A disability support worker helps people with disability live independently, safely, and with choice in their daily lives. It’s one of Australia’s fastest-growing care careers, especially with the continued expansion of the NDIS.

If you’re considering this path, here’s a simple guide to what the job involves, what you need to start, and what the work looks like day-to-day.

What Does a Disability Support Worker Do?

Disability support workers provide practical and emotional support, based on each person’s goals. The focus is to help people:

  • Stay independent at home
  • Build skills and confidence
  • Participate in community life
  • Stay safe, healthy, and connected

You work alongside the person — not “for” them — and follow their choices and routines.

Common Duties of a Disability Support Worker

Support depends on the person’s needs, but often includes:

Daily living and personal care

  • Showering, dressing, grooming
  • Toileting and continence support
  • Medication prompts or assistance (if trained)
  • Meal preparation and feeding support

Household tasks

  • Cleaning and laundry
  • Grocery shopping
  • Organising daily routines and appointments

Community access

  • Transport to activities or health visits
  • Supporting social outings and hobbies
  • Help with work or study participation

Complex supports (when trained)

  • Implementing behaviour support plans
  • Transfers and mobility assistance
  • Using aids and equipment safely
  • Working with allied health and nursing teams

Skills That Make a Great Support Worker

The best support workers are:

  • Patient, calm, and respectful
  • Good listeners
  • Reliable and punctual
  • Clear communicators
  • Adaptable in different environments
  • Focused on safety and dignity
  • Comfortable following participant choice

Technical skills can be learned. Attitude matters most.

Qualifications You May Need

You don’t always need formal qualifications to begin, but they increase your options and confidence.

Common training includes:

  • Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability)
  • Certificate IV in Disability
  • First Aid and CPR
  • Manual handling
  • Medication assistance training (role-dependent)

Checks and Requirements in Australia

Most roles require:

  • NDIS Worker Screening Check
  • Working With Children Check 
  • Police check 
  • Right to work in Australia
  • Driver’s licence (often preferred)

Disability Support Worker Pay in Australia

Pay can depend on:

  • Experience and qualifications
  • Complexity of supports
  • Award level
  • Casual vs permanent employment
  • Shift type (weekends, nights, public holidays)

Entry-level roles typically start at SCHADS Award base rates, with higher pay for:

  • overnight or active night shifts
  • weekends/public holidays
  • high-intensity or complex care tasks

Is Disability Support Work Right for You?

This career could suit you if you:

  • Want meaningful, people-focused work
  • Enjoy building trusted relationships
  • Prefer variety over desk-only jobs
  • Value flexibility in hours
  • Can work respectfully in private homes and community settings

Working as a Disability Support Worker at Just Better Care

Just Better Care support workers help people live on their own terms. We offer:

  • Local teams and real person-to-person support
  • Structured onboarding
  • Ongoing training pathways
  • Flexible shifts and consistent client matching
  • A safety-first, respect-always approach

Interested in a role near you?
Explore current vacancies or contact your local Just Better Care office.

FAQs

What’s the difference between an NDIS support worker and a disability support worker?

They’re often the same role. “NDIS support worker” means the support services are NDIS-funded.

Do I need experience to start?

Usually, it's advantageous to have both experience and qualifications. This will be identified to applicants in the job description or job advertisement at the time of applying.

Is support work hard?

It can be physically and emotionally demanding, but also very rewarding. Good training and support from a local team nearby helps a lot

Can I work part-time or casually?

Yes. Many roles are casual, offering flexibility, especially in community-based support.