Specialist Psychosocial Support Worker (Complex Needs)

Position Title	Specialist Psychosocial Support Worker (In-Home)
Reports To	Family/Support Coordinator (NDIS or Clinical Case Manager)
Employment Basis	Casual/Part-Time (High flexibility required)
Location	Private residence, Brisbane/Gold Coast Area

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Role Overview

This is a critical, highly sensitive, and non-confrontational support role assisting a young adult with a diagnosed delusional disorder and associated severe paranoia and anxiety. The participant has a history of trauma, is resistant to formal therapy, and is often non-verbally avoidant or verbally hostile.

The primary goal of this position is not to provide counselling, but to establish a calm, consistent, and trustworthy presence to support functional skill development and safety. The successful applicant must be able to use advanced non-verbal de-escalation techniques and reframe their role as a stable presence rather than a therapeutic intervener. Avoiding a sliptun that could escalate the participant's paranoia is crucial.

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Key Responsibilities

The key responsibilities are focused on modelling calm, establishing routine, and harm reduction.

Non-Verbal De-escalation: Maintain a non-anxious and open presence during periods of verbal hostility or escalation, using physical space and body language as the primary tools for de-escalation (e.g., side-by-side positioning, slow movements, respectful exit upon request).
Establish Routine and Structure: Support the participant in initiating and maintaining a stable daily routine, including sleep hygiene, nutritional intake, and basic household tasks.
Functional Skill Development: Provide practical, low-pressure coaching for activities of daily living (ADLs), such as meal preparation, accessing community spaces (e.g., taking a brief walk, visiting a non-threatening location), and managing personal finances.
Crisis Monitoring and Reporting: Proactively observe and accurately document changes in mental state, mood, or risk factors. This includes identifying a shift toward severe paranoia or self-neglect and reporting to the Clinical Case Manager immediately.
Liaison: Maintain clear, concise, and professional communication with the primary family caregiver and the external clinical team (Psychiatrist/Psychologist/ACT).
Respect Boundaries: Strictly adhere to the participant's stated boundaries and wishes, including respecting requests to withdraw or cease conversation.

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Key Selection Criteria (Essential)

Applicants 'must' meet all the following criteria to be considered:

'Experience:' Minimum of 2 years of proven, recent experience working with clients experiencing 'severe and persistent mental illness' (psychosis, delusional disorder) in a community or in-home setting.
'Specialised Training:' Current certification and applied knowledge in Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) principles.
'Crisis Certification:' Current certification in a recognised crisis management/de-escalation framework (e.g., Non-Violent Crisis Intervention (NVCI) or Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI)).
'Qualifications (Minimum):' Certificate IV in Mental Health, or a Diploma/Degree in Social Work, Psychology, or a current registration as a Mental Health Registered Nurse (RN-MH).
'Personal Attributes:' Demonstrated ability to exhibit 'exceptional patience, low emotional reactivity, and resilience' in the face of verbal hostility and social withdrawal.
'NDIS:' Current NDIS Worker Screening Clearance and/or willingness to undergo necessary checks. Valid Australian Driver's License and own reliable, insured transport.