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A career as a support worker

A career as a disability support worker can be challenging. It’s also an extremely rewarding career path where you’ll make a real difference and add value to people’s lives.

What’s more, since the launch of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), thousands of new support worker jobs have been created, with ongoing opportunities for the future.

Why should I consider a career as a support worker?

As a disability support worker, you’ll make a positive difference in other people’s lives. If you like variety, you can expect each day as a support worker to be different and offer an abundance of learning experiences.

It may not always be easy but the joy of supporting others will keep you interested and motivated. 

Being a support worker also offers great work-life balance, where you can work hours to suit your schedule. There are plenty of job opportunities, with an 70,000 new NDIS support worker jobs expected in the next three years alone.

What will the job consist of?

The amount of assistance you’ll provide will vary depending on the abilities and the health of the person you’re working with.

A disability support worker provides daily personal, physical, and emotional support.

Daily tasks in a support worker role could consist of: developing programs to support clients to develop the skills they need to live independently; organising and going on social outings; completing household tasks; being a companion and offering support during daily activities; helping people with disability maintain contact with family and friends; and helping develop and maintain independence and safety in personal care, health care and hygiene.

 What qualifications and experience do I need?

Anyone with the passion and drive to help others can become a disability support worker, even if you do not have any previous experience or qualifications. Completing a Certificate III and IV in Disability Work can improve your employment opportunities and may also lead to management and team leader roles with organisations such as Nextt.

At Nextt, we are looking for support workers to join our team. We aim to create a culture of proven excellence, with a focus on creating high-value and personalised support systems designed to help our clients get more out of life. We employ support workers who are compassionate, reliable, and flexible, with a willingness to go above and beyond. Our training programs have been designed to guide our employees through all the vital learning and development to become an exceptional support worker.

For further information on becoming a support worker download our free guide, or contact us on 1300 576 097 and receive advice from one of our friendly team members.

 

 

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Victorian COVID-19 restrictions

Victorian Coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions

Nextt provides essential disability support services to our valued participants. Services will continue with the following additional restrictions in place:

  • Documentation All employees have been issued Essential Services Letters.
  • Support Workers Infection Prevention and Control – Support Workers have been issued with PPE, i.e. surgical mask, will observe physical distancing where possible, practice universal infection control, handwashing.
  • Shifts – activities during the shift should be in line with government advice and be for one of the four reasons stipulated
  • Shopping for necessary goods and services (one person per household, once per day, a support person can accompany if required)
  • Caregiving or compassionate reasons
  • Essential work or permitted education
  • Exercise (can leave for two hours of exercise)

Lockdown will end midnight Wednesday at this stage.

Please click here to see the full list of Victorian Premier restrictions.

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Tips to reach your NDIS goals

One of the most important things you need to do when preparing for your planning meeting is to think about your current and future goals.

Goals are the things you want to achieve through the support of your disability services provider.

Your goals might include a range of different things, such as becoming more independent, learning new skills, enrolling in a course or training, becoming more active in the community or building your relationships with friends and family.

To make sure your NDIS plan really benefits you, you should try to make your goals as specific as possible.

 

Clearly defining your goals

Clearly defining your goals from the beginning will help ensure your NDIS plan reflects the supports you need to achieve your objectives.

Your goals can be broken down into short-term goals – that can usually be achieved in under 12 months – and medium to long-term goals that may take a number of years to achieve.

Examples of short-term goals might include:

  • Using public transport by yourself to go to the shops
  • Starting a course
  • Going out with friends

Examples of medium-term goals might include:

  • Developing your communication skills
  • Finding a job
  • Developing better social skills.
  • Joining community groups

Examples of long-term goals might include:

  • Moving out of home and getting a place of your own
  • Maintaining or improving your health.
  • Becoming more independent.
  • Building the skills needed to learn better at school or university.

Talk to an NDIS representative

You will be in contact with an NDIS representative at different stages of your NDIS journey.  NDIS representatives will provide you with guidance on things like registering with the NDIS scheme and conducting scheduled reviews of your plan.  Your NDIS representative can also offer general support on how best to bring your NDIS plan to life.

 

Get support from an NDIS Support Coordinator

NDIS Support Coordinators can support you to get the most from the NDIS scheme.

