KEY WORKER – DISABILITY SUPPORT WORKER
(COMPLEX / FORENSIC SUPPORTS)
EMPRESS SUPPORT SERVICES
📍 Location:
Northern Suburbs (Donnybrook / Craigieburn Corridor)
💰 SCHADS
Award (Level based on experience) + penalties
🕒 Employment
Type: Casual (structured ongoing roster)
About the
Role
We are seeking an experienced and grounded Key
Worker to support a participant transitioning into Supported Independent Living
(SIL) within a single-occupancy, robust environment.
This role requires someone who can provide structured,
consistent, and safe support within a forensic-informed and behaviourally
complex environment, while working closely with the care team and allied health
professionals.
You will play a key role in establishing
routine, stability, and a safe environment during a critical transition period.
Participant
Overview
You will be supporting a participant who
presents with:
- Psychosocial
disability and emotional regulation needs
- History
of behaviours of concern (BOC)
- Justice-involved
/ forensic background
- Transitioning
into SIL with a focus on stability and routine
- Preference
for low stimulus, structured living environment
Key
Responsibilities
Participant Support
- Deliver
consistent, person-centred support aligned with the Behaviour Support Plan
(BSP)
- Support
daily routines, emotional regulation, and structured engagement
- Identify
early signs of escalation and respond using approved strategies
- Promote
independence while maintaining safety and stability
Structure & Consistency
- Maintain
clear and consistent routines across all shifts
- Support
implementation of structured daily schedules
- Ensure
continuity of care through clear communication and handovers
Behavioural Support & Safety
- Respond
to behaviours of concern using de-escalation strategies
- Maintain
professional boundaries and a calm, non-reactive approach
- Follow
all safety protocols, including staff safety procedures
- Utilise
designated safe spaces when required
Documentation & Communication
- Complete
accurate progress notes and incident reports
- Communicate
effectively with the care team, including allied health
- Contribute
to ongoing observations to support clinical decision-making
Team Collaboration
- Work
closely with the Services & Complex Program Manager and wider MDT
- Support
consistency across all staff working with the participant
- Participate
in training, reflective practice, and team reviews
What We Are
Looking For
We are specifically looking for staff who:
- Have
experience supporting participants with complex behavioural and
psychosocial needs
- Are
confident working in forensic or justice-related environments
- Can
maintain structure, routine, and clear boundaries
- Remain
calm under pressure and respond effectively to escalation
- Understand
the importance of consistency across shifts
- Are
team-oriented and able to follow a structured support model
Essential
Requirements
- Certificate
III or IV in Disability, Community Services, or equivalent
- NDIS
Worker Screening Check & Police Check
- First
Aid & CPR
- Manual
Handling & Infection Control
- Mental
Health First Aid (or willingness to obtain immediately)
- Experience
working with behaviours of concern and complex participants
- Strong
communication and documentation skills
Highly
Desirable
- Experience
in forensic / justice-involved settings
- Understanding
of Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) frameworks
- Training
in MAPA, CPI, PMAB or similar (de-escalation-focused)
- Experience
in SIL or transitional accommodation environments
Work
Environment
- Single-occupancy
robust home
- Structured,
low-stimulus setting
- 24/7
support model with OOA arrangements
- Strong
clinical and operational support from Empress leadership
Why Join
Empress Support Services
At Empress, we focus on quality over volume.
Our complex programs are designed to provide:
- Strong
leadership and structured support models
- Ongoing
training and development
- Clear
communication and expectations
- A
team-based approach to complex care
Important
Requirement
Due to participant-specific needs and
Behaviour Support Plan recommendations, female support workers are required for
this role.
This role requires maturity, consistency, and
professionalism. It is best suited to individuals who are confident working in
structured environments and can maintain clear boundaries while delivering
high-quality support.
If this sounds like you, we would love to hear
from you.
Apply now.
