Why Choose a Career in Disability Support? Our Top 5 Reasons

If you’re seeking a profoundly fulfilling career that allows you to witness the direct impact of your actions on individuals and within the community, a Disability Support role might be the perfect fit for you.

In this role, you’ll have the opportunity to play a pivotal part in enhancing the lives of individuals with disabilities, helping them achieve personal milestones, and fostering their independence.

Your efforts will help contribute to creating a more inclusive and supportive community, where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Assisting vulnerable people with everyday tasks and to overcome daily obstacles can have a profound impact on those who need help the most and, in turn, on your own sense of self.

Disability Support workers have a daily and ongoing effect on the quality of the lives of those living with a disability and their families by providing support where and when it is needed most.

A disability support worker provides personal, physical and emotional support to people with disability on a regular basis to help them feel independent, confident and a part of their community.

This may be as simple as supporting a client to go about their daily routine and live their lives comfortably in their home or working together towards achieving long term goals and providing someone with an opportunity to learn and reach a life goal they choose.

A qualification in Disability Support could lead you through a range of different paths and opportunities. Depending on the role or range of support that may be required, your regular tasks may include:

• Daily living and independent skills
• Light domestic duties such as tidying, washing and cleaning
• Assistance with personal hygiene/li>
• Manual Handling and the use of equipment to support mobility
• Shopping and meal preparation
• Social event planning and support
• Fitness and regular activity planning
• Medical appointments & medicine management
• Financial assistance and budgeting support

Understanding these responsibilities, let’s explore the many benefits of choosing this career path.

Ever thought about a career as a disability worker? Our experts have provided insight into why they have chosen a career as a disability support worker.

1. Job Satisfaction

Working in disability support provides an unparalleled sense of job satisfaction that is deeply fulfilling on both personal and professional levels. The daily interactions with individuals with disabilities, witnessing their resilience and growth, evoke a profound sense of purpose and accomplishment.

Whether it’s helping someone master a new skill or facilitating their integration into the community, the small but regular victories are immeasurably rewarding. The bonds formed with both the individuals and their families create a strong sense of connection and meaning in the work.

While the role may present its challenges, the moments of joy and progress experienced with the individuals being supported make every effort invested entirely worthwhile. The job satisfaction derived from working in disability support extends far beyond a salary, including a deep sense of fulfillment and gratitude for being a part of support and positive transformations in the lives of those who need it most.

2. Flexibility & Varied Workdays

Depending on the direction that you choose to take your career, there are a range of flexible options around what a typical working day could look like. Support for people with disability is required at all times of the day and night which presents a multitude of options to choose from including evening or weekend shifts if that suits your life and lifestyle. Alternatively Monday to Friday day work is always available for those who want to keep their weekends free.

Disability Support is a great career option for those who wish for flexibility and a work/life balance for those with commitments outside of their working life.

3. Enhanced People Skills

Working in disability support can significantly enhance your people skills, arming you with important interpersonal abilities that extend well beyond the range of your profession. This role demands effective and flexible communication skills, empathy, active listening, and adaptability – all of which are transferable skills applicable to various personal and professional scenarios.

Support work, in all formats, can be confronting and challenging at times but also hugely fulfilling. Making a difference to another person’s quality of life is one of the most rewarding things a person can do. This is something disability support workers do every day.

4. Building Meaningful Rapports

You will have the opportunity to build close bonds and mutual respect with your clients that can be life changing and ongoing for both parties.

Sharing moments, your time and providing someone with the essential support and care they require while showing respect and maintaining dignity can be the foundation of a relationship built on trust and genuine friendship with both Clients and their families.

5. Job Security

According to the Australian Government, the care and support sector is one of Australia’s fastest growing sectors and it is expected that an additional 83,000 NDIS support workers will be required within the next year.

This growth is due to the increase in NDIS participants in Australia, combined with an ageing population within our community accessing care and support services. With this growth comes increased job stability and security for those qualified to work in the industry.

1. Education and Training

While formal education requirements can vary, having a Certificate III in Individual Support or IV in Disability Support or a related field is often preferred and may be required by many employers. These courses will provide you with the essential knowledge and skills needed to work effectively in disability support.

2. Gain Appropriate Experience

Prior experience in caregiving, support work, or volunteering with individuals with disabilities can be highly beneficial and regarded as it demonstrates your commitment and understanding of the field.

3. Obtain Necessary Certifications and Vaccinations

Background checks are necessary to work alongside vulnerable members of our community. For employment, work placement and volunteering opportunities, you will be required to provide the following:

1. A current NDIS Workers Screening Check
2. Working With Children Check (called a Blue Card in some States)
3. And in most states and territories, a clear police check with no disclosable outcomes
4. Employers also generally require proof of current flu and COVID vaccinations at all times

Remember, working as a Disability Support Worker requires genuine compassion, dedication, and a commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of individuals with disabilities. By following these steps and demonstrating your passion for the role, you can increase your chances of securing a rewarding and ongoing job in this field.

By choosing to begin a career in Disability Support, you are embracing an opportunity to make a genuine difference in the lives of those who need and deserve care, respect, and the chance to thrive.
Your role as a disability support worker goes beyond the conventional boundaries of a job – it is a commitment to supporting independence, promoting inclusivity, and investing in individuals with disabilities to live the most comfortable and enjoyable life.

The world needs compassionate and dedicated individuals who are willing to extend their hands, hearts, and skills to uplift others.

If you would believe you are one of those dedicated individuals and would like to discuss education and training opportunities available to you through InterCare, simply reach out through intercaretraining.edu.au or call us on 1300 10 2273.