Disability
support
work
is more than you think.

What do disability support workers do?

A disability support worker supports a person with a disability to reach their goals, engage with the community and meet their support needs.

A disability support worker focuses and supports the individual needs of the person from a community inclusion, independence, decision making and personal choice perspective.

Click here to read an article from The West Australian as Karratha local Luke and his support worker Olean discuss what disability support work means to them.

What does a disability support worker’s job involve?

So much more than a job!

Disability support workers are closely involved in the day-to-day life of the person they support. They provide essential support so people with disability can:

Is disability support work for you?

Have you thought of working in the disability sector?

The introduction of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is set to transform the disability sector and will create many exciting new career opportunities. The Australian Government predicts that the disability workforce in Western Australia is expected to need an extra 10,000 employees to keep up with the demand for NDIS jobs. (Growing the NDIS Market & Workforce 2019; Australian Government)

Are you the kind of person who has:

• Great communication skills
• A genuine interest in people
• An ability to problem-solve and be flexible
• An ability to think creatively
• Empathy to ensure you personally connect with people
• A positive attitude
• An ability to work well with others
• Punctuality and reliability.

Whilst some roles require formal qualifications, you may already have the foundation skills and values to start your career in the disability sector.

To help you decide if disability support work is for you, download the Your Skills overview from NDS.

What skills are employers looking for in their support workers?

Do you have what it takes to fast-track your career in disability support?

Disability employers are looking for passionate and positive people, who work well with others. Employers look for these skills:

• A positive attitude.
• Strong values: anyone working in the disability sector needs to be ethical and treat people with respect.
• An understanding of disability and the disability sector. Do your research. The Care Careers website is a good place to start.
• The ability to work well with others. The disability sector is all about teamwork and working towards shared outcomes.
• Are you punctual? As a disability support worker your client relies on you so being on time for work is really important. 
• Are you reliable? Your employer will create rosters and schedules to create a fair work environment and to ensure the needs of the person you are supporting are met.
• Good communication skills and the ability to listen. Listening and communication skills are particularly important when you are starting out as a disability support worker, as some aspects of the work may be new to you. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and seek guidance if you are unsure about anything. Communication is key to growing your skills.
• Attention to detail: this is crucial and will assist you to notice the small things that are important to the person you are supporting.
• Willingness to learn new skills: the world is changing faster than it ever has before, and we all have to learn to adapt.

Useful terms for new disability support workers

Here are a few common terms and their definitions to help you understand the sector.

Get to know these terms to feel confident to talk about disability support.

Inclusive Language and Engagement

People with disability are diverse.

Check out some of our top tips for using inclusive language and engaging positively with people with a disability.

Common questions about disability support

See below for the answers to the most common queries about disability support work.

Where do I start?

Interested in a career in disability support work? Then you’re in the right place.

The disability sector is one of the fastest-growing industries in Australia. Why not consider a role supporting people with disability. Work in a sector where you can make a difference to the lives of people with disability and the communities in which we live.

Employment checklist

A checklist to consider

The following checklist might be helpful for you to understand the qualifications and requirements of disability support work and can assist you in gaining entry into the disability sector.

• You are an Australian citizen, a permanent resident or have the right to work in Australia for at least 12 months
• First Aid Certificate: invaluable and essential for most entry-level roles
• Driver’s Licence: not all employers will require a driver’s licence but for many disability support workers, it is a necessity
• Qualifications: not all employers will require qualifications for an entry-level position, but a Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability) would be highly regarded
• Working With Children Check: employers will require you to undergo a Working With Children Check if you are supporting young people with a disability
• NDIS Worker Screening Check: a NDIS Worker Screening Check will be required for most positions
• Worker Orientation Module: Quality, Safety and You. This module explains the NDIS Code of Conduct obligations and will assist you to understand how to support people with disability. This is a mandatory requirement for anyone entering the disability sector

Yes, it’s for me.

How do I apply?

Visit Jobs in WA Disability Services to register your interest in seeking work in the disability sector or contact your local Jobs and Skills Centre.

Job application tips and help

To help you in your journey towards employment in the disability sector, check out our useful guide which includes:

• Tips for writing a good resume
• Essential things to include in your resume
• Tips for writing your cover letter
• A resume checklist
• Interview techniques

For more information and resources visit Jobs & Skills WA website.

Entry level training

While a training certification is not essential for employment as a disability support worker, it is highly regarded by many potential employers.

The new Job Ready Program will fast-track your entry into a disability support career, providing you with three weeks of training and a two-week work placement. Read more here.

Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability) is the recommended entry-level course for people who are interested in undertaking training for a career in disability support. More information about this course and other training options is available on the Australian Government’s My Skills website.

School-based traineeships

Still at school and interested in a career as a disability support worker?

A school-based traineeship in disability support work is a great way to gain real-world experience while working toward a nationally recognised qualification, all while completing secondary school studies. Watch Stacey’s Story on  School Based Traineeships in Disability Support Work.

Disability Support Work is more than you think
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What will you do when you leave school?
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Working in the disability sector
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Your Future Career
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Your Skills
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Free training

Quality, Safety and You NDIS training module
This is a mandatory worker orientation module (90 minutes to complete) for anyone entering the disability services sector.  The module covers the NDIS code of conduct and how to support people with disability.

Job Seekers

Jobs in WA Disability Services
Jobs in WA Disability Services is a job matching website connecting job seekers with employers.  You can create a profile, upload your resume and register for job opportunities.

Service Provider Directory (Disability Services)
The Service Provider Directory lists all NDIS registered service providers.

Jobs and Skills WA Centres
Western Australia’s TAFE Jobs and Skills Centres are one-stop shops for careers, training and employment advice and assistance. Services are free, and accessible to all members of the community.

Traineeships

Apprenticeship Support Australia
Apprenticeship Support Australia can assist with traineeship opportunities.

Megt
Megt can assist with traineeship opportunities and give career guidance at their Careers Hub

The Apprenticeship Community
The Apprenticeship Community can assist with traineeship opportunities and school-based traineeships.

Career Resources and Jobs Outlook

Care Careers
Care Careers has all the information and job opportunities you’ll need for a rewarding career in the Disability, Community and Aged Care sector.

My Future
Lessons, occupation videos, case studies, career pathway resources and interactive career bullseyes

My Skills
The Australian Government’s My Skills website provides detailed training information, including entry-level qualifications for disability support.

Jobs Outlook – Demand Map
The Boosting the Local Care Workforce website includes a Demand Map – job seekers can search by postcode to source information on current and forecast NDIS positions and participant numbers.

Labour Market Information Portal
Labour market data, employer recruitment insights, fact sheets

Professional Association

National Disability Practitioners

Useful terminology for disability sector workers
Inclusive language and positive engagement tips