available.

As new clients come on board, you will be assigned to them accordingly. Our adult students operate during the day on weekdays, and our school students see us after school and on weekends. During school holiday periods, our client load increases and shifts are extended.

Rates:

Pay level is dependent on: relevant tertiary qualifications held, probation period, negotiated contract terms

Active day shift: $29.00 – $33.00 (per hour)

Passive overnight: $180 – $200 (12-hour block)

What we are looking for:

• Ability to work dynamically within a fast-paced environment.
• Outgoing, friendly, individual with great energy and strong problem-solving abilities.
• Able to operate in a professional manner, inline with industry norms.
• Demonstrate a strong sense of initiative and able to work well within a team.
• Ability to work on flexible roster between Monday to Friday 7am to 7pm and a monthly weekend.
• Long term commitment to the role.
• PPA also offer overnight respite, something we would encourage new staff to get involved with.
• University students are encouraged to apply, as well as applicants with knowledge or a background in: social work, allied health, therapy, teaching, nursing, psychology, childcare.
• Understanding of (or willing to learn) AAC, PBS, and the NDIS.

Additional Attributes:

• We strongly encourage women to apply
• Applicant to be open to working 1 overnight shift per month
• Willingness to be in the pool during swimming
• Has access to their own vehicle – note that work cars are available for use during shift
• Comfortable doing: home visits, managing challenging behaviours, and assisting with client personal care needs

Requirements

• Australian Driver’s licence
• Working with Children Check (WWCC)
• First Aid Certificate (willing to obtain prior to starting)
• COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate (minimum 2 doses)

We encourage you to visit our website to gain more information about what we do. 

If you have any questions or would like more information about the role, please contact us at [email protected] using the subject line: Developmental Support Workers x2 enquiry via EthicalJobs, or by calling 0405 929 097.

A position description is attached.