Short Term Respite & Support Workers – Gold Coast, QLD
Gold Coast, Queensland ****, Australia • A$36 - A$46
Part-time Temporary Entry Level
Posted 01 Oct ****
Description
Chosen Family fosters a community-centric ecosystem that embraces diversity, flexibility, inclusion and belonging.
We believe quality support starts with genuine human connection, respect and understanding.
We are looking for reliable, compassionate and engaging Support Workers to support participants during a planned Short Term Respite (STR) stay on the Gold Coast from ***** October ****.
This is an opportunity for Support Workers who enjoy respite support, community participation, recreational activities and helping young people experience greater independence, choice and connection.
We are seeking workers who can provide safe, respectful and enjoyable support both at the accommodation and during community outings.
About the Respite Opportunity
The respite will involve supporting two young participants during their stay on the Gold Coast.
The planned support model may include:
1:2 support when both participants are together during respite.
1:1 support during community outings, particularly where participants wish to participate in different activities.
Community access and recreational activities based on participant interests and preferences.
Daytime, evening and potentially overnight support, depending on the final roster and confirmed support requirements.
Support that promotes independence, choice and active participation.
The family has also indicated that having an adult Support Worker available overnight may provide additional reassurance during the respite.
Any overnight support will be confirmed as part of the final roster and support arrangements.
Community Access & Activities
A key focus of the respite will be community access, recreation and social participation.
The planning team has indicated that it would be beneficial to have at least three community-access outings throughout the week, while giving the participants the opportunity to provide input into the activities they would like to participate in.
Potential activities may include:
Theme parks and entertainment venues
Lunches and meals out
Parks and outdoor activities
Movies and entertainment
Shopping and local community activities
Activities will ultimately be planned around participant choice, interests, accessibility, support needs and available arrangements.
About the Support Role
We are looking for Support Workers who can actively participate in the respite experience rather than simply provide supervision.
You may be supporting participants to:
Explore the Gold Coast community
Attend recreational activities
Participate in social outings
Navigate community environments
Make choices about their activities
Build confidence and independence
Enjoy meaningful experiences outside their usual routines
The successful Support Workers will be comfortable being engaging, encouraging and flexible, while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.




Mobility & Accessibility
One participant uses a folding push/manual wheelchair and may require wheelchair support during community access.
The wheelchair is not necessarily required at all times.
Support Workers should therefore be comfortable with:
Supporting a wheelchair user in the community
Navigating accessible venues
Managing a folding/manual wheelchair
Supporting safe community access
Allowing adequate time for mobility requirements
Promoting independence wherever possible
Accommodation accessibility is also an important consideration, and accommodation involving many stairs may present a barrier.
What We're Looking For
We are particularly interested in Support Workers who are:
Reliable and punctual
Warm, friendly and engaging
Experienced in disability support
Experienced in community participation
Comfortable with respite environments
Confident supporting people with mobility needs
Comfortable supporting wheelchair users
Flexible and adaptable
Patient and emotionally aware
Respectful of participant choice and preferences
Confident supporting recreational activities
Able to work collaboratively with other Support Workers
Comfortable working within a 1:2 support arrangement
Able to provide 1:1 support during community outings where required
Experience in Short Term Respite, youth support, disability support, community participation or complex support will be highly regarded.
Key Responsibilities
Depending on the final roster and individual support requirements, responsibilities may include:
Providing person-centred support throughout the respite.
Supporting participants at the accommodation.
Providing community access and social participation support.
Supporting recreational and leisure activities.
Providing 1:1 support during outings where required.
Working collaboratively within a 1:2 support arrangement.
Supporting participants to make choices about their daily activities.
Encouraging independence and confidence.
Supporting safe access to community venues.
Assisting with wheelchair-related community access where required.
Providing companionship and meaningful social connection.
Supporting appropriate daily routines.
Following participant-specific support plans and safety procedures.
Completing accurate shift notes and required documentation.
Communicating professionally with participants, families and the Chosen Family team.
Reporting concerns, incidents or changes in support needs promptly.
Participant Choice Comes First




The purpose of the respite is to provide a positive opportunity for participants to enjoy a break from their usual routines while maintaining choice and control over how they spend their time.
Participants will be encouraged to have input into:
Activities
Community outings
Recreational interests
Daily routines
Social activities
How they would like to spend their respite
We are therefore looking for Support Workers who listen, encourage and support rather than direct, and who can adapt plans around participant preferences where appropriate.
Support Worker Matching
At Chosen Family, we understand that the right participant–Support Worker relationship is important.
We consider:
Community access experience
Communication style
Personality
Availability
Location
Mobility and wheelchair-support experience
Ability to work within the required support ratio
Comfort with overnight arrangements where applicable
For community outings, 1:1 support may be required where participants wish to participate in different activities.
Schedule & Availability
Support hours will be arranged around participant routines, planned activities and confirmed respite requirements.
Current planning indicates that support may generally commence around 10:00 AM, rather than requiring continuous daytime support from early morning.
The final hours will be confirmed once the Support Outline Summary and roster are completed.
There may also be opportunities for evening and overnight support, depending on the final arrangements.
Support Workers are welcome to express interest based on their availability across the respite period.
Applicants should have:
NDIS Worker Screening Check
Current First Aid Certificate
Experience in disability or community support
Strong communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to provide person-centred support
Ability to work collaboratively with other Support Workers
Ability to follow participant-specific support plans
Understanding of professional boundaries
Reliability and punctuality
Ability to support community access safely
Confidence supporting wheelchair users, or relevant experience and willingness to follow participant-specific procedures
Availability during the ***** October **** respite period
valid Australian driver's licence and access to a reliable vehicle may be advantageous depending on the final transport and activity arrangements.
Relevant experience in respite, youth support, disability support, community participation, mobility support or wheelchair support will be highly regarded.
Why Join Chosen Family?
When you join the Chosen Family Support Worker network, you become part of a community focused on helping people experience greater:
You'll have the chance to:
Build meaningful relationships with participants.
Support people to experience enjoyable community activities.
Help participants explore new environments and experiences.
Promote confidence and independence.
Develop your respite and community support experience.
Work collaboratively with other Support Workers and providers.
Be part of a carefully coordinated, participant-centred respite experience.
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📌 Short Term Respite & Support Workers – Gold Coast, Qld
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