CAREERS AT ABILITIES ENABLED

A crisis or emergency situation may include:

• A mental health episode, such as anxiety, depression, psychosis, or suicidal ideation.
• A physical health issue, such as injury, illness, or medication side effects.
• A behavioural issue, such as aggression, self-harm, or property damage.
• A social issue, such as homelessness, domestic violence, or abuse.
• A natural disaster, such as fire, flood, or storm.

The main duties and responsibilities of a disability on-call person for crisis management are:

1. To respond to calls from people with disability, their families, careers, or service providers who need urgent help or advice.
2. To assess the situation and the needs and risks of the person with disability and others involved.
3. To provide immediate support and intervention to de-escalate the crisis and ensure the safety and wellbeing of the person with disability and others involved.
4. To liaise with other relevant services and agencies, such as police, ambulance, hospital, mental health team, or housing service.
5. To arrange appropriate referrals and follow-up support for the person with disability and others involved.
6. To document and report the incident and the actions taken.
7. Doing regular medication audits during all shifts.

The skills and qualifications required for a disability on call person for crisis management are:

1. A relevant qualification in disability, mental health, social work, counselling, or related field.
2. A current driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle.
3. A current first aid certificate and CPR training.
4. A current working with children check and national police check.
5. Experience in working with people with disability and complex needs in a crisis or emergency context.
6. Knowledge of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and the Disability Inclusion Act 2014 (NSW).
7. Knowledge of the human rights and dignity of people with disability and the principles of person-centred practice.
8. Skills in crisis intervention, risk assessment, conflict resolution, and communication.
9. Skills in working independently and as part of a team.
10. Skills in using technology and software applications.

Some possible questions that an employer may ask a disability on call person for crisis management are:

• What are your qualifications and experience in working with people with disability and complex needs in a crisis or emergency context?
• How do you assess the situation and the needs and risks of the person with disability and others involved when you respond to a call for urgent help or advice?
• What are some of the evidence-based techniques and interventions that you use to provide immediate support and intervention to de-escalate the crisis and ensure the safety and wellbeing of the person with disability and others involved?
• How do you liaise and collaborate with other relevant services and agencies, such as police, ambulance, hospital, mental health team, or housing service, when you provide crisis support?
• How do you arrange appropriate referrals and follow-up support for the person with disability and others involved after the crisis is resolved?
• How do you document and report the incident and the actions taken when you provide crisis support?
• How do you handle stress, burnout, and vicarious trauma that may result from working in a crisis or emergency context?
• How do you maintain your professional development and ethical standards as a disability on call person for crisis management?