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

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

27/02/2026

We are pleased to announce that we have fantastic availability for our amazing support workers! Therefore in our Support Worker Spotlight this week we have Jo!
Jo is a highly skilled and compassionate disability support worker with over 20 years of experience in the special needs field. She is dedicated to providing high-quality care and tailored support to individuals with diverse needs. With her deep understanding of neurodiversity, communication strategies, and medical safety, Jo is committed to fostering independence, inclusion, and well-being for the people she supports.

Her extensive experience and caring nature make her an invaluable part of our team. Jo is experienced working with clients young and old, and with a variety of disabilities, becoming a standout member of our support team.

We are proud to have Jo on board, providing exceptional support to individuals and families in our community.

Qualifications: Certificate IV in Disability, Supporting Students with ADHD, Supporting Students with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder),Picture Exchange Communication (Level 1),Assist Clients with Medication, First Aid & CPR Certified, ASCIA Anaphylaxis Training, Police Check & NDIS Worker Check, Working with Children Check (WWCC),NDIS Worker Orientation Training Completed, Fully Insured

02/01/2026

HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM BCDS!!!!

Our Director Jackie will be on leave from Jan 5th - Jn 22nd.
While away, Cass, our Team Leader is the best contact:
bcdstrainingnrosters@gmail.com
or
0417 307 571

We appreciate your patience while Cass does an amazing job holding the forte in Jackie's absence.

02/10/2025

✨ Meet Hannah! ✨

We’re so excited to introduce Hannah to the BCDS team! 💜

Hannah is currently completing her Bachelor of Health Science (Rehabilitation Counselling) and has a strong background supporting clients with both physical and complex needs, as well as program coordination and skill-building.

Based locally in Cape Woolamai, Hannah brings warmth, knowledge, and a passion for helping people achieve their goals and build independence. 🌱💪

We’re so lucky to have Hannah joining our team, and we know our clients and families will love working with her as much as we do. 🤗

📍 Servicing: Cape Woolamai & surrounding bass coast areas

Please join us in giving Hannah a warm welcome to the BCDS family! 💐

29/09/2025

🏅 Meet Lewis! 🏅
We’re so excited to introduce Lewis to the BCDS team! 🙌

Lewis holds a Certificate III in Disability Support and is currently completing his Cert IV. With extensive experience supporting clients with complex behaviours and medical needs, Lewis brings a calm, steady approach to every shift. 💙

When he’s not working, Lewis loves staying active through soccer, rugby, tennis, and hockey — and he believes the teamwork and discipline he gains through sport help make him a stronger, more resilient support worker. ⚽🏉🎾🏑

📍 Based in Cranbourne West, with a local base in Cowes for Bass Coast supports.

Please join us in giving Lewis a huge BCDS welcome! 👏
Stay tuned — we’ve got another amazing new team member to introduce soon! ✨

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

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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