Have you recently completed a course on disability support or are you thinking about enrolling? Working in the disability services sector is an extremely rewarding job as you make a difference to people’s lives.
There are a number of disability courses that provide you with everything you need to know about creating a supportive and safe environment for people living with a disability.
In this blog we explore the types of support services you can specialise in and what they involve.
TYPES OF DISABILITY SUPPORT WORKER JOBS
EVERYDAY SUPPORT JOBS
Everyday support jobs involve you working with people with a disability to help them with daily living activities. This could be anything from shopping, cleaning the house, cooking, social activities, personal care, administering medication, accompanying them to appointments and more.
When working in everyday disability support services you may work with children, adults, or elderly people, all of whom may have different capabilities and support needs. Your work will be different from day to day and the type of services you provide with be tailored to each individual’s needs.
WORKFORCE SUPPORT JOBS
People with disabilities may require assistance to find work or once they have acquired a job to then complete the tasks outlined in their job description. This is where support workers can come in to assist.
Support workers help participants acquire a job by:
- Researching potential job opportunities
- Contacting and applying for jobs on their behalf
- Coaching participants to succeed in the interview process
- Coordinating skill development and training
Support workers help participants complete the tasks outlined in their job by:
- Being present to coach and train people whilst on the job
- Notify the employer of any changes that can be made to the job to make it achievable.
As a support worker, assisting people with disabilities to find jobs will involve you working with employment agencies who provide jobs for people with disabilities or businesses hiring people with disabilities.
SPECIALIST SUPPORT
There are a number of specialists who may be involved with helping people with disabilities including physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, music and art therapists, psychologists, and more.
Specialist workers undertake work in areas such as assessments, planning, interventions, and behavioural care. Generally, specialists will work collectively to provide a holistic approach to the level of care the participants need.
ADMINISTRATION AND MANAGEMENT JOBS
Behind a team of support workers is a team of coordinators and case managers who are responsible for coordinating and assisting support workers.
Coordinators can assist in many different areas whether its identifying service options for the participant, setting up a participants NDIS plan, managing their budget, ensuring the participant understands the plan and processes involved.
HOW TO KNOW IF THE DIDABILITY SECTOR IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
Whether you are thinking about studying to work in the disability sector or you have just completed your studies, how do you know if it’s going to be right for you? Ask yourself the following questions:
- Do you like helping others?
- Do you enjoy working with people in a community setting?
- Do you have good interpersonal and communication skills?
- Are you solution focused with a creative mind?
- Can you work in a team environment?
If your answer was yes to any of the above, then working in the disability sector may be right for you.
FINAL THOUGHTS
If you are looking at developing your skills to work with people with disability, there are a number of courses that provide the theory and practical knowledge you need. There are great jobs available for those wanting to care for people within our community.
To see some of the current disability support work job opportunities in Perth head to the following job search websites:
Seek – Disability Jobs in Perth and WA
Indeed – Disability Support Jobs in Perth and WA
Jora – Disability Support Jobs in Perth and WA
FAQ’s
What is the average salary for disability support workers in Australia?
The average wage for disability support worker is $60,450 per year of $31 per hour. Entry level positions start lower and an experienced worker may earn more.
What do I need to have before I can start working in the disability services sector?
Before you start working in the disability sector, it is a requirement to have an NDIS Worker Screen Check and a blue card if working with children, a driver’s licence and first aid training including CPR.
What is the role of a support worker?
Disability support workers are vital carers for vulnerable individuals and their families and help people to live their lives as independently as possible and support them in reaching their potential, through both practical and emotional support. The type of support can include helping with household tasks, filling out paperwork, administering medication and personal care. The type of care you provide will be tailored to the needs of the individual. It is an incredibly varied and rewarding role as you will be helping vulnerable people to improve their quality of life, achieve their goals and make a very real and positive difference to their lives.
