The NDIS Workforce Capability Framework describes this role as an Advanced Support Worker for services funded under the NDIS. Persons working within this role are responsible for more complex, specialised or intense support activities, including health and allied health practitioners and other specialists.

Behaviour Support Practitioners provide a lead role in the holistic assessment and interventions for participants with challenging behaviours - assessing, designing and evaluating behaviour support plans in line with their NDIS plan, individual needs and goals. The Behaviour Support Practitioner must apply the Child Safe Standards in their practices.

All practices are participant-focused and promote their choices, rights and decisions. Due to the variable nature of participants, this role requires the worker to promote participants' voices, choices and report any areas of concern.

Behaviour Support Practitioners are required to follow all policies and procedures and report to management:

• feedback from participants (positive, constructive and complaints)

• changes in participant circumstances or environment

• work health and safety issues and concerns

• need for resources to undertake the role

• if you think that the participant is experiencing discrimination, exploitation, neglect, abuse or violence

• when unsure of actions that should be undertaken

• stressed or anxious feelings

Main Duties / Responsibilities:

General

• Always check the participant's support plan before service provision

• Implement personal hygiene and infection control procedures

• Be alert if you notice the participant is distressed or apathetic (uninterested or listless)

• Record strategies and practices as per the organisation's requirements

Work Practices

Behaviour Support Practitioners must:

• assess both current and prospective service users using the principles of positive behaviour support as a methodology.

• Use a problem-solving approach to undertake functional assessments to ascertain the function behind the behaviour.

• Assist staff in formulating and implementing intervention strategies that are person-centred and both proactive and reactive. To ensure that these plans of care are regularly evaluated and revised as required, maintaining appropriate records at all times.

• work proactively as well as working reactively should situations require this

• prioritise participant's need

• liaise and work closely with multi professionals as required, and refer on where necessary

• work with the relevant others to develop crisis intervention plans where required.

• work alongside the multidisciplinary teams during times of changes in participants' behaviours to identify potential causes and develop person-centred solutions that are sustainable over time

• develop systems and processes alongside the Clinical Advisor for recording, monitoring and analysing behaviour which can be used to evidence change and demonstrate measurable outcomes for service users.

• attend Psychiatry outpatients appointments with service users and staff where deemed necessary due to behavioural concerns

• participate in reviews for participants on current caseload where required, and provide clinical reports as requested.

• ensure the participant's health, safety and welfare are monitored and maintained whilst ensuring participants have opportunities to take planned risks

• empower colleagues and staff by providing coaching, teaching and personal development opportunities

• work alongside the Senior Management Team to develop innovative practices across the services.

• Perform initial evaluations of participants' needs and develop customised plans, including behaviour support plans

• Educate relevant staff on implementing behaviour support strategies

• Provide psychological assessment, intervention and behaviour support strategies.

• Developing an NDIS behaviour support plan containing evidence-based, proactive strategies that meet the needs of the person.

• Work with implementing providers on the strategies and train staff in how to implement them.

• Working with disability services that focus on supporting people with both intellectual and physical disabilities.

• Assist with vocational goals and plans for clients.

• Collaborate and assist with supported living assessments.

• Plan, monitor and review client outcomes.

• Conduct psychometric, behavioural and functional assessments.

• Complete reports and work towards goals within the NDIS plans

• Monitor participants' progress and modify their plans as needed.

• Coordinate with social and medical agencies, healthcare providers and community outreach programs to provide participants with needed services.

• Meet with participants to discuss their emotional, mental or lifestyle issues.

• Evaluate participants' needs and create a custom treatment plan utilising a strengths-based approach.

• Act as a facilitator of group counselling sessions or a mediator in a conflict resolution setting.

• Discuss the participants' desired goals and outcomes.

• Encourage participants to discuss emotions and experiences.

• Provide relevant information or resources specific to the participant's needs.

• Assist participants in setting goals and adopting strategies to address their issues.

• Help individuals with the resources needed to reach personal goals

• Referring participants to other healthcare professionals where appropriate.

• Liaising with healthcare professionals as part of a health management team

• Review and adjust the plan to meet current participant needs

• Inform and train relevant staff in new strategies.

