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BCDS Support Workers and Respite

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Australia
Cowes, VIC
BCDS Support Workers and Respite

BCDS Support Workers & Respite provide supports across Gippsland and now Melbournes Casey and Cardinia Shires.
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We have a balance between the care and passion of Independent support workers & the professional accountability and staff screening of an agency

15/08/2025

WE’RE HIRING! 📣
Please share & assist us in spreading the word.

We’re looking for 1–3 support workers to join our small but mighty team across the Bass Coast & surrounds. 💪🏼

✅ Flexible hours
✅ Supportive, people-first culture
✅ Shape your own caseload
✅ Weekend shifts available

Must have (or be willing to obtain):
• NDIS Worker Screening Check
• First Aid & CPR
• WWCC
• ABN
• Full insurance
• Certificate III in Disability, Aged Care, Childcare or similar.

If you’re genuinely passionate about person-centred care — we’d love to hear from you!

Get in touch with us today!

📧 jackie@bcdssupports.com
🌐 bcdssupports.com.au/join-our-team

07/08/2025

🧩 Should You Use a Support Worker Agency?

If you’re an NDIS participant (or a family member or carer), choosing how to engage your support workers is a big decision.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the pros and cons of using an agency like BCDS Support Workers and Respite:

✅ Benefits of using a support worker agency:
• Minimal paperwork, minimal stress: We take care of invoices, documentation, and admin — so you can focus on living your life.
• Back-up staff available: If your regular worker is away or unwell, we’ll do our best to find a replacement.
• Screened and trained workers: All staff are thoroughly vetted, reference-checked, and regularly supported by our team.
• NDIS-knowledgeable support: We understand funding categories, goals, and documentation requirements.
• Stronger accountability: If something goes wrong, there’s a full team to help resolve it.
• Peace of mind for families: You’re never left unsupported — even if your needs change.

⚠️ Common misconceptions (and how we clear them up):
• “Agencies cost more than private workers” — not always true!
→ At BCDS Support workers & Respite, we charge below the NDIS price guide, making our services more affordable than many private contractors who often charge the full rate.
• “Agencies are less flexible”
→ We work closely with each participant to find the right support worker match and schedule. You’ll always have a say in how your supports are delivered.

💬 Our approach:
We believe in collaboration, consistency, and client-led care. Whether it’s a weekly outing, complex behaviour support, or help navigating the NDIS maze — we’re here to help you feel supported and empowered.

📞 Want to learn more? Call Jackie on 0478 153 668
📧 Email: jackie@bcdssupports.com.au

11/07/2025

From Pet Rocks to Rock Pools
– Krys’ Fortnight of Adventure & Creativity! 🎨🌊

Over the past fortnight, Krys has had some incredible support sessions filled with creativity, exploration, and confidence-building — and we’ve loved every moment of it!

🖌️ One week, when his usual Art Therapy was cancelled, our amazing support worker Mel invited Krys to her art studio. Instead of sticking to a set plan, Krys led the way — creating his own pet rocks and experimenting with a hot glue gun to build 3D artwork. It was a beautiful, self-directed session that gave Krys the freedom to explore and express himself through art.

🌳 The following week, Krys headed out with Bryan for a full day of outdoor adventure. The two visited the epic climbing tree at Big 4 Inverloch, then went exploring at the caves near Eagles Nest. Krys took on each challenge with growing confidence and a big smile.

We love seeing Krys thrive — whether it’s through creative expression, connecting with nature, or simply trying something new. ✨

👉 What are your young ones loving lately — crafts, climbing, collecting, or creating? Drop your fave activities in the comments! 👇

30/06/2025

🎣 Hooked on a Great Day Out!

Last week, our amazing support worker Ty teamed up with young legend Noah for a fishing adventure at Welshpool Jetty — and what a day it turned out to be!

After a quick stop for bait and snacks, the pair hit the pier and reeled in eight Australian salmon, including Noah’s proud 36cm catch! 🐟

Noah was full of smiles and non-stop chatter — enjoying not just the thrill of the catch, but also the chance to connect with others in the community. With a bit of extra fun on the line, the shift was extended (with dad’s approval) and wrapped up with a well-earned burger and ice cream. 🍔🍦

💬 Ty’s support helped Noah work toward several of his NDIS goals, including:

✔️ Community Access – building confidence in new environments

✔️ Social Participation – engaging positively with others

✔️ Recreation – doing something meaningful and enjoyable

✔️ Communication – expressing himself and interacting with others respectfully

✔️ Capacity Building – managing decisions, purchases, and transitions throughout the day

These kinds of consistent, supported outings are helping Noah develop life skills, confidence, and safe independence — all while doing something he loves.

✨ Keen to get out on the water or reconnect with the great outdoors?

We’d love to hear how we can support you. Reach out to our friendly team:

👉 https://bcdssupports.com.au/contact-us

Here’s to more milestones, meaningful moments, and community connections 💛

27/06/2025

🌟 Support Worker Spotlight 🌟

We have recently welcomed Melissa to the BCDS team!

Melissa is a knowledgeable and values-driven support worker with a strong foundation in mental health and human behaviour. Holding both a Diploma of Counselling and an Associate Degree of Social Science, she brings a depth of understanding that enhances every interaction she has with clients. Her background equips her to navigate complex needs with empathy, insight, and emotional intelligence.

She also brings a diverse and dynamic professional background, having worked across community services, traffic management, and local council maintenance. This broad experience has shaped her adaptable, hands-on approach and strengthened her communication and problem-solving skills — essential qualities in disability support.

Melissa has supported a wide range of NDIS participants, including individuals with autism, anxiety, developmental delays, and non-verbal communication styles. She has experience in using visual prompts, providing personal care, assisting with meal preparation, and supporting capacity-building activities such as community outings and safety awareness.

