4 Respite Care
3 Social Support and Community Engagement
Direct Support Worker- Domestic Services (Domestic Assistant) ENTRY LEVEL POSITION
Part Time, $26.30 per hour
Redlands, Logan, Ipswich (ALL Locations available)
STAR Community Services
Are you looking for a career which makes a difference to the lives of others. Do you want to make an impact, support the elderly and those with disabilities? Choose STAR Community Services.
Are you looking for casual / part-time work or a career path where you make a positive impact on the lives of others? This role will see you working in the community. STAR Community Services is looking for enthusiastic and dedicated Domestic Assistants to join our team in Redlands, Southern Morton Bay Islands, Logan, Ipswich & Gold Coast. STAR Community Services LTD is a leading not-for-profit organization providing transport, aged care, and disability support services to the elderly, frail, and those with disabilities. We are proud to support members of our community enjoy a healthier, independent life. We are currently servicing Redlands, Ipswich, Logan, Gold Coast & Toowoomba areas.
About the Role
- The Direct Support Worker/ Domestic Assistant provides high-quality in-home assistance to elderly and disabled participants of STAR Community Services, enabling them to maintain independence and quality of life in their own homes. This role involves
- delivering person-centred care and support across multiple service areas – domestic assistance, social engagement, transport and meal prep.
- The DSW_DA Worker assists with daily living activities and promotes participant dignity,
choice and well-being. A compassionate, respectful approach is required, as well as flexibility to meet diverse participant needs.
- The holder of this position requires agility in movement, to enable them to complete the inherent requirements of the role. The holder must ensure they always use correct manual handling techniques, and must be able to bend, squat, kneelKey Responsibilities
1. Everyday Living – Domestic Assistance
- Perform essential light cleaning tasks including mopping, vacuuming, dusting, dishwashing, cleaning
- bathrooms and kitchens and wiping down surfaces to ensure the home is safe and liveable, per theparticipants care plan.
- Provide laundry services: washing, drying, folding, and ironing of personal clothing and household linens to ensure participants have clean attire and bedding.
- Assist with shopping tasks
- Accompanied shopping trips to support independence and social engagement, helping participantsto select items and manage purchases
- Unaccompanied shopping based on a participant’s list to ensure food and essentials are maintained.
2. Hoarding and squalor- Domestic Assistance
Provide initial, non-specialist support to participants living in environments impacted by hoarding and/or squalor, in line with care plans and organisational guidelines. Duties include:
- Assist with basic decluttering and cleaning tasks in low-risk areas to improve immediate safety, access, and
- liveability (e.g. removal of rubbish, clearing walkways, surface cleaning).
- Work collaboratively with participants using a person-centred, non-judgemental, and trauma-informed approach, respecting autonomy, readiness for change, and dignity.
- Support participants to take small, achievable steps toward improving their environment, encouraging engagement without causing distress.
- Identify and report risks and hazards (e.g. biohazards, structural issues, fire risks, infestations) promptly to the supervisor.
- Maintain strict adherence to infection control, PPE use, and manual handling protocols when undertaking cleaning tasks.
- Recognise scope limitations and escalate complex or high-risk situations (e.g. severe squalor, mental health concerns, unsafe restructures) to appropriate internal teams or external specialist services.
- Document all activities, observations, and participant interactions accurately in case notes, including environmental risks and participant progress.
- Support coordination with other services (eg. case managers, specialist cleaning providers) as directed.
NOTE: This role provides early-stage, low intensity support only and does not include specialist hoarding intervention, deep cleaning of hazardous environments or waste removal requiring specialised equipment or licensing.
3. Social Support and Community Engagement
- Social Support (group & Individual) Facilitate and accompany participants to appointments, social activities, outings and community programs (both group and one-on-one) to foster connectionparticipate in community life and reduce isolation.
- Cultural support: Provide culturally appropriate care by respecting and accommodating participants’backgrounds and traditions, liaising with community or cultural support services where needed. Assistparticipants from diverse backgrounds (including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, LGBTIcommunities, and CALD populations) to engage in culturally meaningful events and services.
4. Respite Care
- Offer short-term, in-home or community-based supervision and care to give relief to informal carers.
- Ensure the participant is safe, supported, and engaged during respite periods.
- Deliver both individual and group-based respite tailored to participant needs.
5. Transport Assistance
- Provide direct transport to appointments, shopping, or community activities using a personal vehicle.
- Assist participants with entering / exiting vehicles and use of seatbelts or mobility aids.
