YAY Today is looking for an experienced, engaging and genuinely caring Support Worker to support a young participant based in Highett.
This is an opportunity for someone who enjoys building genuine relationships, sharing interests and making everyday activities fun and meaningful.
We are looking for someone who is patient, creative, energetic, reliable and genuinely interested in getting to know the person they support.
The right person will understand that great support isn't about simply completing tasks or supervising — it's about building trust, encouraging independence and helping someone feel confident, connected and supported.
The ideal Support Worker
We are looking for someone who can genuinely join in rather than simply observe.
You will ideally:
- Have a genuine interest in gaming and technology, particularly Nintendo Switch and YouTube
- Enjoy talking about space, astronomy, science and documentaries
- Be happy to play games, explore interests and participate alongside the participant
- Enjoy drawing, LEGO, Play-Doh, arts and crafts, board games and creative activities
- Have a good sense of humour and enjoy a bit of fun
- Be energetic and willing to encourage gentle community participation
- Enjoy activities such as mini golf, movies, parks and libraries
- Be curious and willing to learn about new and sometimes very specific interests
- Be accepting and respectful of individuality and self-expression
- Be able to turn everyday activities into opportunities for connection and learning
You don't need to be an expert gamer, scientist or astronomer. What matters most is your willingness to get involved, be curious and share the person's interests.
Your approach matters
The participant responds best to support workers who are:
- Calm, patient and emotionally regulated
- Warm, respectful and approachable
- Consistent and reliable
- Comfortable using a low-demand approach
- Able to give the person time to process information and respond
- Flexible when plans change
- Able to use interests and motivation to encourage engagement
- Comfortable supporting transitions and changes in routine
- Focused on building rapport before placing demands
- Able to recognise that behaviour is a form of communication
- Encouraging of independence and decision-making
You will also need to be confident working within Positive Behaviour Support strategies, particularly around digital devices and highly preferred activities. The focus is on proactive engagement, structure, positive strategies and relationship-based support, rather than confrontation.
Experience and skills
To be successful in this role, you will have:
- Minimum 2 years' experience working as an NDIS Support Worker
- Previous SIL experience
- Experience supporting people with complex support needs
- Understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorder and psychosocial disability
- Experience implementing Positive Behaviour Support strategies
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Good documentation and reporting skills
- A calm and professional approach
- The ability to work independently while contributing positively to a broader support team
Experience with mental health, emotional regulation, anxiety support and supporting people with complex behaviours will be highly regarded.
Essential requirements
- Current NDIS Worker Screening Check
- Working with Children Check
- Current Australian Driver Licence
- Reliable and comprehensively insured vehicle
- Current First Aid and CPR Certificate
- Australian working rights
Why join YAY Today?
At YAY Today, we believe great support starts with great people.
We provide:
Consistent support work opportunities
Supportive leadership and ongoing guidance
Ongoing training and professional development
Career progression opportunities
Employee wellbeing support
Competitive hourly rates
A positive and collaborative workplace
Most importantly, you'll have the opportunity to build a genuine and meaningful relationship with the person you support.
Apply now
If you are an experienced Support Worker who is patient, creative, reliable, engaging and genuinely enjoys spending time with the people you support, we'd love to hear from you.
If you enjoy gaming, technology, creativity, science, movies, getting out into the community — or simply have the personality to turn someone's interests into meaningful connection — this could be the perfect opportunity for you.
Join YAY Today and help bring a little more yay to someone's everyday life.
Job Type: Casual
Pay: $35.00 – $45.00 per hour
Licence/Certification:
- First Aid Certification (Preferred)
- Working with Children Check (Preferred)
- National Police Certificate (Preferred)
- Driver Licence (Preferred)
Work Authorisation:
Work Location: In person
