We’re looking to appoint experienced and understanding Disability Support Workers who use person-centred and strengths-based approaches to working with people of all abilities. The role involves working with Kevin Heinze Grow participants with complex needs in a professional manner and will require a commitment to capacity-building, goal-oriented and therapeutic horticultural practices.

Kevin Heinze GROW

Opening in 1979 as the Kevin Heinze Garden Centre, we have four decades of experience behind us in the field of therapeutic horticulture. Our model uses the peaceful stress-free environment of a garden to support social, emotional, educational and vocational goals, enabling us to work holistically with people to meet their needs and achieve exceptional outcomes. It can be a life-changing experience.

THE ROLE

The position is primarily responsible for working with people with a disability (physical, intellectual and/or psychosocial) and/or mental health condition, helping them engage with group-based holistic development, incorporating social, emotional, and skills-based development and resilience training. Supported by an experienced multidisciplinary leadership team, you will utilise therapeutic approaches to encourage, support and extend participants during their engagement with Kevin Heinze Grow programs.

Support Workers will have the opportunity to work 1:1 or with a group of people, assisting them to work together in garden/nature setting.

• Casual positions are available with potential of future part-time opportunities
• 6 to 30 hours per week, Monday to Saturday
• Potential for Doncaster and/or Coburg location
• Pay and conditions as per the SCHADS Award, Level 2 dependent on experience and qualifications

Sample participant profile

Young man (early 20s) with autism and intellectual disability. Non-verbal, but responds well to communication over time. Easily experiences sensory overload. Enjoys music and sensory play. Goals include spending more time outside in the garden and developing social relationships with other participants. Centre-based support.

CORE FUNCTIONS:

• Responsible for 1:1 support and group-based support through training of participants
• Demonstrates empathy and respect, contributing to a safe and welcoming environment for a diverse group of people
• Utilises appropriate therapeutic approaches to work with participants
• Alongside participants, contributes to the development and maintenance of KHG’s gardens and nursery with a therapeutic horticultural focus
• Contributes to program planning and delivery for individuals
• Works according to the individual needs of participants
• Records and assesses participant progress
• Contributes to participant reports
• Responsible for contributing to positive outcomes for participants
• Works as part of a cooperative multidisciplinary team
• Other duties as required

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES:

• Integrity
• Empathy
• Flexibility
• Sense of humour
• Persistence
• Commitment to quality service delivery
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Excellent verbal communication skills

KEY SELECTION CRITERIA:

• Qualifications in Disability, Mental Health or equivalent
• Experience supporting with people with disabilities
• An interest in horticulture-based therapy and working within a nature setting
• High levels of flexibility and key understanding of the flexibility required in a disability setting
• Training or experience in responding to behaviours of concern
• Sincere and appropriate levels of empathy, consideration and respect towards others
• Demonstrated capacity to make timely and appropriate decisions
• Ability to successfully work independently or as part of a group
• Highly developed time-management and organisational skills
• Computer literacy

DESIRABLE:

• Experience in a hospitality setting

MANDATORY:

Police Check, Working With Children Check, NDIS Check, Drivers Licence with full comprehensive insurance

Applications will be assessed on a rolling basis. Please apply as soon as possible.