Community Worker in Penrith

Upstream Care Services is a registered NDIS provider committed to delivering high-quality, person-centred support that empowers people with disability to live independently and achieve their goals. We work closely with participants, families, support coordinators, and allied health professionals to provide tailored services that promote choice, inclusion, and community participation.

As a Community Worker, you will work directly with participants to enhance their independence, wellbeing, and social inclusion. You will coordinate supports, advocate for participants, and assist them in accessing services that help them achieve their goals. This role requires excellent communication skills, strong organisational abilities, and a genuine commitment to providing person-centred support.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Providing direct assistance and support to participants to improve their independence, wellbeing, and community participation.
• Assessing participant needs and developing, implementing, monitoring, and reviewing individual support plans.
• Assisting participants to access health services, housing, education, employment opportunities, community programs, and other relevant support services.
• Liaising with government agencies, NDIS stakeholders, allied health professionals, community organisations, and other service providers to coordinate supports.
• Advocating for participants to ensure they receive appropriate services and have their rights and choices respected.
• Monitoring participant progress and adjusting support strategies where appropriate.
• Maintaining accurate, timely, and confidential case notes, participant records, reports, and documentation in accordance with organisational policies, NDIS Practice Standards, and legislative requirements.
• Building positive relationships with participants, families, carers, and external stakeholders.
• Ensuring all services are delivered ethically, professionally, and in accordance with duty of care, privacy, and safeguarding requirements.
• Leading the coordination of complex participant cases involving multiple service providers, allied health professionals, support coordinators, and government agencies.
• Providing guidance, mentoring, and day-to-day support to junior community workers and support staff to promote best practice and consistent service delivery.
• Monitoring the quality of participant support plans and documentation to ensure compliance with NDIS Practice Standards and organisational policies.
• Identifying service gaps and developing strategies to improve participant outcomes and community inclusion.
• Representing the organisation at case conferences, multidisciplinary meetings, stakeholder consultations, and community networking events.
• Developing and maintaining strong professional relationships with hospitals, local health districts, housing providers, community organisations, and government agencies.
• Assisting management in developing operational procedures, participant resources, and service improvement initiatives.
• Supporting onboarding and workplace orientation for new team members within the Community Services team.
• Reviewing participant risks and contributing to risk management strategies, safeguarding practices, and incident prevention.
• Monitoring participant funding utilisation and identifying potential risks to continuity of supports, escalating concerns where appropriate.
• Preparing complex reports, progress updates, and documentation required by the NDIA, Support Coordinators, guardians, and other authorised stakeholders.
• Participating in internal audits, compliance reviews, and continuous improvement activities to maintain high-quality service delivery.
• Contributing to workforce planning by identifying participant support needs and recommending appropriate staffing and resource allocation.
• Assisting in resolving participant concerns and complaints by working collaboratively with participants, families, and relevant stakeholders to achieve positive outcomes.

Selection Criteria

• A relevant qualification in Community Services, Social Work, Human Services, Disability, or a related discipline, or equivalent industry experience.
• Demonstrated experience working in community services, disability services, case management, or a similar support role.
• Sound knowledge of community support systems, referral pathways, and person-centred practice.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organisational skills.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to advocate effectively for participants.
• Ability to work independently while contributing positively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Competent computer skills and experience maintaining accurate case notes and documentation.
• A commitment to maintaining participant confidentiality and delivering services in line with professional and ethical standards.

Desirable Requirements

• Current NDIS Worker Screening Check.
• Current Working with Children Check (where applicable).
• Current National Police Check.
• Current First Aid and CPR Certificate.
• Current Australian Driver Licence and access to a reliable vehicle.

At Upstream Care Services, you'll become part of a supportive and collaborative team dedicated to making a meaningful difference in the lives of people with disability. We value professionalism, continuous learning, and person-centred care while providing opportunities for career growth and development.