About Senami

Senami Counselling and Psychotherapy Services provides caring, respectful, non-judgmental and empathetic services to our participants. We support participants to develop self-awareness, strengthen their independence and improve their overall wellbeing. Our practice is committed to delivering intensive support, counselling, case management and psychotherapy services that achieve positive outcomes.

Our work is person-centred, strengths-based and recovery-oriented. We support participants to recognise their values, interests, abilities and goals and translate these into practical strategies for everyday life.

Position purpose The Disability Support Worker (Mentor) provides person-centred assistance to participants with disability and complex mental health needs. In addition to supporting participants with daily living activities, the employee acts as a positive mentor and role model. The position supports participants to build confidence, develop practical life skills, strengthen positive relationships and work towards the goals identified in their NDIS plan and individual support plans.

Support worker responsibilities The Disability Support Worker (Mentor) is responsible for:

- Supporting participants with daily living activities, community participation and social inclusion.
- Assisting participants with personal care, hygiene, medication, mobility, domestic activities, meal planning, cooking and dietary requirements, as applicable.
- Supporting participants to access the community, attend appointments, participate in activities and use transport safely.
- Promoting and supporting an active, healthy, safe and positive lifestyle.
- Providing high-quality support consistent with the participant’s NDIS plan, support plan, risk assessments, health plans, Positive Behaviour Support Plan and Senami’s policies and procedures.
- Promoting participant choice, control, dignity, privacy, independence and cultural safety.
- Supporting participants to make informed decisions while applying duty-of-care and dignity-of-risk principles.
- Recognising and responding appropriately to changes in a participant’s physical health, mental health, behaviour or circumstances.
- Using approved de-escalation and positive behaviour support strategies when responding to distress or behaviours of concern.
- Following medication management procedures and completing medication documentation accurately.
- Maintaining a safe, clean and respectful residential environment.




- Identifying and reporting hazards, incidents, injuries, medication errors, suspected abuse, neglect, exploitation or other safeguarding concerns immediately.
- Following all reasonable and lawful directions from authorised senior employees.
- Attending rostered shifts punctually and remaining on duty until properly relieved, where required.
- Attending mandatory training, supervision, staff meetings and residential house meetings.
- Performing other reasonable duties within the scope of the position.

Documentation and accountability The employee must:

- Complete case notes accurately and within the required timeframe after each shift.
- Ensure documentation reflects the support actually delivered, the participant’s presentation, activities, progress and any relevant concerns.
- Complete incident reports, injury reports, medication records, communication records, progress reports and other required documentation accurately and promptly.
- Maintain participant privacy and confidentiality at all times.
- Never copy another employee’s case notes or record information that has not been personally observed or appropriately verified.
- Escalate incidents, risks and significant changes to the appropriate senior employee without delay.
- Participate in supervision, performance reviews and discussions concerning participant outcomes and service quality.

Qualities of a successful applicant The successful applicant will demonstrate:

- Flexibility to work weekdays, weekends, mornings, afternoons and active or passive overnight shifts.
- The ability and experience to work independently while providing one-to-one support.
- Experience supporting people with disability and complex mental health needs.
- A genuine interest in mentoring and helping participants build confidence, independence and practical life skills.
- Patience, empathy, consistency and the ability to establish appropriate qualified relationships.
- Reliability, punctuality, honesty and a strong work ethic.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Sound interpersonal, problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills.




- The ability to remain calm and use approved de-escalation strategies during challenging situations.
- The ability to work collaboratively with participants, families, guardians and multidisciplinary teams.
- Respect for diversity, culture, identity, personal preferences and individual rights.
- Sound knowledge of professional boundaries, confidentiality, safeguarding and duty of care.
- Experience in medication management, dietary support, manual handling, mobility assistance and personal care is highly desirable.

Qualifications, screening and licence requirements The successful applicant must hold or obtain:

- Certificate III or IV in Individual Support, Disability, Mental Health, Youth Work, Community Services or another relevant qualification.
- Current First Aid and CPR certificates.
- Current medication assistance and manual handling training.
- Mental Health First Aid and MAPA or other approved de-escalation training, where required.
- A current NDIS Worker Screening Check.
- A current Working with Children Check where the position involves supporting children or young people.
- Any other screening clearances required for the participant group or service.
- A current National Police Check.
- A current and unrestricted driver’s licence.
- Reliable access to a registered, roadworthy and appropriately insured vehicle.
- Valid Australian work rights.
- Completion of the NDIS Worker Orientation Module and other mandatory organisational training.
- Compliance with Senami’s current infection-control, health and vaccination requirements.

Key performance expectations Performance in this position will be assessed according to:

- Participant safety, dignity, wellbeing and satisfaction.
- Progress towards participant goals and greater independence.
- Quality, accuracy and timeliness of case notes and other documentation.
- Compliance with participant plans, policies, procedures and lawful directions.
- Attendance, punctuality, reliability and communication.
- Maintenance of confidentiality and professional boundaries.
- Participation in training, supervision and team meetings.
- Effective communication and collaboration with colleagues and relevant stakeholders.

Pay: $42.00 – $55.00 per hour

Advantages

- Professional development assistance

Education:
- Certificate I - IV (Preferred)

Licence/Certification:
- Driver Licence (Required)

Work Authorisation:
- Australia (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

📌 Mental Health Support Worker (Adelaide)
🏢 Senami Counselling
📍 Adelaide