A disability support worker helps a person living with disability to take care of a variety of everyday tasks, from personal care and household chores to social coordination and shopping. We also nurture emotional connections and opportunities to build new skills for a more independent life. That said, exact duties depend on the unique needs of those being cared for.
At Hunter Care Group, our NDIS registered support workers are deeply passionate about performing this important role, which we explain in detail below.
Keep reading to learn how our team can assist you or your loved one.
What is the role of a disability support worker?
The role of a disability support worker is to provide physical and emotional support to people with mental and/or physical disabilities. That may mean making routine home visits or even living with you.
While the level of assistance varies based on your health and capabilities, the overall goal stays the same – to enhance your quality of life by fulfilling basic support needs and improving accessibility.
A disability support worker’s key duties can include:
- Helping with household chores, including cleaning, cooking and laundry
- Assisting with daily personal tasks like bathing, brushing teeth and getting dressed
- Facilitating participation in a range of social activities at home and in the community
- Supporting professional or academic goals through tasks, such as helping with homework or coming along to class to assist communication
- Arranging transport to social, economic and daily life activities
- Providing companionship and emotional support
- Monitoring physical and mental health by performing routine checks, for example administering prescriptions or measuring blood pressure
- Working closely with other healthcare providers, such as speech therapists, psychologists and physiotherapists, to implement care plans
- Taking care of administration, like booking appointments and organising paperwork, to facilitate everyday tasks and accessibility
Skills to look for in a disability support worker
You deserve unwavering care and assistance from your disability support worker. That’s why, in addition to undergoing formal training, these professionals should possess certain skills, including:
Communication skills
A disability support worker has to communicate clearly with you. That means tailoring various methods to ensure you understand and remember what’s being discussed.
They should also be able to listen carefully and pick up non-verbal cues, so that they can fully appreciate and fulfil your needs.
Interpersonal skills
Providing emotional support is a major part of a disability support worker’s role. Whether you need a shoulder to lean on, a person you can laugh with or someone to liaise with your family members, this professional should have the interpersonal skills to connect with others.
Problem-solving skills
Disability support workers are equipped to tackle unique challenges by thinking creatively. They constantly improve their problem-solving skills on the job, seeking new ways to adapt tasks and make your daily life easier.
Collaboration skills
Working well with others, including your family, teachers, or other healthcare practitioners, is essential.
This teamwork involves communication, compromise, and decision-making – all skills that disability support workers must hone to support collaboration that benefits everyone involved.
Patience
Patience is crucial in this role, where capabilities can vary significantly. Whether it’s taking extra time to explain tasks or handling complex challenges, support workers should stay calm, kind and consistent throughout your care.
At Hunter Care Group, we’re proud to have a team of disability support workers who are not just qualified and skilled, but also deeply committed to improving your life as an NDIS participant.
Read on to find out more about the guidelines we follow every step of the way.
The NDIS Code of Conduct for disability support workers
In Australia, about 4.4 million people are living with a disability – over 500,000 of whom receive support services through The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
The NDIS has put together a strict Code of Conduct for disability support workers to follow when providing their services. Its core guidelines include:
- Prioritise and respect the person’s privacy
- Respect each person’s right to express themselves and make their own decisions, while following all relevant laws and guidelines
- Keep their personal information confidential
- Provide safe and skilled support services with care
- Be honest and transparent, acting with integrity at all times
- Quickly address and manage any issues that could affect the quality and safety of supports
- Take every necessary action to prevent and deal with any form of violence, exploitation, neglect, or abuse of the person with a disability
- Make every effort to prevent and respond to instances of sexual misconduct
Importantly, this code applies to both unregistered and registered NDIS service providers. Its goal is to foster a dependable, safe, and supportive space for people with a disability.
Discover disability support in Newcastle and the Hunter Valley
Now that you know what a disability support worker does, you’re one step closer to getting the assistance you need.
At Hunter Care Group, our disability support workers offer services to NDIS participants of all ages who wish to enhance their quality of life. Equipped with diverse training and dedicated to the NDIS code of conduct, we empower people with disabilities to foster their independence.
To receive personalised assistance from our NDIS support workers in Newcastle and the Hunter Valley, please get in touch at (02) 4950 2269 or enquire online. We are always happy to help you.