Summary
NDIS Support Workers help people living with a disability live a fulfilling life. Find out how you can make a difference.
NDIS Support Workers help people living with a disability to live independently, strive for the things they love and build connections with their community.
NDIS Support Workers come in many forms but all have the same mission: to empower NDIS participants to live their lives to the fullest. They do this by supporting participants to complete day-to-day tasks, and provide emotional support, physical assistance and supervision.
If you’re considering a career in support work and want to get an idea of the realities and expectations, you’ve come to the right place. In this blog, we go through everything you need to know about what it means to be a great NDIS Support Worker and how you can make a meaningful impact on people’s lives.
The Day in the Life of a NDIS Support Worker
No two days are the same in the life of an NDIS Support Worker. Some participants require more attention and assistance than others, so you’re constantly adapting to tides of your participant’s days.
The way you work can also differ depending on your type of employment as an NDIS Support Workers. You could either be employed by a NDIS provider, self-employed, contractors, consultants or volunteer.
In addition to providing emotional support and companionship, you will be required to help the participant manage tasks within the home and build connections with your participants local community so they can be socially active. Here are some examples.
At home:
- Meal preparation
- Household chores
- Administering medication
- Managing finances
- Encouraging a daily routine
- Booking appointments and managing their schedule
In the community:
- Access community facilities
- Shopping
- Meeting friends and family
- Joining and attending a sports club
- Attending appointments
- Finding and keeping a job
Qualifications of a NDIS Support Worker
To have a career as a NDIS Support Worker, you need to complete relevant professional qualifications and requirements to give you the skills you need to make a positive impact on those in your care.
outcome. The NDIS will contact you to tell you if you have been successful or not. When you have received this correspondence, the next step is to create your NDIS plan.
Step 3: Create your NDIS plan
Your NDIS plan will connect you with the services and resources specific to your needs and goals, so you can live your life your way.
To work out what supports are best suited to your needs, the NDIS will arrange a planning meeting with you. During this session, an NDIS representative will chat to you about your likes and dislikes, how you enjoy spending your time, and help you to define some short and long term goals.
Setting clear and achievable goals is important to your physical and mental wellbeing as an NDIS participant. They give you and your service providers defined markers to track and measure your progress, just like goal posts!
Qualifications:
- Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability)
- Certificate IV in Disability
- Diploma of Community Services
- Bachelor of Social Work
Additional professional requirements:
- NDIS Worker Screening Check (compulsory)
- First Aid Certificate (compulsory)
- Vaccination history
- Driver’s licence (mandatory)
Complementary Courses (Optional):
- Certificate in Diabetes Management
- Certificate IV in Mental Health
- Certificate IV in Youth Work
- Introduction to the National Disability Insurance Scheme
On top of these qualifications, support work requires a set of soft skills that come with the nature of the job. For example, emotional intelligence (being smart in handling relationships with people) is something you will exercise everyday on the job, as well as empathy and teamwork.
You may be met with some challenging situations and how you handle them is very important. You’ll also be liaising with a variety of stakeholders that are personal to the participant – like their family, friends and carers – as well as other NDIS service providers, such as Plan Managers (like us!), Support Coordinators and Allied Health Professionals.
Qualities of a great NDIS Support Worker
To provide great care and support for your participants, it’s important to build the participant’s independence by fostering a sense of empowerment and encouraging them to explore their capabilities.
Additionally, effective communication can make a world of difference to your participant’s experience. By never making assumptions, taking the time to understand each individual’s unique needs and preferences whilst being patient and empathetic, you will build trust and rapport that’s essential for positive participant outcomes.
A flexible approach to everything you do as an NDIS Support Worker is key. By anticipating their needs, making an effort to find alternative communication methods that suit the both of you, and remaining calm in challenging situations will ensure the participants feel safe and supported in your presence.
The NDIS website has a catalogue of handy resources that can show you how to apply for an NDIS plan and help you understand all you need to know about the NDIS.
Whether you’re at the beginning of your NDIS journey, or a longstanding participant, we’re always here to help you.
Get in touch with our friendly team of professional Plan Managers who can support and guide you, no matter what stage you’re at.
Benefits of being a NDIS Support Worker
Being an NDIS Support Worker, like all jobs, comes with its own challenges. But it’s definitely a rewarding and fulfilling profession for the right person.
As an NDIS Support Worker you have the privilege of being part of the participant’s progress and growth – a front row seat to their big and small achievements. As you witness their resilience and personal growth, you will notice the same positive changes in yourself.
The job also has great work-life balance and flexible hours available, depending on yours and your participant’s schedule. Furthermore, there’s a growing demand for NDIS Support Workers in the industry, meaning great job security and stability is on offer.
Make the most of your NDIS experience
At Your Plan Manager, when our clients find an NDIS Support Worker they gel with, and are already receiving quality care, the positive impact on their overall life is noticeable and long lasting.
Make the most of your NDIS plan by engaging with a NDIS Support Worker and get in touch with our expert team today!