Individual Support - Disability

If you’re seeking a fulfilling career that enables you to use your skills and attributes to work with and support Individuals living with disability, then a Disability Support role will be the perfect fit for you.

In this role, you’ll have the opportunity to assist in enhancing the lives of individuals with disability, supporting individuals to achieve personal milestones, and fostering independence.

You can be a part of creating an inclusive and supportive community, where everyone can thrive.

Disability Support workers can have a daily and ongoing influence on the quality of the lives of those living with a disability and their families by providing support where and when it is needed most.

Industry Snapshot

Future Growth Jobs and Skills Australia’s 5 year employment projections estimate the future employment level and amount of projected employment change.

Good

Weekly Pay

$1,784*

Unemployment Rate

Moderate

Duties and Responsibilities

Disability support workers assist individuals to live as independently as possible. Their focus is on ensuring a Person-centred model of support is upheld. Supporting emotional and physical wellbeing depending on a participant’s individual needs. Often, no two days are the same.

Disability support workers may undertake tasks such as:

  • Assisting with social support and community access
  • Supporting individuals to maintain / increase their skills, abilities and independence
  • Assisting with activities of daily living (e.g. with shopping and cooking)
  • Assisting with personal care such as washing, showering & dressing
  • Assisting with access to outings, social activities and medical appointments
  • Ensuring Individuals can exercise choice and control over their support and decision making

Is the Individual Support-Disability Industry right for you?

Assessing your physical capabilities is important when considering a career in disability support work. You must be physically fit, as your work may involve assisting participants with varying degrees of mobility.

Disability support workers are employed in a variety of settings. These include an individual’s home or workplace, in the community or within Supported Independent Living. This variety can be rewarding if you enjoy flexibility, adaptability, and working with people in diverse situations.

Skills required

Patience, Flexibility and Understanding

Supportive and caring nature

Commitment to dignity and rights

Responsible and honest

Strong organisational skills

Good communication skills

Team work

Physical fitness

Mental resilience

Ability to maintain privacy and confidentiality

Problem-solving

Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Skills

Record keeping

Helpful Industry Links

Find out more about the Individual Support-Disability Industry:

Did you know?

There are 5.5 million Australians with disability, representing 21.4 per cent of the population, meaning that there is a huge opportunity to make a difference to so many people by becoming a disability support worker.

Common workplace requirements

  • Working with Vulnerable People’s check
  • National Police Check (Schedule 1)
  • NDIS Worker Screening Check
  • Completion of National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Worker Orientation Modules
  • Driver's license and registered vehicle with comprehensive insurance
  • Current annual flu vaccination

Careers in Individual Support - Disability

Many support workers find job opportunities within disability support agencies or private employment. Most disability support roles require a nationally recognised qualification; however, even qualified workers are encouraged to participate in on-going training to better equip them for the diversity of this career path.

Some people choose to move towards more administrative positions, such as becoming case managers, program coordinators or working specifically with the NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme). While others may choose to work within direct support services, focusing on social inclusion efforts. Many of the positions are part time or contract based and therefore are flexible for busy or otherwise occupied job seekers.

Entry level roles in the disability sector include:

  • Disability Support Worker
  • Allied Health Assistant
  • Disability Employment Consultant
  • Mental Health Support Worker
  • Mentor/ Peer Worker

As you progress your career, there are job opportunities such as

  • Team Leader
  • Individual Planner
  • Co-ordinator of Support
  • Service Manager

How to get into the industry

TasTAFE have several courses designed to launch you into a career in the Disability industry.

Disability support worker with client at a desk pointing to the computer screen

CHCSS00130 - Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability)

In this short course you will gain the skills and knowledge to assist with the ongoing skill development of a person with a disability. Learn how to assist with supporting people with a disability in community participation and social inclusion using a person-centred approach. Develop skills to support the Independence and empowerment of people with disability.

View course

CHC52021 - Diploma of Community Service

This qualification is designed for people who are usually involved in service delivery roles – either in direct client work and/or health promotion and community development projects. Community services workers are qualified to work professionally with all members of the community, to ensure social economic inclusion and access to needed services, support and opportunities.

View course