There was much celebration in the carecareers office yesterday when Prime Minister Julia Gillard announced that the NDIS would be funded and rolled out in NSW, providing extra care for about 140,000 residents.

The Every Australian Counts campaign has brought together people with disability and their families, as well as advocates and staff from the disability and community care sector, to steadily convince politicians on both sides of parliament to improve services for people with disability living in Australia.

The implementation of the scheme will mean more funding, more consistent services across Australia, and more jobs in the disability and community care sector for you to apply for!

This is a landmark decision for people with disability living in Australia, and an excellent reward for the hard work they have put into lobbying for these changes.

Learn more about the news on the ABC website: Feds, NSW strike deal on disability scheme.

Follow Every Australian Counts on Facebook for more info and to help campaign for the scheme to be rolled out nation-wide.

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The Government has created a dedicated Jobs Board for employees and employers working in the Employment Services Industry.  It is now operative.

This website can assist staff looking for work opportunities with DES Providers or Job Services Australia providers.  Staff can upload professional resumes and identify that they are looking for a DES job or a job in the Employment Services Industry.

DES and JSA employers can also use the site to search for potential employees and advertise jobs.
NDS encourages members to register on the site and upload employment opportunities within their organisations.  The more providers register for the site, the more effective it will be as a mechanism for managing the difficult period of transition for DES-ESS providers.

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Making a career change can be a scary experience, but it can also be very rewarding. If you’re considering a move into the disability and community care sector, there are a few steps you can take to make the process easier.

I have no experience – where do I start?

If this is your first move into the community care sector, frontline support roles are generally a good place to start. 

Many organisations will offer training to new employees. This will normally be mentioned in job ads. As your starting point, I recommend having at least a valid Australian driver’s licence and a First Aid Certificate (the formal qualification is called HLTFA301C). If you don’t drive, we have some tips for a successful job application. 

It’s also a good idea to get to know the Disability Service Standards.  

How do I apply for a job?

All applications made through carecareers need to be made online.

To search for a role on our website, go to Search Jobs. This allows you to search for jobs by role type in your preferred location. You can also Search for an Employer and set up a Job Alert, which will email you the sorts of jobs you are interested in when they are posted on the site.

If you don’t know what kind of job you’re looking for just yet, familiarise yourself with the jobs we are advertising on our website, regardless of their location. This will help you get a sense of what jobs are out there and what employers are looking for from their staff. Become familiar with the kind of language used in job ads and the requirements generally listed in selection criteria to get a sense of what you’re applying for.

Similarly, if your spectrum for finding work is quite open, you may find doing a search by location helpful. This will give you a sense of the breadth of roles available, and you may be struck by a particular role you wouldn’t have expected to find.

It is imperative that you address each job’s requirements in your cover letter and resume. Always include a cover letter in your application: a good cover letter should include a paragraph (not too long) about yourself and your experience – what can you bring to the advertised role? Here’s our advice on how to write an effective cover letter. 

Many experiences you will have acquired both in your professional and personal life will be relevant to the job that you are seeking. Have you cared for a member of your family? Have you been managed a team? Is there anything you do recreationally that would add something to the role, such as sports or music?

Please also check our Employer Directory so you can see which organisations are based in your area or to do further research ahead of making your application.

The following links might also be of interest:

• Getting Started
• Search Jobs
• Employer Directory
• Frequently Asked Questions

The carecareers Careers Centre is contactable by 1300 637 637 and our Career Advisors will be happy to assist you further in your search.

Learn about Ken's Career Change:

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I have worked in a few different areas in my life, but I had no idea that there was a job I would like so much that it doesn’t feel like work. I have worked in IT, heavy manufacturing, retail, employment and training to name a few. Now, as a business Development Manager at The Disability Trust, every day I get to be around people who inspire, who excite, who challenge, and who are real.

I am the Editor of the monthly newsletter at The Disability Trust, called Your Voice, Your Choice. It is twelve pages long, with a section for local Illawarra and Shoalhaven news with events, classes, programs and so on, for those areas. We also have a section for state, federal and international issues and topics. The current and past editions are available to read online.

In our October edition we featured chairskating, which is a sport in which people using wheelchairs have fun at skate parks. That’s right, dropping into bowls, hand plants, you name it, they are doing it. We featured chairskater Aaron Fotheringham, who is travelling with the Nitro Circus in March and April next year around Australia. Aaron goes on the huge ramps and does backflips off the ramp in his wheelchair, here is a video of him doing a backflip.

