Ave Maria is an NDIS registered organisation based in the Illawarra & Shoalhaven. With multiple SIL/SDA Accommodations, in-home care and Community Participation support. Ave Maria is committed to delivering specialist, quality and tailored disability services to the unique needs of each participant that allows them to experience choice and control over their life and ultimately, live their fullest life possible. We have Team Leader positions available to begin in January and February 2026. These could be full time Monday – Friday with an Rostered Day Off every 4 weeks, or part time reduced number of days or shorter early morning shifts.
We are looking for organised, passionate and professional applicants to provide direct support to participants as well as mentoring and coaching a team of Disability Support Workers. Working across 2+ NDIS Accommodations you will make a direct difference in ensuring high quality support and care for people with a disability. If you are passionate, caring, motivated and have a strong desire to enhance the lives of people with disabilities by developing and coaching a dedicated team then we encourage you to apply.
Team Leaders will;
- Provide person-centred direct care and support to a small group of participants. Fostering skills development, independence and wellbeing. Creating a homely SIL/SDA environment where participants thrive and achieve their goals!
- Mentor and develop a team of Disability Support Workers to ensure high quality, consistent care, accountability and compliance. Providing training and guidance, escalating issues and collaborating with the Workforce Manager, Service Managers, rostering and HR as required.
- Ensure accurate and timely documentation and reporting to audit level standards across homes
- Liaise with Stakeholders including families, allied health professionals and other business departments
- We have a dedicated rostering team & Workforce Manager, you will provide staff feedback and assist in planning to ensure you have trained, knowledgeable and dedicated DSWs across your houses to provide cover at all times.
Your Experience and Skills:
- Minimum Certificate IV in Disability, Mental Health, Community Welfare or similar is preferred, support can also be provided in obtaining
- Previous experience in Disability Support Work including strong experience with high physical needs including complex medical needs and/or experience in Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA’s) settings. Alternatively, you may have experience with complex Mental Health and psychosocial disabilities settings.
- A demonstrated aptitude for leadership, mentoring and driving high performance standards with a team of front-line care staff
- Sound understanding of person-centered practices, high behaviors, fostering skills development and implementing positive behavior support plans
- Be tech-savvy, with a good working knowledge of Microsoft software, CRMs and Rostering software with the ability to interpret data, write professionally and support others in basic IT Set ups e.g emails, logging client data collection, high quality shift notes etc
- NDIS workers screening check, (WWCC),1st Aid and CPR certification essential
- Valid Australia’s Drivers’ License & own insured vehicle & ability to travel locally is essential
Why Ave Maria:
- Join a dedicated team of Team Leaders working locally, with a nominated admin office day and support from a broader office team of rostering, workforce, HR, Finance and Admin staff
- Head office in Unanderra and modern SIL and SDA properties across Dapto/Horsley region
- Rostered day off – Full Time positions working a 40-hour week have an RDO every 4 weeks
- Part Time Hours – We also have the opportunity for a part time role working approx 5 days
- Dedicated time off the floor for team training, leadership development and administration
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for confidential wellbeing support
If you are interested in Disability Support Work rather than a Team Leader role or these days and hours do not suit you can submit a CV via our website HERE
To apply for the position please submit your up-to-date CV and Cover Letter addressing the 3 selection criteria below by 18th January 2026. We will be phone screening and shortlisting as applications are received.
Selection Criteria – This MUST be addressed in your application Cover Letter.
Recommended 150-300 words per question and 1000-word total.
- Describe a situation where you used clinical or operational data to identify an issue and implement improvements. What data did you use, how did you analyse it, and what impact did your actions have on outcomes?
- Describe a time you have identified an opportunity for process improvement? What was the improvement and what impact did it have?
- Describe a time when you faced an ethical dilemma while supporting a person with a disability? How did you balance their choice and control, rights and dignity of risk, safety, duty of care and company or NDIS policies. What was the oucome?