Calm, consistent, and client-focused, Melissa takes the time to understand each individual’s unique needs and preferences. She’s known for her reliability, clear communication, and genuine commitment to making a positive difference in people’s lives.

We’re proud to have Melissa as part of the BCDS team.

https://bcdssupports.com.au/make-a-referral

25/06/2025

🎨 Creative Support in Action!

Our client Annie has been having a wonderful time during her recent arts and crafts sessions with support worker Mel. This week, Annie visited Mel’s art studio, where they explored a range of painting techniques — including finger painting, sponge textures, and brushwork.

Mel holds a Diploma in Arts Therapy and has completed a Master Holistic Counselling Practitioner course. She’s incredibly passionate about the therapeutic benefits of creativity and connection.

She currently offers a range of therapeutic-style art sessions, including:
✨ Sensory art experiences
🖌️ Self-expression through painting and drawing
🧘 Art for relaxation
📖 Creating personalised memory journals

Mel is now accepting new clients who are looking for creative, out-of-the-box, and joy-filled support sessions.

Please note: While Mel is not a registered Art Therapist, her sessions draw on extensive training and experience — and are offered at the affordable rate of a support worker.

🌟 Know someone who would benefit from creative support?
If you’re a family member or support coordinator looking for unique, therapeutic-style activities delivered by a compassionate and qualified worker — Mel may be a great fit.

To learn more or book a trial session, get in touch with our team. We’re happy to chat about how Mel’s sessions can be tailored to meet your participant’s individual goals and interests.

https://bcdssupports.com.au/contact-us

22/06/2025

How cool is this?!!!! https://www.facebook.com/share/v/16qwBRyVZY/?mibextid=wwXIfr

17/06/2025

Loving this explanation of the use of the Sunflower for invisible disabilities 🌻 https://www.facebook.com/share/p/16Sy3ELNvb/?mibextid=wwXIfr

13/06/2025

🐾 Feel Good Friday 🐾

Two legends. One goal. A whole lot of heart.

Back in 2022, Steve set himself a personal mission — to walk his best mate Ernie again, with more independence. He used to take Ernie out up to three times a day, so losing that routine after his stroke was a huge shift.

Today, with Cass supporting behind the scenes, Steve and Ernie hit the pavement together — and absolutely nailed it.

With some teamwork, gentle prompts around pacing and lead control, and planning for those high-distraction areas, Steve walked Ernie with care and confidence.

The pride on his face said it all.
Their most successful walk in a long time — and it’s only the beginning.

Let’s go, Steve & Ernie. You’ve got this. 💪🐾❤️

29/05/2025

To our amazing clients, families, and support coordinators — your feedback means the world to us.

Whether it’s a quick message about your experience with one of our support workers, or a story about how we’ve made a difference in your day-to-day — we’d love to hear it!

Feel free to send us a private message or comment below if you’re happy for us to share your words as a testimonial (with your permission, of course!).

Your voice helps others feel confident reaching out, and helps us continue to grow with care, compassion, and integrity 💬✨

20/05/2025

Looking for something more meaningful this winter?
We're hiring — and we’d love to hear from you. 👇

At BCDS Support Workers and Respite, we’re a small, values-driven team based across the Bass Coast, Emerald, and surrounding suburbs.

With winter approaching and new referrals coming in, we’re looking to welcome experienced, committed support workers to our crew.

This is more than just filling a shift — we’re building a space where workers can shape their own caseloads, form meaningful relationships, and grow within a team that genuinely supports them back.

Who we’re looking for
• Calm, capable, and committed to the work
• Experience with behaviours of concern or trauma-informed care is a big plus
• Confident working independently and communicating clearly
• Genuinely passionate about delivering person-centred care
• Open to hands-on learning and building new skills to meet client-specific needs

We’re also looking for male support workers.

Lived experience is welcomed, and the usual checks (NDIS Worker Screening, WWCC, First Aid, etc.) will be required.

Locations we support
Wonthaggi · Dalyston · Cowes · Grantville · Korumburra · Cranbourne · Emerald · Dandenong · Narre Warren · Belgrave · Endeavour Hills

⏰ Hours are flexible, depending on the role and participant needs.

Why BCDS?
We’re proud of our small but mighty team, our respite house, our ongoing training, and the people-first culture we’re building — one where staff and participants alike feel heard, respected, and supported.

We’re led by Jackie — a provisional psychologist, mum, and the heart behind this service. With a background in aged care, childcare, mental health, and NDIS coordination, Jackie brings both clinical knowledge and genuine care to how we do things.

To apply
📧 Email Jackie directly: jackie@bcdssupports.com
🌐 Or apply via our website: https://bcdssupports.com.au/join-our-team

Not sure if it’s for you, but know someone who’d be a great fit? Tag them below or share this post!

13/05/2025

🌼 A little love and appreciation, just after Mother’s Day. 🌼

To all the women in our community — mums, grandmothers, carers, aunties, and role models — thank you for the strength, care, and heart you bring into the lives around you.

We know Mother’s Day can bring up many different emotions. Whether it was a day of celebration, quiet reflection, or something in between, we hope you felt surrounded by peace, love, and connection in some way.

From all of us at BCDS Support Workers & Respite — thank you for being the heart of so many stories. 💛

💬 We’d love to hear — what’s something a strong woman in your life has taught you?

Address

Cowes, VIC
3787

Opening Hours

Monday	8am - 6pm
Tuesday	8am - 6pm
Wednesday	8am - 6pm
Thursday	8am - 6pm
Friday	8am - 6pm
Saturday	8am - 6pm
Sunday	8am - 6pm

Website

https://bcdssupports.com.au/

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