In our most recent newsletter we featured Harvey from South West Victoria. As part of my research I spoke to Colleen, a producer on the ABC who worked with Harvey’s mum, Kylie, to put together a blog and short film about Harvey and his life, including his big trip to America to hang out with other chairskaters. The blog gives an excellent idea of Kylie’s efforts and thoughts to ensure her son goes after his dreams. The blogs and short film are available to view online. 

I have two young boys of my own who are just starting to get interested in skating. We go to the local skate parks and they enjoy tearing around on their scooters and trikes. I am not yet comfortable with them taking their skateboards there yet, I think they need to get more practice before they do. I can imagine if I turned up with one of my sons in a wheelchair the kids would look at me weirdly, but the parents would think I was being dangerous. What would you think?

Yet Kylie did this, and loved it so much the journey took them to America and to an event where there were heaps of people chair skating, from all over the world. In my view, it takes a very special parent of a child with a disability who is brave enough to remove some of their child's 'cotton wool' so they can have a full life. Kylie hasn’t just seen through the disability, she just sees what her son can do. 

Kylie is doing this because she passionately believes in her son. The amount of work required to do the activities Harvey enjoys is massive, yet Kylie does it anyway. How inspiring is that? I hope I can be half the parent Kylie is to Harvey for my two boys.

For me, I still can’t believe I get paid to meet and do things with people like Kylie. When I left school I had no idea these jobs existed. I am really glad, and really lucky, to have found a job that gives me the opportunity to really love what I am doing.

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Are you winding down in your career? Are you a Registered Nurse on a student visa? A recent graduate?

KOPWA Aged and Community Care are looking to fill a Registered Nurse position at their residencies in Roseville.

This position is open to those seeking Casual, Part Time or Full Time work. Shift work on evenings and weekends will be a component of this role. The idea candidate will have a particular interest in staff training, education and supervision.  

Closing date: 15 October 2012

Find out more about this Registered Nurse position with KOPWA Aged and Community Care or search for more allied health roles.

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Cerebral Palsy Alliance are currently seeking Speech Pathologist (Level 2) for their Penshurst services, a Part Time role providing clinical services within a team structure to support children, youth and adults with disabilities to meet their identified needs. 

The organisation's therapy services are based on a client/family centred philosophy with a collaborative team approach, working towards achieving needs identified by children, youth and adults with disabilities and their families and carers.

Don't miss this opportunity to join a friendly environment and an excellent professional development program for staff through peer support, supervision and access to continuing education.

Closing date: 19 October 2012

Find out more about this Speech pathologist position with Cerebral Palsy Alliance or search for more allied health roles.

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Valleys To Plateau Community Support Services is a not-for-profit organisation, based in Nambucca Heads, seeking a permanent part time Respite Coordinator - our Feature Job this week.

This role will involve the supervision of the organisation's respite staff and overseeing the needs of service users in accordance with with Person Centred Approaches and available resources.

Don't miss this opportunitiy to apply your experience in supporting people with a range of disabilities in a rewarding role.

Please note that the job advertisement comes with a job description - be sure to download this while making your application.

Closing date: 4 October 2012

Find out more about this Coordinator position with Valleys to Plateau Community Support Services or search for more frontline professional roles.

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We love hearing your feedback, particularly gems like this one!

Today at the Nepean Community Services Employment Expo, held in partnership between TRI Community Exchange’s Nepean Multicultural Access Project and TAFE Western Sydney Nepean College (Kingswood Campus), carecareers spoke with Jen, who shared with us her story.

"After a Google search for management positions in aged care and disabilities in NSW, carecareers appeared. I then lived in Cairns, and carecareers made my search easy. Nepean Area Disabilities Organisation (NADO) had a position for Network Manager, based in St Marys, which I applied for - this suited my relocation. I applied and was succesful, I am now the Network Manager in Recreation and Respite (disabilities) and I love it."

If you're also looking for that perfect role, our Careers Centre is contactable by phone during business hours on 1300 637 637.

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Riverlink Interchange is a not-for-profit organisation that provides respite for carers of children, young people and people with disabilities, working closely with carers, people who have a disability and their families to provide person-centred services and programs and are currently searching for volunteers.

Volunteer opportunities range from a few hours a week to regular weekly and fortnightly activities. The roles vary but generally involve working alongside our energetic and dedicated teams working on weekends and school holiday periods.

