NDIS support workers

An NDIS Support Worker is an approved and qualified carer who is highly experienced in helping participants with day-to-day activities at home or in the community. We provide both physical and emotional support so that people with a disability can lead a more independent life.

NDIS support worker duties include helping with:

• Personal care – We deliver tailored support with everyday tasks, from getting ready in the morning to exercising in the evening.
• Community connection – We help participants to join in on social activities, build meaningful relationships and feel a sense of belonging.
• Independence – We foster independence by providing the necessary guidance and encouragement to perform tasks on their own.
• Skills building – We empower participants to develop new life skills and strengthen existing capabilities.
• Health supervision – We assist participants in monitoring health conditions, attending medical appointments and managing medication schedules.
• Domestic assistance – We help participants manage household chores like laundry and meal preparation to maintain a clean and comfortable home.
• Respite care – We offer relief to informal caregivers, giving family members an opportunity to relax.
• Transport assistance – We help with transportation needs for medical appointments, social events, and other errands.
• Emotional support – We offer sympathy, understanding and reliable support to foster mental and emotional health.
• Representation – We advocate for the needs of our participants, facilitating access to suitable resources and services.

No. An NDIS support worker is not a registered nurse. These roles bring their own distinct duties and levels of training.

Support workers are trained to help individuals with daily living activities, including personal care, cooking, transportation, household chores, medication reminders, and social activities. We often work in Supported Independent Living homes and tend to hold minimum qualifications like a Certificate III or IV in Individual Support or a Certificate III in Disability.

In contrast, a registered nurse is a medical practitioner who has completed a nursing education program and passed a licensing exam. Registered nurses are equipped to offer a broad spectrum of healthcare services, such as administering medication, executing medical procedures, evaluating and monitoring patient health, developing care plans, and educating patients. They work in diverse healthcare environments, including hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and community health centres.

If covered, support work will be detailed in the ‘Core Supports’ of your NDIS plan. More specifically, NDIS support work falls under ‘Assistance with Daily Living’ and ‘Assistance with Social & Community Participation’.

Don’t see funds in the ‘Core Supports’ section? No worries. Give one of our friendly staff members a call and we help clarify for you.

Depending on their specific role, their employer and the participants they are caring for, an NDIS support worker should have one of the below qualifications:

• Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability)
• Certificate IV in Disability
• Diploma of Community Services
• Bachelor of Social Work

All disability support workers should also pass a:

• First Aid (CPR)
• Working with Children Check
• NDIS Worker Check
• Criminal History Check
• Hunter Care Group Induction and Onboarding Process

At Hunter Care Group, you can rest assured that all of our NDIS support workers are fully qualified and committed to delivering quality care to our participants.

NDIS support workers must follow the Code of Conduct when delivering all support services. This details seven principles or behaviours in our participant’s best interests:

• Empower participants to take control of their lives and make informed decisions
• Respect privacy and keep all personal information confidential
• Carry out professional duties with competence and do not fulfil any instruction beyond the qualification or training.
• Act with integrity and honesty, disclosing any failed worker screening clearances, conflicts of interest or professional misconduct to employers.
• Address quality or safety concerns so that they can be resolved as soon as possible.
• Prevent the abuse and exploitation of participants, who often depend on workers for personal, emotional and behavioural support.
• Take steps to minimise the risk of sexual misconduct, such as ensuring all workers pass the Part of the Worker Screening Check and, if relevant, the Working with Children Check.

If you or your loved one is eligible, you can hire a support worker with NDIS funding. To secure this support, take the following steps:

• Undergo an eligibility assessment to secure NDIS funding. The NDIA will then determine whether you qualify for support based on your disability, age, residency, and degree of functional impairment.
• If eligible, you must file an access request with the NDIS, detailing your disability and everyday support requirements.
• Schedule a planning session with your NDIS representative to explain your aspirations, requirements, and the kind of support needed. The NDIS will then create a tailored plan detailing the support and funding you will receive.
• Once your NDIS plan is approved, reach out to Hunter Care Group by submitting and enquiry or referral.
• Our team will work closely with you to understand your needs and identify the most suitable support workers available.
• Meet your support team. We will help you create a personalised support plan that aligns with the goals you want to achieve or work toward.
• Enter a service agreement with Hunter Care Group, which will outline the nature, extend and pricing of services.

If you need an NDIS support worker in Newcastle or the greater Hunter region, we are here to help you or your participant lead an independent life.

Under the NDIS, friends and family members of participants are referred to as ‘informal supports’. In other words, they are not paid to provide care or assistance. Therefore, the NDIS doesn’t usually provide funding for this type of support.

That said, there are special instances where the NDIS may consider allocating funds to compensate your family or friends for their support. For example, if the participant lives far away from the nearest formal support provider, or it is challenging to secure a support worker beyond family or friends.

If you think your circumstances might qualify for this funding, you can discuss your needs with the National Disability Insurance Agency.

Yes, an NDIS support worker can provide mental health support by helping participants foster their confidence, independence and relationships with others.

A psychosocial disability manifests when a mental health condition affects your ability to go about everyday life, such as socialising with others, maintaining your home and taking care of your physical health.

The NDIS provides funding to people with a psychosocial disability so that they can access support workers. At Hunter Care Group, we can help participants:

• Attend appointments
• Participate in social activities
• Communicate their feelings to others
• Learn stress management techniques
• Manage personal care
• Stay on top of household chores
• Take public transportation
• Respond to emergencies safely

Need a mental health NDIS support worker in Newcastle? Get in touch with our team at (02) 4950 2269 to take the next step.