- Assist participants in accessing and safely navigating transport services to maintain their independence and participation.
- Comply with all road safety, licensing and infection-control standards while transporting participants.6 Digital Education and Support
- Assist participants to use technology (e.g. smartphones, tablets, video calls) for communication, online
- activities, includes shopping or telehealth, improving digital literacy and social inclusion via digitalcommunity programs
- Help participants build basic digital skills to access essential services and maintain social connections.
7. Assistance with Personal Affairs
- Support participants to manage personal administration tasks such as paying bills, reading
- correspondence, or making appointments.
- Assist in accessing interpreting services and connect participants with appropriate advocacy or community organisations when needed.
- Personal affairs: Under the wellness and reablement model, support the participants to manage personal affairs, such as paying bills, mailing, banking or organising small household tasks.
8. Meals
- Meal preparation: Provide support to plan and prepare nutritious meals in participants’ homes according to dietary requirements, nutrition or meal time support requirements and preferences (e.g. texturemodifications, cultural diets). Ensure safe food handling and hygiene at all times.
- Mealtime support: Engage participants during meals to promote independence with eating (e.g. offering verbal prompts or assistance), monitoring intake and dietary needs.Any other responsibilities appropriate to the role, as required and agreed upon with the supervisor.
Key Performance Indicators
1. Service Delivery - Deliver support services in line with individual care plans and STAR Community Services’ standards. Achieve a minimum 95% punctuality and completion rate for scheduled participant appointments. Maintain a participant satisfaction rating of 90% or above in feedback surveys.
2. Compliance and Documentation-Complete all required documentation (e.g., case notes, incident reports, timesheets) accurately and on the same day of service delivery. Maintain full compliance with STAR’s policies, procedures, and relevant legislation (e.g., Aged Care Quality Standards, NDIS Quality and Safeguarding Framework, WHS requirements). Report all incidents, near misses, and hazards within 24 hours.
3. Professionalism and Conduct-Demonstrate alignment with STAR’s values in all interactions and maintain a professional image when representing the organization. Maintain privacy, confidentiality, and dignity in accordance with STAR’s Code of Conduct and relevant legislation.
4. Teamwork and Collaboration-Actively participate in team meetings, supervision sessions, and peer support activities. Respond to internal communication (e.g., emails, rostering, case notes updates) within same day of service delivery.
5. Continuous Improvement and Development- Attend and complete 100% mandatory training. Contribute a minimum of two service improvement ideas or participant feedback insights per year.
6. Health and Safety- Adhere to all WHS protocols, including proper use of PPE and safe manual handling practices. Zero tolerance for preventable safety breaches or failure to follow risk management protocols.
Qualifications And/Or Experience
Essential:
- Minimum 1–2 years’ experience in domestic assistance, cleaning.
- Demonstrated ability to follow care plans, maintain documentation, and comply with organisational and legislative requirements.
- Strong time management, reliability and attention to detail in service delivery.
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to engage with participants, families and colleagues with professionalism and empathy, including supporting participants with complex and or vulnerable needs.
- Capacity to Work Autonomously and as Part of a Team Demonstrated ability to operate independently within well-defined service the Aged Care Quality Standards and the NDIS Quality and Safeguarding Framework. procedures and contribute effectively in a team-based environment.
- Organisational and Administrative Competence Sound time management, record keeping, and basic numerical skills necessary for maintaining documentation, scheduling, and reporting as per STAR’s procedures.
- Digital and Technological Proficiency Intermediate computer skills and experience using mobile devices, online platforms, and participant management systems in line with administrative duties typical to this role.
- Commitment to Continuous Improvement and Safe Practice Proven ability to follow WHS protocols, participate in quality improvement activities, and implement feedback to enhance service delivery.
- Alignment with STAR Community Services' Mission and Values
- Demonstrated personal and professional alignment with the values of inclusion, respect, empowerment, and community service.
Benefits for joining STAR:
Salary Packaging
Being part of a culture that makes a daily difference in people's lives.
The opportunity to work with an extended supportive team of passionate and dedicated professionals
A chance to be part of one of Queensland’s most well respected and recognised non-profit organisations
Exceptional support from a proactive management team.
How to Apply:
If you’re passionate about making a difference in aged care and have the skills and heart for this role, we’d love to hear from you! To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter, detailing your qualifications and experience to [email protected]
STAR Community Services is an equal-opportunity employer, celebrating diversity and fostering an inclusive work environment.
Pay: $26.30 per hour
Benefits:
Work Location: In person