As you will work with children, teenagers and adults, we have a structured and detailed process you need to go through before you start with us. Please note that it is a requirement of Riverlink that all volunteers are subject to clearance of the working with children check and national criminal history checks.

Closing date: 28 September 2012

Find out more about this Volunteer position with Riverlink Interagency or search for more volunteer roles.

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ESP Healthcare is an energetic, service orientated, home and community health care company currently seeking good people to join their experienced team to fill casual positions. Work with flexible hours is now available in aged care and disability support roles. ESP Healthcare offers a complete range of support services, including outings and social support, meal preparation, housekeeping, medication prompting, dementia care, disability assistance, palliative care and respite for carers.

To be successful in applying for this role you must be caring, considerate, honest, compassionate and reliable and have good communication skills.

Work currently available includes respite, personal care, social support, shopping, meal preparation, domestic assistance and transport. Full training, including on the job training will be given to successful applicants.

Closing date: 4 October 2012

Find out more about this State Manager position with Challenge Children's Services or search for more corporate and management roles.

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carecareers will be at the upcoming Reinvent Your Career Expo on September 8 and 9 to provide jobs information and careers advice for the care sector.

The show is a magnet for people who are thinking about a career change, and the exhibitors include a huge variety of employers and educational institutions offering people a new direction in life. The expo is a natural place for carecareers to be, as so many of the people who have built rewarding careers in our sector have done so after starting out in another industry. The experience that these people bring is frequently invaluable and helps to enrich our sector.

If you’re thinking about a career change, but have not quite made the leap yet, why not visit carecareers at the 2012 Reinvent Your Career Expo? You can meet our team of friendly staff as well as some of the people who work for organisations in the sector. We are there to offer advice on what kind of employment in the care sector might suit you best. There are hundreds of positions available, so who knows, there might be one just waiting for you.

The Expo is on the weekend of September 8 and 9 at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre.

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Our Feature Job this week is State Manager with Challenge Children's Services, a branch of Challenge Disability Services. Challenge offers many services for people with a disability including employment opportunities, day programs, respite, training and residential services across the New England, North West, Central West and Hunter regions of NSW.

Challenge are seeking an experienced person to be the State Manager for Foster Care, who will own the strategic business plan and develop and implement policies using extensive experience in Foster Care.

The applicant's success will depend on their ability to engage and lead the business to deliver operational and financial excellence while recruiting, managing and leading a team of foster care professionals. Apply through carecareers today.

Closing date: 12 September 2012

Find out more about this State Manager position with Challenge Children's Services or search for more corporate and management roles.

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Our Feature Job this week is with Windgap Foundation, who are seeking a Vocational Educator in Eastlakes. Windgap Foundation is a charity for people with intellectual disabilities and their families. Windgap offers accommodation, training, business services, day programs and early learning playgroups.

As a vocational educator you will be responsible for ensuring our supported employees learn new skills and assist them to reach their goals. To be successful in this role you will be required to have excellent communication skills both written and verbal, experience working in the community services sector preferably within disabilities, strong MS applications and a current NSW driver's licence. A Certificate IV in training and assessment or a willingness to obtain this qualification is highly desirable.

Closing date: 6 September 2012

Find out more about this Vocational Educator position with Windgap Foundation or search for more frontline support roles.

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I am the Business Development Manager at The Disability Trust, a large disability services organisation providing services from Southern Sydney to Bega on the New South Wales southern coast.

My role involves a mind boggling variety of tasks and is never dull.

Last week I was out and about promoting our Transition to Work program to teachers at local schools, along with our program coordinator. The program, funded by ADHC, is a two year employment readiness program that works with school leavers with a disability to get them into sustainable employment.

We visited a number of mainstream schools that have support units. I always enjoy meeting teachers in mainstream schools as they are always extremely busy with their class and are very appreciative of any information and support we give on choices for their students after they leave school.

Often we are able to assist with issues outside of education, such as respite, sport and recreation programs, information and funding for aids and equipment while also connecting the school with suitable resources including professionals such as doctors, case managers and so on. For example, I am in the process of assisting a local school for people with disabilities to arrange for experts in dual diagnosis (mental health and intellectual disability) to present to teachers and parents, something the school has been after for quite a while.

With dual diagnosis rates recently confirmed as high as 60% to 80%, and as it is believed to be one of the major drivers of challenging behaviour, any information the school and families can get on dual diagnosis will have a major positive effect on the lives of the teachers, the students and their families. They will have a greater understanding of the underlying reasons that may cause issues and be able to work out more effective strategies.

