Come work with us

Are you a kind, compassionate, considerate, open minded, empathetic person?

Do you enjoy being active and making a difference in people's lives?

All while you build a career in mental health.

Then being a Bright Light Mentor worker could be for you!!

Have a read of the Bright Light Mentoring website and the job description below.

If being a Mentor worker sounds like something you would enjoy. Please write a short statement on; Why you would be a good Mentor worker for Bright Light Mentoring Service.

Email the statement and your resume to Kira at jobs@brightlightmentoring.com

We look forward to hearing from you.

Job Description

The NDIS Workforce Capability Framework describes this role as a General Support Worker for services funded under the NDIS. Persons working within this role are responsible for using the strategies determined in the participant's support plan.

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. The participant is at the centre of all practices.

Workers 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 appropriate practices
When unsure of actions that should be undertaken stressed or anxious feelings

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Provision of care and supports to participants as detailed in their support plans.

General

Always check your understanding of the participant's required tasks before commencing your work.
Implement personal hygiene and infection control procedures
Be alert if you notice the participant is distressed or apathetic (uninterested or listless)
Adjust your tasks to meet participant's needs, preferences and priorities
Record all work as per the organisation's requirements

Work Practices

Duties will vary according to the participant's support plan but may include:

Assisting people to perform important daily activities
Facilitating daily personal hygiene
Assisting home-based tasks such as food preparation and housework
Assisting to undertake tasks outside the home, such as shopping, medical appointments, and more
Ensuring varied programs of social activities
Providing emotional support and friendship

Communicate

Clearly, inclusively and respectfully
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
Be persistent and patient

Build trusted relationships

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

Understand participant and worker rights
Support participant to express views, raise concerns, report complaints and incidents

Work Collaboratively

Support all supporting stakeholders
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, kind, hope and be patient

Observe and respond

Review all relevant notes and support plan information
Identify needs and strategies
Clarify your understanding
Be observant, attentive and present
Act responsively and flexibly
Celebrate reaching goals and independence
Maximise participant's control and confidence

Heath and Safety

Talk to participant/supervisor about any intermittent conditions to determine strategies when confronted with the situation
Support access to preventative and responsive health, dental etc
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
Escalate to your supervisor any situation when the participant is at risk
Identify and report any work health and safety issues
Promote independence and choice
Never use restrictive practice

Skills

Verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to work with various ages, cultures and ability levels
Ability to build rapport and trust with clients.
Strong time management and ability to prioritise.
Ability to use Microsoft Office suite of programs and other computer systems for record-keeping.
Excellent problem solving and conflict management skills.
Ability to work as part of a team and maintain good working relationships.

Experience

Preferred minimum 1 year relevant experience
Experience supporting people with mental health
Demonstrated continuing professional development.
Knowledge of continuous quality improvement principles
Use of equipment related to personal and work safety
Promoted participant's choice and independence

Qualifications and Requirements

Current NDIS Worker Screening check
First Aid Certificate
Drivers License
Reliable and insured vehicle
New Worker NDIS Induction Module
Smartphone
Recommended qualifications; Certificate III in Individual Support, Mental Health, Aged Care, Community Services, Disability Work or similar. A formal certificate may not be required if the individual has relevant experience and skills