If you have a genuine passion for supporting and empowering children and families, and you want to see the difference that your work makes, then Ability Action Australia is the place for you.
As a Key Worker at Ability Action Australia, you will join our Early Childhood Team to support children aged 0-9 and their parents and carers. It’s interesting and meaningful work that makes a positive impact on the lives of children and families, and delivers on our purpose: to support people to get more out of life today.
“I love a lot of things about this job. But the thing I love the most is that we’re actually changing lives. And it’s a ripple effect. So, we’re changing the parents’ lives, we’re changing the child’s life, and we’re changing their entire learning trajectory. Even the smallest change makes a huge difference.”
Annette, Ability Action Australia Key Worker
Want to learn more? Let’s explore the role of a Key Worker
What does a Key Worker do?
A Key Worker supports children living with disability or developmental delay and their parents and carers. Key Workers are part of Ability Action Australia’s Early Childhood Team.
While every day is different, a Key Worker will:
- Get to know the child and their parents, carers and family to help determine what support they need and how this could be delivered.
- Work on various developmental skills and goals with the child at the same time (for example, toileting and communication).
- Coach and upskill the people involved in the child’s care while they work with the child, so that there is a consistent and coordinated approach to supporting the child in any setting (and ongoing as needed).
- Be the key contact for families navigating the NDIS and accessing appropriate supports for their child.
- Be a part of, and take the lead role, in a supportive team wrapped around a child, which includes other Early Childhood Educators, Allied Health Professionals (such as Occupational Therapists and Speech Pathologists) and Positive Behaviour Support Practitioners.
- Recommend and coordinate the inclusion of other allied health professionals as required.
- Provide supports to the child under the guidance of other allied health professionals.
- Engage in all interactions with the child and family, from the initial contact, interviews, assessments, goal setting, and reports.
- Work with the family at a location that suits the child and family. This could be at the child’s home or at another everyday environment such as a childcare centre, school, community or sports centre, or local park or shops.
Who can be a Key Worker?
A Key Worker is a person who is passionate about working with children and families.
They hold tertiary qualifications in allied health, early childhood education or teaching, and are looking for a way to utilise their skills in a direct and meaningful way.
Many Key Workers have lived experience of disability or caring for a person with disability, bringing empathy and an increased understanding of the importance of NDIS support to their role.
They may be a parent themselves, or have experience in the care, support and development of a child, though this is certainly not essential.
What attributes make a good Key Worker?
As they go about their important work, Key Workers will draw on their:
- Patience: When working with children and families, Key Workers can be presented with challenging behaviours and emotions that require a calm, mature and professional approach.
- Flexibility: Every child, and family, is unique. What works for one may not work for another. Being adaptable and open to trying different strategies is important.
- Empathy: Being able to put yourself in someone else’s shoes will support you in building rapport and trust, with both the child and their family.
- Communication Skills: Being attentive, fully engaged and actively listening when children and family members express themselves will help to gain valuable insights into their needs.
- Collaboration Skills: Working collaboratively with family members, educators, and other therapists and professionals will enhance the overall support system for the child.
What benefits are on offer?
Ability Action Australia provides an industry-leading benefits package to ensure that your work is appreciated and rewarded. You will enjoy above-market salary packages and a stream of meaningful extra benefits, including:
Flexibility
We have embraced flexibility and agile working, allowing you to balance your important work with the rest of your life.
On the Move Support
We provide you with a car allowance, laptop and smartphone so that you have everything you need to deliver support wherever it suits the child and the family.
Salary Packaging
Take your pre-tax dollars further with access to a range of salary packaging options.
Novated Leasing
Our team members have the option to finance their vehicle through novated leasing.
Learning and Development
Access ongoing professional development, training sessions and seminars aligned to your Key Worker role and career goals.
Career Opportunities
Seize opportunities to move within and across our family of businesses to broaden your skills, experience and support your career progression.
Uplifting Culture
We are proud of our positive, supportive and collaborative workplaces where we develop close relationships, trust and empower our people.
And much more!
Learn more about how we support you as you go about your work via our team benefits page.
How does Ability Action Australia support my ongoing professional development?
We really do invest in our people. As a Key Worker at Ability Action Australia, you will enjoy:
- A Comprehensive Induction Program: Led by our experienced paediatric team, this program ensures you gain the necessary knowledge to deliver a high quality and compliant service.
- Professional Development: Targeted training opportunities for skill and knowledge development in relation to the Key Worker Model and Early Childhood Approach.
- Clinical Supervision: Regular individual and group supervision sessions led by our dedicated paediatric team.
- Multidisciplinary Learning: Exposure to and learning from our multi-disciplinary team and Allied Health Clinical Leads, to enhance the effectiveness of the support you provide.
- Leadership Program: Our parent company MedHealth offers unique opportunities for progression along with our Leadership Program.
