Are you considering a rewarding career in Disability Support Work? This article offers real-world advice to start you on the right foot. Two Support Workers at Flexi Support, Sally and Daniel, share their top tips to starting a successful career in disability care.
How did you get into Disability Support Work?
Sally: I studied Bachelor of Nursing at RMIT and went to different hospitals and facilities to complete my placements. During my placements, honestly, I felt really good when I could try my best to look after patients and clients.
Daniel: One of my family members has been a Support Worker with Flexi Support for several years. They encouraged me to also apply for a role at Flexi Support. I followed their recommendation and applied once I finished my Nursing course and clinical placement.
What do you like about being a Support Worker?
Daniel: “Flexible work hours definitely helped with my work-life-study balance. Also, I like the variety of tasks that we do to support clients. Many people I talk to are surprised to learn that personal hygiene care is not the only task that a Support Worker provides.”
Sally: “The most rewarding is collaboration. Teamwork is always important when assisting clients. Support Workers can share the same goals and dedication as the clients they are assisting.”
Why work with a provider like Flexi Support?
Daniel: “Flexi Support is great with additional training. They conduct paid training sessions throughout the year and reimbursements of job-relevant costs. For example, I was reimbursed for a first-aid course I completed.”
Sally: “I find that Flexi Support are good at supporting their Support Workers. For example, they arrange for carers the most convenient shifts depending on the distance.”
What’s your #1 tip for new Support Workers?
Sally: I have been a Support Worker since 2018 and my advice would be: to excel in your work, you need to look after your own health and wellbeing too.
Daniel: Be organised! Due to the flexible and varied nature of Support Work, your shift times, clients and tasks can vary each day. So learn to manage your schedule and keep your calendar organised.
Ready for a career in helping others?
Find an opportunity at Flexi Support
Contributor bio:
Sally (name changed for privacy)
Flexi Support Support Worker
Sally is a positive and enthusiastic Support Worker who loves teamwork and collaboration. She’s been working with Flexi Support since 2018 and holds a Bachelor of Nursing from RMIT.
Daniel (name changed for privacy)
Flexi Support Support Worker
Daniel is an enthusiastic and experienced Support Worker with the Flexi Support team. With a background in Nursing, he expects and delivers high standards of care. His goal as a Support Worker is to respect and treat every client with kindness and patience.