Direct Support Team Leaders

Direct Support Team Leaders usually have combined responsibility for providing leadership and supervision for Direct Support Workers, and for providing support to the service users.

Team Leaders usually have experience as Direct Support Workers and are responsible for ensuring programs and services are implemented correctly. Direct Support Team Leaders are also known as Coordinators or Program Coordinators.

Direct Support Team Leaders need the following skills and knowledge:

• Direct support background
• Great communications skills
• Ability to work with and manage others
• Ability to act as a mentor to team members
• Organisational and time management skills
• Ability to coordinate activities, plan and budget
• Desire to work towards a Certificate IV in Frontline Management
• Computer skills are desirable

Search for Direct Support Team Leader jobs or learn more about other frontline support roles in the disability and community care sector.

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Meet a Direct Support Team Leader

Sherene and Caroline tell us about what a typical day is for them, and what kind of skills are needed in their roles.

 

Sherene Askew: Community Coordinator

 

What kind of responsibilities do you have in your job?

My role as a Community Coordinator at Baptist Community Services (BCS) involves providing assessments for community care clients. This is done as part of our service which provides care to the aged and frail, and to people with a disability.

I visit prospective clients in their own homes and assess their suitability for domestic assistance and or personal care. In conjunction with the client and their families a tailored care plan is then written to assist them to live as independently as possible in their own homes. I also coordinate a team of field workers who provide the care for our clients in the community.

What skills and experience does someone need for a role like yours?

The needs of our clients are wide and varied so skills and experience working in aged care, disabilities and case management is an advantage. People working in the community care sector also need to be client focused, patient and empathetic.

Caroline Taylor: Community Services Manager 

 

What do you do day to day?

It's probably easier to tell you about what I don't do in my role! As Community Services Manager of the BCS Care Centre - Macarthur, my job involves more of the business side of things, such as leading my team to achieve our program deliverables, whilst keeping within our budget, planning, developing and monitoring effective services to our clients. I also ensure my team and I have a healthy balance of work and personal life.

I also resolve complaints from both clients and staff and I ensure compliance with legislative and program requirements (as well as our own policies and practices) and I network with other services and colleagues.

What skills do you need?

You definitely need time management skills and the ability to multi task is a must. Skills in financial management, a good understanding of human resources, good communication skills and an understanding of what clients and staff need, are all important skills to have too.

To do this role you also need a good understanding of Occupational Health and Safety regulations, and last but not least a strong work ethic and a 'can help' attitude. It's important to see the benefits of the small things we do as they make such a huge difference to peoples lives!