Support Worker – High Emotional Intelligence | Complex Mental Health | Weekday, Weekend & Overnight Shifts
We are seeking an experienced and highly emotionally intelligent Support Worker to provide consistent, person-centred support to a participant with complex mental health and emotional regulation needs.
This role is suited to someone who is calm, intuitive and confident working in situations that may require de-escalation, emotional regulation support and a trauma-informed approach.
The successful applicant will have demonstrated experience and/or relevant qualifications in disability support, mental health, psychosocial disability, trauma-informed practice or a related field.
We are looking for someone who can build genuine rapport, recognise changes in mood and behaviour, respond appropriately to triggers and provide support without judgement, while maintaining clear professional boundaries.
About the Role
You will provide one-on-one support with day-to-day living, emotional regulation, community participation and maintaining a safe and supportive environment.
The role requires a Support Worker who can read situations well, recognise subtle changes in presentation, identify potential triggers and respond proactively rather than reactively.
You will be expected to use a trauma-informed, person-centred approach and have the confidence and skills to support someone experiencing heightened emotions, distress or challenging situations.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide high-quality, person-centred support tailored to the participant’s individual needs, preferences and routines
- Apply trauma-informed principles in all interactions
- Support a participant with complex mental health
- Assist with emotional regulation and distress management
- Utilise appropriate de-escalation and preventative strategies
- Recognise early warning signs, behavioural changes and potential triggers
- Remain calm, grounded and professional during periods of heightened emotion or distress
- Assist with daily living activities, including personal care, household tasks and meal preparation where required
- Facilitate community access, social participation and meaningful activities
- Encourage independence while providing appropriate structure, consistency and reassurance
- Maintain clear, accurate and objective progress notes and handover communication
- Follow individual support plans, behaviour support strategies and organisational procedures
- Work collaboratively with family members, Support Coordinators, clinicians and the broader care team
- Maintain appropriate professional boundaries while developing genuine rapport and trust
- Participate in inactive overnight (sleepover) shifts when required
About You
We are looking for someone who genuinely understands that how you respond can be just as important as what you do.
You will have:
- Demonstrated experience supporting people with complex mental health needs
- Experience working with psychosocial disability and/or complex behaviours
- Demonstrated experience using de-escalation strategies
- Experience applying trauma-informed approaches to support
- Relevant qualifications in disability, mental health, community services, individual support or a related field, or substantial relevant industry experience
- High emotional intelligence and the ability to recognise subtle verbal and non-verbal cues
- A calm, patient and grounded nature
- The ability to remain composed and non-reactive in challenging situations
- Strong understanding of professional boundaries
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- The ability to build trust and rapport while maintaining professional boundaries
- A consistent and reliable approach to support
- The ability to balance empathy, flexibility, structure and routine
- Confidence working independently while communicating effectively with the broader support team
- A genuine commitment to supporting the participant’s independence, wellbeing and quality of life
Requirements
- Demonstrated experience in complex mental health and/or psychosocial disability support
- Demonstrated experience in de-escalation and supporting individuals experiencing emotional distress
- Trauma-informed practice experience and/or relevant training
- Relevant qualifications in Mental Health, Individual Support, Disability, Community Services or a related field, and/or substantial relevant experience
- Current NDIS Worker Screening Clearance (Yellow Card) or willingness to obtain
- Current First Aid and CPR, or willingness to obtain
- Manual Handling and Medication Assistance training highly regarded
- Valid Australian driver’s licence
- Reliable vehicle and willingness to transport the participant where required
- Ability to provide relevant professional references
Availability
The successful applicant must be available for:
- Weekday shifts
- Weekend shifts
- Inactive overnight (sleepover) shifts
- Consistent and ongoing availability
Flexibility with hours is highly valued.
Please outline your regular weekday, weekend and overnight availability in your application.
What We Offer
- Consistent and ongoing shifts
- Opportunity to build a genuine, long-term working relationship with the participant
- Supportive and respectful working environment
- Collaborative care team
- Meaningful work where your skills and approach can make a genuine difference
- Competitive pay based on experience and applicable shift type
If you are an experienced Support Worker with a strong understanding of complex mental health, trauma-informed practice and de-escalation, and you pride yourself on being calm, emotionally intelligent and consistent, we would love to hear from you.
Job Type: Casual
Pay: $30.00 – $70.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
