Position Title
Unit Manager – Supported Independent Living (SIL)
Reports To
Chief Operations Manager
Direct Reports
- Disability Support Workers
- Casual/Agency Staff (as required)
Location
Supported Independent Living (SIL) residences and administrative offices
Position Summary
The Unit Manager is responsible for the overall leadership, coordination, and operational management of a Supported Independent Living (SIL) service unit. This role ensures the delivery of high-quality, person-centred supports aligned with NDIS Practice Standards, organisational policies, and individual participant goals.
The Unit Manager oversees staffing, rostering, compliance, participant wellbeing, restrictive practices, and collaboration with multidisciplinary stakeholders to ensure safe, effective, and sustainable service delivery.
Key Responsibilities
1. Service Delivery & Participant Outcomes
- Ensure delivery of person-centred supports aligned with participant goals and NDIS plans
- Promote independence, dignity of risk, and choice and control for participants
- Monitor participant outcomes and adjust support strategies as required
- Ensure documentation (progress notes, incident reports, care plans) is accurate and compliant
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives within the SIL service
2. Development of Roster of Care (Master & Operational)Master Roster Development
- Design and maintain a Master Roster of Care that reflects:
- Participant funding levels and support ratios
- SIL quotes and service agreements
- Participant routines, preferences, and behavioural support needs
- Sleepover/active night requirements
- Ensure alignment with NDIS pricing arrangements and organisational budgets
- Integrate funding constraints into roster design to ensure financial sustainability
- Regularly review the Master Roster in line with funding utilisation and participant plan changes
Operational Roster Implementation
- Translate the Master Roster into operational/weekly rosters
- Adjust rosters dynamically to respond to:
- Participant needs and changes in support requirements
- Staff availability, leave, and unplanned absences
- Ensure continuity of care and minimal disruption to participants
- Monitor roster efficiency, overtime, and agency usage
3. Workforce Planning & Rostering
- Lead rostering processes using workforce management systems
- Ensure appropriate skill mix across shifts (e.g., medication competency, behaviour support experience)
- Manage staff availability, leave planning, and shift allocations
- Minimise reliance on casual or agency staff while maintaining safe staffing levels
- Approve timesheets and monitor labour costs against budget
- Ensure compliance with SCHADS Award, Fair Work requirements, and organisational policies
4. Funding Management, Monitoring & Reviews
- Monitor and manage participant funding utilisation in line with approved NDIS plans
- Ensure supports delivered align with funded supports, service agreements, and SIL quotes
- Track expenditure against budgets to prevent underutilisation or overspend of funds
- Analyse financial performance of each SIL house, including:
- Staffing cost vs revenue
- Ratio compliance vs funding
- Agency usage impact
- Collaborate with Finance and Plan Management teams to reconcile billing and service delivery
Funding Optimisation
- Identify risks related to funding shortfalls or inefficiencies
- Adjust rosters and support models to remain within funded limits while maintaining quality care
- Escalate funding gaps or sustainability risks to senior management
Plan Reviews & Reassessments
- Prepare detailed reports and evidence for NDIS plan reviews, including:
- Progress against goals
- Support needs and risks
- Justification for continuation or increase of supports
- Contribute to reassessment processes (e.g., SIL reviews, change in circumstances)
- Liaise with Support Coordinators and families to advocate for appropriate funding levels
Data & Reporting
- Maintain accurate records of service delivery to support claims and audits
- Use data insights (incidents, behaviours, care needs) to inform funding discussions
- Ensure transparency and accountability in funding usage
5. Restrictive Practices & Behaviour Support
- Ensure all restrictive practices comply with: NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission requirements State/Territory authorisation processes
- Oversee implementation of Behaviour Support Plans (BSPs)
- Monitor and report on use of restrictive practices (e.g., environmental, physical, chemical)
- Ensure all practices are: Least restrictive, Time-limited, Regularly reviewed
- Coordinate data collection and reporting for behaviour support practitioners
- Provide staff training and coaching in positive behaviour support strategies
- Lead incident reviews and ensure appropriate follow-up actions
6. Multidisciplinary Team Collaboration
- Coordinate and lead multidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings involving:
- Behaviour Support Practitioners
- Allied Health Professionals (OTs, Speech Pathologists, Psychologists)
- Support Coordinators
- Families/Guardians
- Ensure clear communication of participant goals, risks, and support strategies
- Track and follow up on action items from MDT meetings
- Advocate for participant needs and service improvements
- Facilitate case reviews and escalation of complex matters
7. Referral, Intake & Onboarding of New Participants
- Manage referral processes in collaboration with intake teams
- Assess suitability of referrals for SIL services (capacity, compatibility, risk, funding adequacy)
- Participate in intake assessments and transition planning
- Evaluate financial viability of new placements within existing house models
Onboarding
- Coordinate onboarding processes, including:
- Development of individual support plans
- Risk assessments and care documentation
- Staff briefings and participant-specific training
- Alignment of roster of care with participant funding
- Ensure smooth transition into the SIL environment with minimal disruption
- Engage with participants, families, and stakeholders to establish expectations and rapport
8. Leadership & Staff Management
- Provide leadership, supervision, and performance management to staff
- Conduct regular team meetings, supervision sessions, and performance reviews
- Support staff development through coaching and training
- Foster a positive, inclusive, and accountable team culture
- Manage employee relations issues in collaboration with HR
- Ensure staff compliance with mandatory training and competencies
9. Quality, Compliance & Risk Management
- Ensure compliance with:
- NDIS Practice Standards
- Work Health & Safety (WHS) legislation
- Organisational policies and procedures
- Oversee incident management and reporting
- Conduct audits and participate in external audits
- Identify risks and implement mitigation strategies
- Ensure safe environments for participants and staff
10. Financial & Operational Management
- Monitor service budgets, staffing costs, and resource allocation
- Ensure efficient use of funding within participant plans
- Align roster structures with financial sustainability targets
- Identify cost-saving opportunities while maintaining quality care
- Contribute to service growth and occupancy planning
Key Selection CriteriaEssential
- Relevant qualification in Disability, Community Services, Nursing, or related field
- Demonstrated experience in SIL or disability service management
- Strong understanding of NDIS Practice Standards and Quality Indicators
- Proven experience in rostering and funding management
- Knowledge of restrictive practices and behaviour support frameworks
- Strong financial and analytical skills in service delivery contexts
- Proven leadership and team management experience
Desirable
- Experience managing complex behaviours and high-support participants
- Knowledge of SCHADS Award and workforce compliance
- Experience with rostering and financial management systems
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Participant outcomes and satisfaction
- Compliance with NDIS standards and audit results
- Effective roster and funding utilisation
- Budget adherence and financial sustainability of SIL houses
- Reduction in incidents and restrictive practices
- Staff retention, engagement, and performance
- Successful onboarding and funding alignment of new participants
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: From $40.00 per hour
Experience:
- SIL Unit Management/Team Leader: 2 years (Required)
Licence/Certification:
- Driver Licence (Required)
Work Location: In person
