Respite Disability Support Worker – Burpengary, QLD

Chosen Family; Burpengary; On-site; AUD 39,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Chosen Family is seeking a calm, patient Disability Support Worker to provide respite for two autistic siblings in Burpengary, QLD. The role requires supporting both children together in a safe, predictable environment while respecting autonomy and individual needs.

Experience with PDA-informed or low-demand approaches is advantageous, and strong communication is essential. The successful candidate will work closely with the family to maintain routines, support sleep hygiene, screen-time

Qualifications

• NDIS Worker Screening Check required.
• Working with Children Check required.
• First Aid & CPR Certificate required.
• Experience in disability or community support preferred.
• Experience with autistic young people is highly regarded.
• Experience with PDA-informed or low-demand approaches is advantageous.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Calm, patient and emotionally regulated approach.
• Ability to support two siblings together.
• Understanding of person-centred and trauma-informed support.
• Autonomy, identity, and communication preferences respected.
• Reliable and flexible availability for respite arrangements.
• Willingness to collaborate with family and support team.

Responsibilities

• Provide respite support for both siblings together.
• Create a calm, safe, predictable and comfortable environment.
• Support healthy daily and evening routines.
• Encourage positive sleep hygiene and appropriate screen-time routines.
• Gently encourage participation in activities without pressure.
• Support transitions away from preferred activities.
• Provide companionship and opportunities for enjoyable activities.
• Encourage independence, choice and autonomy.
• Allow adequate time for processing and communication.
• Follow individual communication and behavioural support strategies.
• Use low-demand and PDA-informed approaches where relevant.
• Build positive, trusting relationships with both young people.
• Maintain professional boundaries.
• Communicate effectively with the family and broader support team.
• Complete accurate progress notes after each shift.

Skills

Calm demeanor

Patient

Strong communication

Emotionally regulated

Education

First Aid & CPR Certificate

Job description

Chosen Family fosters a community-centred ecosystem that embraces diversity, flexibility, and enrichment for all. We continuously reimagine how our services can create platforms for equality, inclusion, and belonging. Committed to a culture of acceptance, we ensure that everyone is welcomed and valued

Recognising the interconnectedness of our humanity, we strive to empower individuals to live independently. By honouring each person’s unique identity and experiences, we celebrate and uplift one another in return.

What We’re Looking For

We are seeking a calm, patient, experienced and reliable Disability Support Worker to provide respite support for two autistic siblings in Burpengary, QLD.

Both young people will need to remain together during respite, as being together provides familiarity, comfort and reassurance.

This opportunity is ideal for a Support Worker who can create a safe, relaxed, predictable and positive environment while supporting both young people at their own pace.

The successful applicant will understand that effective support is not simply about supervision. It is about building trust, respecting autonomy, reducing unnecessary pressure and creating opportunities for both young people to feel comfortable, engaged and supported.

Experience supporting autistic young people is highly regarded, particularly experience with PDA-informed approaches, low-demand support, transitions, technology routines and sleep hygiene.

Support Approach

The successful Support Worker will be expected to use a calm, flexible and person-centred approach.

The young people may require additional processing time and may experience difficulty transitioning away from preferred activities or engaging in non-preferred activities.

A Supportive Approach Should Focus On

• Gentle encouragement rather than unnecessary demands.
• Providing choices and promoting autonomy.
• Maintaining predictability and clear routines.
• Allowing adequate processing time.
• Supporting transitions patiently.Respecting individual identity, communication styles and preferences.
• Creating a positive and enjoyable respite experience for both siblings.

Respite Schedule

Location: Burpengary, QLD 4505

Respite date: To be confirmed

Respite times: To be confirmed

We are currently seeking Expressions of Interest from suitable Support Workers.

Once a suitable applicant has been identified, Chosen Family will provide further information regarding the proposed respite dates, times and arrangements as these are confirmed.

Responsibilities

Provide respite support for both siblings together.

Create a calm, safe, predictable and comfortable environment.

Support healthy daily and evening routines.

Encourage positive sleep hygiene and appropriate screen-time routines.

Gently encourage participation in activities without placing unnecessary pressure.

Support transitions away from preferred activities.

Provide companionship and opportunities for enjoyable activities.

Encourage independence, choice and autonomy.

Allow adequate time for processing and communication.

Follow individual communication and behavioural support strategies.

Use appropriate low-demand and PDA-informed approaches where relevant.

Build positive, trusting relationships with both young people.

Maintain appropriate professional boundaries.

Communicate effectively with the family and broader support team.

Complete accurate progress notes following each support shift.

Applicants Must Have

• NDIS Worker Screening Check.
• Working with Children Check.
• First Aid & CPR Certificate.
• Relevant disability or community support experience.
• Experience supporting autistic young people is highly regarded.
• Experience with PDA-informed or low-demand approaches is advantageous.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Calm, patient and emotionally regulated approach.
• Ability to support two siblings together.
• Understanding of person-centred and trauma-informed support.
• Ability to respect autonomy, identity, communication preferences and individual choice.
• Reliable and flexible availability for the proposed respite arrangements.
• Willingness to work collaboratively with the family and broader support team.

Why Join Chosen Family?

At Chosen Family, we believe support is about more than completing tasks. It is about building trust, creating meaningful connections, promoting independence, and supporting people to live life on their own terms.

If you are a calm, patient and experienced Disability Support Worker who can create a safe and enjoyable environment for two autistic siblings while respecting their individual needs, choices and autonomy, we would love to hear from you.