What’s it like to be a Disability Support Worker?

Admin August 8, 2022
What’s it like to be a Disability Support Worker?

Disability support workers provide supervision and care to people with physical and/or intellectual disabilities. They also provide emotional support and physical assistance to them. 

A disability support worker’s main responsibility is to care for and assist community members who have physical or mental disabilities. You will empower and inspire your clients to improve their quality of life as a qualified support workers. 

The job descriptions for disability support workers vary. Some employment could entail going to clients homes or perhaps providing live-in help at a supported independent living facility. In this blog, we will make an in-depth study of what the role of a disability support worker entails. 

What are the responsibilities and duties of a Disability Support worker? 

  • Helping with household duties and responsibilities include grocery shopping, meal planning, cooking, washing, using the restroom, and cleaning. 
  • Helping with social activities, everyday chores, and other outings. 
  • Giving customers company and assistance to help them improve their current abilities, skills and confidence 
  • Disability support workers typically concentrate on duties that reduce physical discomfort and foster socialisation, independence, mental wellbeing, and overall health. The specifics of the work depend on the client, though. 
  • Disability Support Workers may perform their duties at patients’ homes, hospitals, specialised care facilities, or other care settings. 

What it takes to work as a disability support worker 

While it is possible to work as a Disability Support Worker without a degree, certain employers might favour applicants who have a certificate in a related field, such as Certificate III in Individual Support (CHC33015). 

  • Complete a vocational qualification in disability or community services like a Certificate IV in Disability (CHC43115) or a Certificate III in Individual Support (CHC33015) specialising in disability. 
  • First of all, your immunisations should be up-to-date, additionally, you should have a first aid certificate, working with children check, police check, and NDIS worker screening check. Many employers will also favour you if you have access to a vehicle and a valid driver’s licence. 
  • Consider pursuing additional education to advance your professions, such as a Bachelor of Social Work or a Diploma of Community Services (CHC52015)
  • You can also volunteer in Disability Services to build your resume and gain experience in the field. 

Let us explore a few of these courses that you will need to become a Disability Support Worker 

Certificate IV in Disability 

With this certification, you can supervise a small team and operate in the field of disability support. The nationally recognised Certificate IV in Disability equips you with the knowledge and talents to enable people with disabilities to realise their potential and lead fulfilling lives. This is the best route to a fulfilling profession, whether you work with clients in their homes or in the community. 

Diploma of Community Services 

With the help of this course, you will be able to support people in their specific needs as well as those of their communities while working under the direction of the management. Students who complete the Diploma in Community Services are equipped with the knowledge and abilities to operate in residential and community settings in the community services industry. Students will learn how to offer clients social, emotional, psychological, and practical help as part of a comprehensive approach to client requirements. 

Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability) 

You will graduate from this programme with the fundamental knowledge and abilities needed to operate in the field of disability care, aged care, home and community care. You will learn how to assist people in maintaining their independence and welfare in their homes or in public places. You can choose multiple specialisations like disability, home and community, and ageing. 

What are the experience and skills that employers look for in a candidate? 

  • NDIS Worker Screening Check 
  • Aged Care 
  • Manual Handling Certificate 
  • First Aid Certificate 
  • Community Services 
  • Managing Challenging Behaviours 
  • Medication Administration 
  • Disability Industry 
  • Drivers Licence 
  • Vaccination

Conclusion: 

If you are contemplating taking up a career in disability, you should realize that the role of a disability support worker is both challenging and gratifying too, just like any other profession. At the beginning of your career as a disability support worker, you can run into some difficult circumstances. However, you will be prepared to tackle these obstacles with help of the skills and capabilities that you have gained through your qualification. You will support numerous individuals in need of help, by encouraging their independence and boosting their mental health. In the end, your assistance greatly supports many people in leading the lives they desire. Interested in knowing more about the disability care sector? Contact MWT Global Academy for further information.