psychosocial_support_worker_specialist_complex_needs

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

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.

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.

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.
psychosocial_support_worker_specialist_complex_needs.txt · Last modified: 2025/10/02 09:00 by geoff