About the Role
Community Access Workers support NDIS participants to engage meaningfully in their local community - attending activities, building friendships, developing confidence, and accessing services and spaces that matter to them.
This role is perfect for someone who is sociable, energetic, and passionate about helping people with disability be included in every part of community life. You'll accompany participants to a wide range of activities and help them navigate real-world environments, develop social skills, and pursue their individual interests and goals.
Shifts are primarily during daytime hours on weekdays and weekends. The role is based across the Hunter region including Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, and surrounding areas.
Types of Community Activities You'll Support
Key Responsibilities
- Accompany and support participants to community venues, events, and activities
- Assist participants to build confidence, independence, and social skills in real-world settings
- Transport participants safely to and from destinations in your own vehicle
- Support participants to engage with peers, community members, and services
- Identify and introduce participants to new activities and programs relevant to their goals
- Work with support coordinators to understand each participant's goals and adapt activities accordingly
- Complete shift notes and incident reports accurately and in a timely manner
- Communicate any concerns about participant wellbeing to your supervisor promptly
- Always model and promote respectful, inclusive behaviour in community settings
- Maintain participant confidentiality in all public and community settings
Essential Requirements
- Outgoing, patient, and socially confident personality
- Commitment to inclusion and genuine interest in the community lives of people with disability
- Ability to adapt to different participant needs, communication styles, and environments
- Strong punctuality and reliability
- Ability to complete shift notes and basic documentation
Desirable (Not Essential)
- Certificate III or IV in Individual Support, Disability, or Community Services
- Experience with community participation programs or recreational support
- Knowledge of local Hunter region community services, groups, and programs
- Experience supporting people with autism, intellectual disability, or psychosocial disability
- Bilingual or multilingual skills
What We Offer
SCHADS Award Level 2-3 - with penalty rates for weekends and public holidays
Kilometre-based travel reimbursement - for all participant transport and client-related travel
Flexible casual hours - build your own roster based on participant availability and your preferences
Paid induction & orientation - full onboarding before your first shift
Ongoing support - always have a coordinator available to assist during shifts
Career pathway - community access experience is a strong foundation for disability support and coordination roles
About Safe Hands
Safe Hands is committed to supporting NDIS participants to participate fully in community life. Our community access team is one of the most rewarding parts of what we do - the connections participants make and the confidence they gain are genuinely transformative.
Inclusive employer: We strongly encourage applications from people with disability, First Nations peoples, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
How to Apply
Apply via our careers portal, or email your resume to [email protected] with the subject line "Application - Community Access Worker".
Tell us a little about yourself and what draws you to community access work. We respond to every application within 5 business days.
Questions? Call 0485 553 397 (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm).