Support worker

A person who provides day-to-day disability support under the NDIS.

What it means

A support worker is a person who provides day-to-day disability support. Their role can include help with personal care such as showering and dressing, assistance with daily tasks like cooking and cleaning, getting out into the community, and building skills so you can do more things independently over time. They are one of the most hands-on parts of many people's NDIS supports.

Support workers can be engaged in different ways. They may work for a provider that arranges and oversees their work, or, if your plan is self-managed or plan-managed, you may be able to engage a support worker directly. The right arrangement depends on how much control and responsibility you want over hiring and managing your supports.

In practice

A good match with a support worker makes a big difference, because they often work closely with you in your home and daily life. It helps to be clear about what you need, when you need it, and how you like things done. Many people find it useful to talk through preferences early, such as communication style, cultural needs or particular routines.

If you engage a support worker directly, you take on more responsibility, which can include things like agreements, pay and cover when they are unavailable. Going through a provider means they handle much of this for you. Either way, you have the right to raise concerns, ask for a different worker, or change arrangements if the support is not meeting your needs.

A real example

For example, Leah is plan-managed and engaged a support worker named Daniel directly to help her cook dinner and practise catching the bus twice a week. Over a few months, Daniel supported her to build confidence until she could plan simple meals on her own. When Leah wanted to adjust the days, they updated their arrangement together.

Support worker — FAQs

What does a support worker do?
A support worker provides day-to-day disability support. This can include help with personal care such as showering and dressing, daily tasks like cooking and cleaning, getting out into the community, and building skills to do more independently. The exact role depends on your needs and goals, and can change over time as your situation changes.
Can I choose my own support worker?
Often, yes. If your plan is self-managed or plan-managed, you may be able to engage a support worker directly, giving you more say over who supports you. If you go through a provider, you can still express preferences and ask for a different worker if the match is not right. A good fit matters, since they work closely with you.
What is the difference between hiring directly and using a provider?
Engaging a support worker directly gives you more control but also more responsibility, which can include agreements, pay and arranging cover when they are unavailable. Going through a provider means they handle much of that management for you. Direct engagement is generally only possible if your plan is self-managed or plan-managed.
Do support workers need qualifications?
Requirements vary depending on the type of support and how the worker is engaged. Some roles, especially personal care or specialised support, call for particular training or checks, while others rely more on the right experience and attitude. When choosing a worker, it is reasonable to ask about their background, checks and experience relevant to your needs.
What if my support worker is not the right fit?
You have the right to raise concerns and to change arrangements if the support is not meeting your needs. If the worker comes through a provider, you can ask for a different person or use the provider's complaints process. If you engaged them directly, you can review and adjust your arrangement. A good match is important, so it is worth speaking up.

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