Disability Support Worker – Penrith

Dakota Support Services is looking for an experienced, reliable and down-to-earth Disability Support Worker to join our growing team and provide individualised 1:1 support to a participant in the Penrith area.

This is a casual position with flexible hours, currently expected to be approximately 10–25 hours per week, depending on participant needs and worker availability.

We are looking for someone who genuinely understands person-centred support and is confident working independently in the community.

This role requires more than simply providing transport or companionship – we need someone who can build a positive working relationship with the participant, encourage independence and provide practical support when navigating everyday life and services.

The person we're looking for For this particular support arrangement, finding the right interpersonal fit is extremely important. The participant is looking for a Support Worker who is down-to-earth, relatable, confident and able to build trust through consistent and respectful support.

We would particularly welcome applicants who can demonstrate:

- Lived experience or a strong personal understanding of trauma and adversity, while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries
- Experience supporting people who have experienced trauma, housing instability or complex life circumstances
- Robust advocacy skills and the confidence to support a participant to have their voice heard
- Experience navigating government agencies and systems, particularly Homes NSW/Housing, Centrelink, NDIS and community services
- Confidence attending appointments and meetings alongside a participant and assisting them to understand and respond to information
- Excellent spoken English and the ability to communicate clearly, directly and respectfully with the participant
- The ability to build genuine rapport with someone who may have experienced significant distrust of services and systems
- A practical, calm and non-judgemental approach
- Strong professional boundaries and an understanding of trauma-informed practice
- Reliability and consistency




- Confidence working independently in the community and escalating concerns appropriately
- Good written communication and the ability to complete clear, meaningful progress notes

Lived experience is highly regarded but is not essential, and applicants are not expected to disclose personal or sensitive information during the recruitment process.

Most importantly, this is a participant-led support arrangement. Compatibility, communication style and the participant's comfort with the worker will form an important part of the matching process.

Dakota Support Services welcomes applications from suitably qualified people of all backgrounds. Selection for employment will be based on the requirements of the role, relevant experience, suitability and participant-worker compatibility.

The role may include:

- Community access and participation
- Supporting the participant to attend appointments
- Assistance with housing-related appointments and services
- Shopping and everyday living tasks
- Establishing routines and supporting greater independence
- Transport and community-based activities
- Assistance with paperwork and practical tasks where appropriate
- Advocating alongside the participant when required
- Working collaboratively with the participant's Coordinator of Supports and other services
- Completing accurate progress notes and documentation
- Promptly communicating any concerns, changes or safeguarding issues

We're looking for someone who:

- Has experience supporting people with psychosocial disability and/or complex support needs
- Is reliable and consistent – this is extremely important
- Is calm, patient and confident when situations become challenging
- Can work independently and use good judgement
- Has excellent professional boundaries
- Communicates well with participants,



families and other professionals
- Is comfortable attending Housing, Centrelink, health and other appointments
- Can write clear and meaningful progress notes
- Understands participant choice, dignity, privacy and independence
- Is flexible and willing to assist with important appointments when reasonably possible

Experience in mental health, psychosocial disability, homelessness/housing services or community services would be highly regarded.

Essential requirements:

- Current NDIS Worker Screening Check (or willingness to obtain)
- Current First Aid and CPR
- Current Australian driver's licence
- Reliable, registered and appropriately insured vehicle
- Relevant qualifications and/or demonstrated experience in disability, mental health or community services
- Ability to meet Dakota Support Services' onboarding and compliance requirements
- Australian working rights

What we offer:

- $43.23–$50.00 per hour, depending on applicable classification and experience
- Casual employment with applicable penalty rates and allowances
- Superannuation
- Travel reimbursement where applicable
- Flexible hours
- Support from an experienced Coordinator of Supports and management team
- A small, growing provider where communication between our workers and management actually matters

Most importantly, we're looking for the right person, not simply someone to fill shifts. Reliability, professional boundaries, communication and the ability to build a respectful working relationship with the participant are essential.

If this sounds like you, please apply with your resume and a brief introduction outlining your experience, particularly with psychosocial disability or complex community-based support.

Dakota Support Services Pty Ltd

Individualised support. Genuine relationships. Better outcomes.

Pay: $43.23 – $50.00 per hour

Expected hours: 2.0 – 25.0 per week

Experience

- disability: 2 years (Preferred)

Language:
- English (Preferred)

Licence/Certification:
- Full Driver Licence (Preferred)
- First Aid Certification (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

📌 Disability Support Worker (Casual) (Penrith)
🏢 Dakota Support Services
📍 Penrith