At a recent presentation I gave to Wollongong Arafmi Carers group, a teacher expressed her concern that understanding it is the missing key to really understanding why some students do what they do and it gives her some specific ideas to work with her students.

For me, I get a lot out being able to help someone by just having a chat and letting them know what is available in the community. Unfortunately it can be difficult, confusing and frustrating navigating the system of services available for people with disabilities. I enjoy being part of the solution by spreading information and reducing the isolation that people with disabilities and the people that support them, can often feel.

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Our Feature Job this week is with Stanhope Healthcare Services, who are seeking Female Community Care Assistants in Laurieton. Stanhope Healthcare Services provides home care services including nursing, personal care, domestic assistance, home and garden maintenance, and general companion care.

Stanhope offers flexibility, variety, on the job training and excellent employment conditions to those that can demonstrate an ability and willingness to provide our Clients with the highest possible standard of care and customer service.

Closing date: 27 August 2012

Find out more about this Community Care Assistant position with Stanhope Healthcare Services or search for more corporate and management roles.

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Did you know that two of the biggest providers in aged care provision – KinCare Community Services and Stanhope Health Services – have joined forces?  They will continue to work closely with the health and aged care industry and government to improve outcomes for older people, people with a disability and their families and carers.  Check out carecareers.com.au now to find over 50 KinCare and Stanhope roles that urgently require filling in Sydney and surrounding regions.

Featured roles

• KINCARE / Community Care Assistants / Wyong
• STANHOPE HEALTHCARE SERVICES / Female Community Care Assistants / Port Macquarie

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Familiarity with Disability Service Standards is often listed as a requirement in the essential criteria of job ads posted on carecareers.

Across the spectrum of positions advertised on carecareers, this is one criterion you will find common to many roles. From support worker to senior management, an awareness of these standards ensures that people working in the sector all advocate for the same rights for people with disabilities.

Developed in 1993 by the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA) and reviewed in 2009, the Standards are available in full online (available in standard English and various community languages) for you to view and familiarise yourself with while making applications.

There are twelve standards representing people’s rights to service access, their individual needs, autonomy and dignity, their conditions of employment and their freedom.

Responding to selection criteria when applying for a role is absolutely essential, which is why it is always advisable to write individual cover letters and tailor your resume for each application. Before your applications are underway, be sure to take the time to read and familiarise yourself with the standards.

Related links

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Our Feature Job this week is Tulgeen Disability Services, who are seeking a Supervisor for their Riverside Nursery. This is a Temporary Full Time position for a period of six months, and the successful candidate will be coordinating the delivery of the Riverside Nursery’s services as well as providing support and training for the employees of the service.

The Nursery provides retail and wholesale nursery services as well as a document shredding service. As part of Tulgeen Disability Services, this business offers supported employment and vocational training for people with disability.

Closing date: 13 August 2012

Find out more about this Supervisor position with Tulgeen Disability Services or search for more corporate and management roles.

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Our Feature Job this week is with  Castle Personnel Services, an organisation based in the Hunter region that provides a range of employment, pre-employment and accredited training, workplace rehabilitation and community participation services for people with a disability.

Castle Personnel Services is seeking to employ an experienced and qualified Quality and Risk Manager to assume responsibility for the organisation's contractual and legislative compliance, risk management and special projects management. This will include the organisation's corporate governance, financial, human resources, work health and safety, business development and operational requirements.

The successful candidate will lead the further development of IT based quality management systems that underpins the organisation's service delivery and continuous improvement across Castle's continually expanding portfolio of programs.

Closing date: 10 August 2012

Find out more about this Quality and Risk Manager position with Castle Personnel Services or search for more corporate and management roles.

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Jobsupport, an innovative and successful program placing and supporting people with an intellectual disability in employment, is seeking Vocational Training Officers in various areas. Our Feature Job this week is this position in South West Sydney.

The role of Vocational Training Officer involves assessing, marketing, training and supporting people with an intellectual disability in open employment and work experience. For the successful applicant, this will be a rewarding opportunity to give people with an intellectual disability the opportunity to work in a satisfying role. The ideal candidate will have qualifications or experience in a related field.

Closing date: 3 August 2012

Find out more about this training officer position with Jobsupport Inc or search for more frontline professional roles.

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