An NDIS Support Coordinator can assist you to work towards your identified goals and achieve your outcomes. Click here to find out more about NDIS Support Coordination through Nextt.

 

Don’t wait to review your plan

Your plan will be reviewed at regular intervals to make sure you are on track to achieving your goals and that your goals are still relevant. The NDIS website states that “it is expected that your first plan review will take place after your first 12 months in the scheme. Plan reviews can then be scheduled up to two years apart dependent on personal circumstances and goals.”

A lot can happen in two years. If your goals change between your scheduled reviews, you should consider reviewing your plan yourself, and advise the NDIS if you wish to change it. Continual self-assessment will ensure your plan stays relevant to your changing situation.

Getting the most out of your NDIS plan is about knowing where you are at personally and seeking expert support when you need it.

 

The Nextt Indie platform

A first of its kind in Australia, our Nextt Indie platform allows us to clearly capture our client’s goals and measures their progress to reaching these goals. It lets us know if we are being effective in our support or if we need to make improvements to our service.  It also supports our to clients know if they are making progress towards achieving their goals.

We are extremely proud of Nextt Indie, as it aligns with our core purpose of supporting our clients  to “get more out of life”.

 

Nextt are a registered provider for the National Disability Insurance Scheme. Our Disability and Mental Health Support Services help you get the most out of your NDIS plan while ensuring the services you choose deliver on your needs, expectations and goals.

Contact the friendly Nextt team for more information.

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Queensland Government announcements on Greater Brisbane COVID-19 restrictions

Queensland Government announcements on Greater Brisbane COVID-19 restrictions

Nextt is committed to continuity of essential services support to all our clients.

From 6pm Friday 8 January to 6pm Monday 11 January, the following areas are asked to stay home unless it is for essential reasons. 

  • Brisbane
  • Ipswich
  • Moreton Bay
  • Redlands
  • Logan

There are four reasons that people can leave home

  • To buy essentials like groceries or medication
  • Work or study if you can’t do so from home
  • Exercise
  • Healthcare or to provide care including essential disability services

Nextt will continue to provide services in line with this advice. All workers will be provided surgical masks and will wear them during the provision of support to you/your loved one.

Nextt have been working hard nationally to keep all clients we support safe and well at this time. This includes:

  • Infection Control Training
  • Daily National Briefings to stay on top of state and medical advice
  • Responsive communication to our workforce on their obligations to keep you safe
  • Provision of PPE to workers

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us on 

Brisbane Office: (07) 3498 6320

We want to again thank all those who are in lockdown for this period. What you are doing is not just protecting you and your loved ones but everyone in the state of Queensland.

Please also see below some helpful information:

Disability Information Helpline

Call for information and referrals for people with disability who need help because of coronavirus (COVID-19). You can call Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm (AEST). The helpline is not available on national public holidays. Family members, carers, support workers and services can also call.

1800 643 787   

 http://www.dss.gov.au/disabilityhelp

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Lachlan’s Torch Run

Our wonderful client Lachlan was asked to be a part of the Torch Run through the city, as part of International Day of People with Disability in Brisbane City on Thursday 3rd December.

Lachlan is an athlete and member of the Special Olympics Team.  He participates in both swimming and basketball and has achieved many trophies and medals which he proudly displays in his home.

From everyone at Nextt, congratulations Lachlan!  We are all extremely proud of everything you have achieved, and we are thrilled to share your news here.

 

Here Lachlan is seen carrying the Torch through the city of Brisbane, assisted by local police and friends.

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How we celebrated IDPwD across the country

Nextt came together to celebrate International Day of People with Disability across the nation.

Nextt came together to celebrate International Day of People with Disability across the nation. There were a range of events held in our offices and SIL houses, including our QLD Eight Mile Plains office morning tea event with some of their wonderful clients and Support Workers. 

Check out the photos below to see what we all got up to on this important day.

Chippendale Sydney

Our NSW Chippendale office hosted a morning tea with a special guest speaker, our client Sandra. Sandra shared her story and completely inspired our team!

Carlingford Sydney

In Carlingford our SIL team and clients celebrated with a morning tea dressed in their best orange and blue. 

 

Broadmeadow, Newcastle

Pictured here are Emma Bradshaw, our client Gabrielle, and Casey Birch celebrating with a morning tea at our Supported Independent Living Home at Broadmeadow NSW.

