There are many reasons to consider a career as a Support Worker, with flexible hours and a rewarding, supportive environment among the many benefits.

Alongside the satisfaction that comes from providing physical, emotional and social support to those who need it, people of all ages and backgrounds are drawn to support work because of wide availability of options.

 

While becoming a Support Worker may involve some additional training, the base qualifications required can be obtained from learning institutions right across Australia. As such, anyone who has a genuine passion and desire to help others and can demonstrate a caring, compassionate and calm approach will find a role in support work.
 

First Aid Certificate and CPR certification
 This is a pre-requisite and employers will ask you to show evidence of a current First Aid Certificate and relevant CPR certification. CPR certification is only valid for 12 months and needs to be kept current. As you may be required to work with elderly, ill or other vulnerable members of the community, you may be asked to show evidence of vaccination against COVID-19, influenza and other immunisations.

 

Working with Children Clearance

While requirements differ between states and territories, anyone seeking to find work as a Support Worker will first need to have or be willing to obtain a state-based Working with Children Check (WWCC).

 

Additional training opportunities
 There are numerous service types that a Support Worker can pursue as a career, including working in disability support, community care or aged care.

While a Certificate III or Certificate IV in Aged Care, Disability or Individual Support and/or equivalent is desirable in those looking to secure a role as a Support Worker, they are not essential for all types of support work. That said, having the qualification will boost your chance of a successful application. Working towards gaining your Certificate is fine, but it will be required to continue working as a Support Worker.

You may also be required to undertake mandatory training at the beginning and throughout your employment. In the case of Just Better Care, this will include orientation training and a comprehensive onboarding program to help you succeed in your new role.
 
 Just Better Care staff are also given access to ongoing training opportunities to ensure your skills remain up to date. These include annual mandatory refresher training, and skills development programs, as well as around 180 courses available free via its online Learning Management System.

 

Just Better Care welcomes all approaches from caring, compassionate and qualified individuals seeking to make a real difference in people’s lives. If you also wish to work in a sector where you feel valued and supported and can work the hours that suit you, contact your nearest Just Better Care office today.