• Working within NDIS and government legislative requirements

• incorporate Child Safe Standards in their practice when working with children and young people

• Report any real or potential risks of harm to a participant, including child and young people

Communicate

Behaviour Support Practitioners must communicate:

• clearly, inclusively and respectfully

• observe, listen and check participant's understanding

• adapt to participant's age, culture and cognitive ability

• understand individual communication – verbal and non-verbal

• use the best communication method to recognise the difference between self and participant

• avoid jargon

• use appropriate tools to communicate

• be persistent and patient

• identify and address communication barriers

Build trusted relationships

Behaviour Support Practitioners must:

• build relationships based on mutual respect

• determine what makes the participant feel safe and valued

• work with both participant and their important people to understand how they are involved

• communicate directly with the participant unless otherwise determined

• prioritise participant's voice during any conflict

• treat equally but recognise the imbalance in the relationship

• recognise and report any threat in circumstances and environment

Rights

Behaviour Support Practitioners must:

• understand participant and worker rights

• support participant to express views, raise concerns, report complaints and incidents

• seek permission before entering the participants' space or touch them and respect their response

• respect privacy and seek permission before collecting, using or sharing information

Work Collaboratively

Behaviour Support Practitioners must:

• work collaboratively with the support team – family, friends, advocates and nominate others

• work within role and responsibility

• recognise the participant's skills, experience and contribution to everyone in the team

• keep participants informed when sharing and discussing them

• focus on strengths

• be optimistic, hope and patience

Observe and respond flexibly to changing needs

Behaviour Support Practitioners must:

• review all relevant notes and plan data

• identify needs and strategies

• clarify their understanding

• be observant, attentive and present

• act responsively and flexibly

• celebrate reaching goals and independence

• maximise participant's control and confidence

Heath and Safety

Behaviour Support Practitioners must:

• respond quickly if the participant is uncomfortable, distressed, apathetic or in poor health

• identify potential and actual risks, then act promptly and in consultation with the participant

• review and complete a risk assessment as required.

• identify and report any work health and safety issues

• promote independence and choice

• never use restrictive practice unless approved and trained in the practice

Review quality of support and service

Behaviour Support Practitioners must:

• ascertain participants' preferred way of reflecting and assessing what's working and not working.

• Seek feedback on service delivery and adjust when needed.

• Maintain and build capacity and confidence to give feedback on the quality and fit of supports and services and whether they meet my goals and expectations.

• Support the participant's participation to actively contribute to review processes to build on what is working and address what is not working.

• Follow up on requested changes and inform stakeholders.

• Support the participant to access and understand health and wellbeing information and seek advice if clarification is required.

• Identify opportunities for increased independence at a suitable pace.

Qualifications/ Requirements:

• NDIS registered Behaviour Therapist or ability to obtain registration against the NDIS Positive Behaviour Support Capability Framework – at least a Core level

• Relevant degree in Psychology and full Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) registration.

• Experience and or knowledge of state restricted practice authorisation process.

• Knowledge of relevant legislation, policies and procedures impacting the delivery of services to people with a disability.

• Current Worker Screening

• New Worker – NDIS Induction Module

• Current membership with the Psychology Board of Australia (highly recommended).

• Complete continuing education courses to maintain certification and stay up-to-date on the latest practices.

Experience:

• Experience writing assessments and reports to monitor participant progress

• Experience working with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Intellectual Disability, and other complex diagnoses.

• Understanding and practical application of relevant legislative regulations and NDIS Standards and Rules.

• Ability to train and work with support workers implementing behaviour support strategies.

• Demonstrated Continuing Professional Development.

• Demonstrated ability to manage a caseload efficiently and effectively.

• Experience delivering therapy services to children, young people and adults.

• Knowledge of continuous quality improvement principles

Skills:

• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.

• Demonstrated ability to manage a caseload efficiently and effectively.

• Ability to work in a team-oriented and collaborative environment.

• Advanced written and verbal communication skills with an ability to develop a professional rapport with a diverse range of people.

• Excellent communication skills

• Ability to empathise with participants.

• Ability to handle crises.

• Excellent problem solving and conflict management skills.

• Incident response and reporting procedures and protocols to ensure the participant's safety, self, and others.

• Techniques and communication skills to take notes and prepare reports that provide objective information free of judgements or assumptions.

• Ability to work independently

• Infection prevention and control, including personal protective equipment (PPE) and waste handling practices.

• The principles and processes of the NDIS, such as the steps and support required for a participant to access, use and review their plans, and where to find further information

• Reflective practices and processes

• Working within current best practice tools, approaches and expectations about disability and related support.

• Strategies and tools to manage work stress and manage personal wellness.

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