Disability Worker Screening (DWS) manages the application process for workers and volunteers seeking a clearance to deliver disability supports and services in Queensland. DWS assesses applications to determine whether a person is cleared or excluded from working in certain roles with people with disability.
The paramount consideration in screening decisions is the right of people with disability to live their lives free from abuse, violence, neglect or exploitation. Disability worker screening plays an important role in creating safe environments and improving the quality of services and supports being delivered to people with disability.
The area also supports NDIS organisations and workers with their compliance requirements under the Disability Services Act 2006 (the Act).
Services
Visit the Disability Worker Screening website to learn about the services we offer and who needs a card to work with people with disability.
Operational teams
DWS is responsible for managing enquiries about the disability worker screening system in Queensland. It comprises the following operational teams.
|
The Client Services team provides information and support to applicants and workers who need a disability worker screening clearance to deliver disability supports and services in Queensland. This includes responding to enquiries from the public about the worker screening clearances and the application process.
The Compliance team is responsible for overseeing and auditing adherence to legislative requirements under the Act. The Act enforces penalties on individuals and NDIS service providers who do not meet worker screening requirements, ensuring that strong safeguards for vulnerable individuals are established and maintained.
The team addresses compliance issues reported by the public and other sources. While the team prioritises education and stakeholder engagement to enhance sector-wide understanding and compliance with the Act, it is also empowered to take enforcement action in cases of serious or prolonged non-compliance.
The purpose of the Quality Improvement, Governance and Projects team is to implement business improvement projects and system enhancements to improve DWS' operational effectiveness. This team also provides governance, maintenance and support services for its business applications and provides support and advice to the Director regarding operational performance.
The Risk Assessment team administers the disability worker screening check framework and reviews all assessable information received about an applicant to determine whether a person who works, or seeks to work (including a volunteer), with people with disability poses an unacceptable risk of harm to them. The team considers assessable information such as police information and other relevant information obtained from external agencies, to determine whether a person is cleared or excluded from working in risk-assessed roles delivering supports or services to with people with disability under the Act.
All applicants and clearance holders are subject to ongoing monitoring which includes, but is not limited to, any relevant information received from law enforcement agencies and information from the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. Should a change in risk assessment matter occur, the Risk Assessment team may re-assess a worker’s clearance status.
