Employment Support Consultant

Position Description

Position Employment Support Consultant

Reporting to Team Lead

Division Consumer Directed Care

FTE

Location

Organisation

MS Plus is the go-to provider of information, advice and support for people affected by multiple sclerosis and other
neurological conditions. We’re a combined entity of the ACT, NSW, Victoria, and Tasmania with over years' insight
into how to live well with progressive neurological conditions.

Role Purpose

The Employment Support Consultant (ESC) will support participants diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and acquired
neurological conditions to achieve their goals in maintaining or obtaining their chosen employment in the open
labour market. The ESC is responsible for the provision of high-quality disability employment services to participants
with Multiple Sclerosis in accordance with the Disability Employment Service Deed and MS Plus, Policies and
Procedures.

• Provide tailored individual support to a person(s) diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and may also provide

advice to employers and a range of stakeholders.

• Manage caseload.

• Contractual administration

Team structure

Key Responsibilities

Key focus area Success factors

Strategic Leadership • Actively support MS+ purpose, values, aspiration, and strategic vision.
• Operate in line with MS+ policies, procedure, and practices.

• Promote and work within MS+ customer service delivery principles.

• Positively and constructively represent the organisation to external contacts at all

opportunities.

• Behave in a way that contributes to a workplace that is free of discrimination,

harassment, and bullying.

• Actively demonstrate professional behaviours and standards.

• Ensure the health, safety and welfare of self, co-workers, and others.

• Follow all reasonable directions given by the organisation.

• Support, promote and show sensitivity to diversity in the workplace.

Key focus area Success factors

• Facilitate and /or conduct assessments to establish participant’s status and

needs and identify any vocational barriers and non-vocational barriers
jeopardising current employment or preventing the individual from finding
new employment

• Coordinate case load of participants

• Coordinate and provide appropriate assistance to clients and employers

• Coordinate and implement workplace modifications

• Work closely with Employment Support Officers to facilitate services,

treatment, and sourcing, prescribing and purchasing of equipment

• Apply for and coordinate funding for individual services and workplace

modifications

• Keep all relevant stakeholders informed of the participant’s progress and

Operational Leadership any changes
• Provide assistance to participants and employers as required when job
seekers are placed in new employment and monitor progress

• Refer clients to other MS Plus services or external providers as appropriate

• Write reports summarising the outcome of vocational and workplace

assessments, providing recommendations to address vocational barriers

• Complete job plans for all participants and regularly monitor and review

plans

• Complete all mandatory documentation

• Ensure all client files and progress notes are kept up to date in accordance

with the DES Disability Employment Services Agreement

• Participate in organisational quality processes and lean programs

Key focus area Success factors

• Develop and actively maintain effective and mutually beneficial relationships,

including relationships with staff, health professionals and community service
providers, to support the work of MS Plus, facilitate participant access to service

People Leadership/
provision and enhance the organisation’s relationship with the community.

Relationship
• Build and maintain effective relationships with colleagues, participants and their

Management
carers.

• Establish close working relationships and communicate regularly with Service

Delivery Manager, Employment Support Officer(s), Senior Employment Support
Consultants, Employment Development Consultant(s).

Approval authority: Executive Manager, People Culture Quality Next review: February

Date approved: Key author: People Culture Quality

Version: Business Unit: People Culture Quality

• Work as a collaborative and supportive team member and share specialist

knowledge.

• Share information and ideas with the team and other MS Plus teams, and

administrative staff in relation to service delivery.

• Maintain strong communication ties between stakeholders to ensure all parties are

fully informed about operational activities.

Key focus area Success factors

• Deliver employment support services to participants with MS and acquired

neurological conditions in accordance with departmental guidelines and Deed and

Compliance and service guarantee.
Professional Conduct • Maintain professional standards in accordance with AHPRA registration and

professional body.

• Complete training required to maintain currency and standards.

Qualifications/Work Experience

• Tertiary qualifications in Allied Health - Occupational Therapy or Physiotherapy or related

discipline.

• Registration with an appropriate registration body e.g., AHPRA.

Essential

• Five years’ experience as an Employment Support Consultant

• Five years’ previous clinical experience and two years Employment Support Consultant

experience

Knowledge and Key Selection Criteria

• Experience and understanding of DES ESS Work Assist Deed and Guideline requirements.

• Demonstrable understanding of and commitment to working with people who have a

disability related to MS or neurological condition/s.

Essential

• Proven ability to share knowledge whilst maintaining and coordinating a participant

caseload.

• Ability to work autonomously and as part of a team.

• Experience leading and supervising allied health professionals.

Desirable • Current driver license

Approval authority: Executive Manager, People Culture Quality Next review: February

Date approved: Key author: People Culture Quality

Version: Business Unit: People Culture Quality

Key Competencies

Key Focus Area Demonstrated competency

Financial

You ensure purchased supports for clients are delivered in accordance with business rules/
Management

budget.

You actively contribute and show leadership in reflective practice group meetings and
Reflective Practice supervision.

Consumer You keep participants at the centre of everything you do. You focus on achieving best
Outcomes possible vocational results for participants.

You manage your workload ensuring all services are delivered within required time frames.
You will show efficiently with utilisation of resources available and demonstrate ability to

Time Management
prioritise your workload.

You can stay calm under pressure, research possible causes, identify trends and choose
Problem Solving the most relevant solution.

You are focused on your goals and understand the steps needed to achieve them. You will
Achieving Results also have the motivation to see projects through to fruition and motivate others to do the

same.

Contracts / Records You maintain records across a range of systems in accordance with Deed and DES
Management guidelines

Quality, Risk,
Safety, Legislative You contribute to quality assurance activities.

compliance

You are a strong advocate for participants and their goals as well as promoting the service
Advocacy

in the broader community

Written and Oral You convey information in a way that is confident, professional, and easy for others to
Communication understand whatever their level.

You collaborate and work well with others, demonstrate a caring and professional nature in
Interpersonal skills

all aspects of your work. You deliver constructive feedback and can motivate others.

Personal Attributes

Caring & a sense of
humour

Collaborative

Adaptable

Dependable and
strong work ethic

Approval authority: Executive Manager, People Culture Quality Next review: February

Date approved: Key author: People Culture Quality

Version: Business Unit: People Culture Quality

Employment Screening

Appointments within MS Plus are subject to the satisfactory completion of a police check (All), a Working with
Vulnerable People check (WWVP) ACT & Tasmania, a NDIS National Worker Screening Check (NDISWC) and/or a
Working with Children check (WWCC) where applicable to the role; plus character/performance reference checks. In
some roles, work may not be attended if the required screening employment checks have not been completed/cleared.

Appointees whose role requires an NDISWC and/or a WWCC must provide a successful/cleared check if they already
have one or apply for one on appointment. Costs associated with these checks are the responsibility of the appointee.

All appointments are subject to the disclosure of any relevant employment history of formal disciplinary action for
improper or unprofessional conduct taken by current or previous employers or any other integrity body within or outside
Australia.