Short-Term Respite (STR) Support Workers – Helensvale, Gold Coast, QLD

Respite Dates: Saturday, 31 October – Thursday, 5 November 2026 Location: Helensvale, Gold Coast, Queensland Support Arrangement: Shared 1:2 support, individual 1:1 support, and inactive sleepovers

Chosen Family fosters a community-centric ecosystem that embraces diversity, flexibility, and enrichment for all. We continuously reimagine how our services can create platforms for equality, inclusion, and belonging. Committed to a culture of acceptance, we ensure that everyone is welcomed and valued.

Recognising the interconnectedness of our humanity, we strive to empower individuals to live independently. By honouring each person’s unique identity and experiences, we celebrate and uplift one another in return.

About the Opportunity

Chosen Family is seeking reliable, compassionate, and person-centred Support Workers to join a five-day Short-Term Respite (STR) stay in Helensvale on the Gold Coast.

The respite will support two participants, Ray (they/them) and Oliver (he/him), to enjoy a positive, safe, and engaging experience away from home. Workers will assist with daily living, community access, personal routines, and settling into the accommodation while respecting each participant’s individuality, preferences, and support needs.

The roster includes shared 1:2 support, individual 1:1 support, and inactive sleepovers. We are looking for workers who can collaborate effectively, maintain professional boundaries, and support both participants to have a comfortable and enjoyable respite experience.

Support Schedule

Saturday, 31 October 2026

• 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM: 1:2 shared support (one worker), including participant pickup and travel.
• 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM: 1:1 support (two workers), including accommodation check-in and settling in.
• 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM: 1:2 shared support (one worker).
• 10:00 PM – 6:00 AM: Inactive sleepover.

Sunday, 1 November – Wednesday, 4 November 2026

Daily roster:

• 6:00 AM – 11:00 AM: 1:2 shared support (one worker).
• 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM: 1:1 support (two workers).
• 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM: 1:2 shared support (one worker).
• 10:00 PM – 6:00 AM: Inactive sleepover.

Thursday, 5 November 2026

• 6:00 AM – 11:00 AM: 1:2 shared support (one worker).
• 11:00 AM: Participant drop-off and end of respite.

Please indicate which shifts you are available for when expressing your interest.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide person-centred support in line with each participant’s needs, preferences, and routines.
• Support daily living activities, personal routines, meal preparation, and household tasks as required.
• Assist with participant pickup, travel, accommodation check-in, and settling into the respite environment.
• Facilitate meaningful community access and social participation, based on participant choice, energy levels, interests, and available funding.
• Plan activities flexibly, recognising that Ray may experience fatigue and may use a foldable manual wheelchair when needed.
• Support both participants together during shared 1:2 shifts and provide individualised attention during designated 1:1 shifts.
• Maintain participant safety, dignity, privacy, and choice throughout the respite.
• Communicate effectively with the team and complete all required shift notes and documentation.
• Follow the agreed roster, support arrangements, and applicable NDIS requirements.

Participant and Respite Considerations

• Ray uses they/them pronouns; Oliver uses he/him pronouns.
• Each participant will have a separate bedroom.
• Morning routines should be flexible and responsive to participant preferences.
• Community outings may include local attractions and theme parks, depending on participant interest, energy, and available funding.
• Workers who hold relevant theme park annual passes may be an advantage, but this is not essential.
• Groceries and meals will be arranged by the family for breakfast, dinner, and easy lunches. Personal activity expenses are not included in NDIS respite funding.
• Workers must follow the rostered support ratio and ensure individual support is provided during designated 1:1 periods.
• Inactive sleepover shifts run from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM each night from Saturday, 31 October, through Wednesday, 4 November.

About You

We are looking for Support Workers who are:

• Compassionate, patient, reliable, and adaptable.
• Experienced in disability support and community access.
• Confident supporting participants with different needs while maintaining dignity and independence.
• Respectful of neurodiversity, diverse identities, and individual communication styles.
• Comfortable working collaboratively as part of a support team.
• Able to follow rosters, maintain professional boundaries, and complete accurate documentation.
• Available for one or more of the listed shifts, including inactive sleepovers if qualified and available.

Required checks and credentials: Applicants should hold the relevant NDIS Worker Screening Check, First Aid and CPR qualifications, and any other clearances or credentials required for the role.

Why Join Chosen Family?

At Chosen Family, we value inclusive, respectful, and person-centred support. We aim to create an environment where participants feel safe, heard, and empowered, and where Support Workers can contribute meaningfully to their community.

Express Your Interest

If you are available to support this respite in Helensvale from 31 October to 5 November 2026, please express your interest and specify:

• The dates and shifts you can cover.
• Whether you are available for inactive sleepover shifts.
• Your relevant disability support and community access experience.
• Any relevant experience supporting participants with mobility needs or planning community activities.

We look forward to hearing from Support Workers who can help make this respite a safe, positive, and enjoyable experience for both participants.