Belfield Sydney

To celebrate International Day of People with Disability we held a special breakfast celebration at one of supported accommodation homes in Belfield. Pictured here left to right (back row) Accommodation Manager Ali Delgado, Darrel, House Leader Keith Crowley-Mills, (front row) Va, Support worker Noah and Rachel.

Baulkham Hills

Our Baulkham Hills office celebrated the day with a few special guests, our client Carol and her sister Joanne. Carol shared her journey with the team. She is such a strong, positive, and wonderful soul!

Adelaide

Our plans for Brunch in the Park in Adelaide to support International Day of People with Disability were cancelled due to COVID – but we are looking forward to rescheduling to early next year. Here is just a taste (get it), of what’s in store with some cookies we had ordered to help celebrate the event.

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This year’s Nextt Christmas Cards

We’re very excited to show the artwork for this year’s Nextt Christmas card.

The artwork on this card was designed by Laurie, one of our amazing clients.  For the last three years, Laurie has been using painting as a medium to help her heal and cope with mental health challenges.

Art has always been a part of Laurie’s life to some degree, and it has become a major part of her recovery journey.  Since putting brush to canvas, Laurie’s life has become much more positive.  It has reignited her passion and she’s loving every minute of it. 

Laurie has a Facebook page called “Art by Laurie” where she showcases her original artworks.

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Official opening of Oak Tree, Mount Colah

Official opening of Oak Tree, Mount Colah

Nextt was thrilled to be involved in the recent launch of Oak Tree – new specialist disability accommodation housing available through Good Housing.

 

Located at Mount Colah in the Bushland Shire of Hornsby, Oak Tree is close to local shops (including a short trip to Hornsby Westfield), work, buses, train, hospitals, TAFE and the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park (including local ovals/parks). Mt Colah is positioned perfectly between the Central Coast (34 mins) and Sydney’s CBD (40 mins).

 

The home includes separate living quarters with assistive and smart technology, adopting healthy building standards with large private bedrooms including ensuites.  It boasts a great outdoor area and backyard space.

 

Nextt will provide SIL support at Oak Tree and is available to provide assistance with core if requested.

 

Pictured here from left to right:  Angela Mellors, Business Development Manager from Nextt, Good Housing co-founders Sam Graiche and Antony Anisse, Lily Nehme,  Tenant Empowerment Manager at Good Housing, Vanessa Lui, Regional Service Delivery Manager from Nextt and the Hon. Matt Kean MP, Member for Hornsby and Minister for the Environment.

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Nextt supports Scott to get more out of life

Nextt supports Scott to get more out of life

Scott transitioned to Nextt from Sorento Care in January 2017, where he was supported in one of our disability accommodation units.

Due to his disability, he was not able to able to navigate the NDIS and had minimal funding.  As a result, he was not receiving the allied health and medical support he needed.

Nextt supported Scott to apply for initial NDIA funding in June 2019. Unfortunately, the initial support budget he received did not include funding for Support Coordination – which Scott desperately needed to connect him with much needed services and ensure he had choice and control in his life.  A review was completed, and Scott received additional funds for Support Coordination in his new NDIS plan as well as funding for in-home supports. 

With the assistance of Lucia Imbrogno from Nextt Service Delivery and Eddy Roger, Nextt Support Coordinator, Scott was put in contact with an Allied Health team.  Eddy introduced Scott to both a Psychologist and Occupational Therapist.  Eddy also assisted him to get a state tribunal order through SACAT so he would have a Guardianship order in place to be supported in all his life decisions.

 In October 2020, Eddy worked with Scott to find a suitable home with daily supports.

 Scott has made his home a home with his toys and much-loved Power Ranger Morphers.

 His next step is to transition into Supported Independent Living, to make sure all his needs are being met, and that he gets more out of life.

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Nextt joins Trustpilot

Nextt joins Trustpilot

Nextt has recently joined Trustpilot, an online review platform that allows our clients to share their experiences.

We are hoping to build our reviews and help inform people who are seeking a new disability services provider.

You will need to create a user profile to leave a review.  To remain anonymous, please create a username that cannot be traced back to you (for example, do not include your family name).

Your review will be posted on Trustpilot.com immediately.


We invite you to view our Trustpilot reviews page and share your experiences here:  https://www.trustpilot.com/review/nextt.com.au