Published 31 Aug 2023
How to Become a Disability Support Worker
Michael Yi Everything you need to know about becoming a disability support worker,
including skills, education and the industry itself.
What Does a Disability Support Worker Do?
A disability support worker provides physical assistance, emotional support and personal care for people with intellectual or physical disabilities. Their usual tasks consist of assisting in domestic duties and chores such as shopping and cooking, helping with social activities and outings, as well as providing support to clients to develop their existing skills, abilities and confidence.
The role itself may vary depending on the client’s needs, but the essential aspect of a disability support worker is to alleviate physical discomfort, promote emotional wellbeing and general health.
Disability support workers work in a variety of settings such as hospitals, specialised care settings and in client’s homes. Becoming a disability support worker can be a challenging yet highly rewarding career as you can make a real positive difference in the lives of those people living with a disability. In this article, we will explain how to become a disability support workers with the critical intrapersonal skills and educational requirements needed to do so.
Skills for Sucess
Before diving into study or training to become a disability support worker, it is an excellent idea to understand which intrapersonal skills are you’ll need. Working as a disability support worker can sometimes be emotionally challenging; therefore, there are many qualities employers look for in their candidates. These skills include but are not limited to:
Communication skills
Reliability
Emotional intelligence
Including being patient, understanding, and empathetic.
Resilience
Passion
Although these skills are not requirements for the job, they offer a benchmark in what to expect from employers in the industry. Communication skills are vital to the role, as it can influence and impact how clients interact in a social environment. They are also used to clearly and concisely guide them in certain social situations. Also, emotional intelligence and resilience are vital attributes which reflect the nature of disability support workers in solving conflict and dealing with complex mental disability issues such as ADHD and autism.
Education Requirements
In some cases, it is possible to work as a Disability Support Worker without formal qualifications; however, many employers require a vocational qualification such as a Certificate III in Individual Support (CHC33015) or a Certificate IV in Disability (CHC43115). A Bachelor of Social Work is also another education suitable to work as a disability support worker. Other job opportunities in this field include a variety of roles such as home care worker, social worker, attendant care worker and many more.
Before starting work as a disability support worker, you will also need to have completed a satisfactory police check, obtain a Working with Children’s Check, First Aid Certificate and most likely possess an Australian Drivers Licence. Furthermore, new job applicants in this field should be aware of the National Standards for Disability Services and the rights, needs and requirements of people with a disability from diverse cultural backgrounds.
Free vs Paid Disability Courses: The Difference Explained
Both free and paid disability courses have their benefits and drawbacks. The most important thing is to understand how they differ, and how that relates to your future.
Industry Outlook
According to the Department of Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business, in Australia, there are strong employment prospects for those wishing to start a career in disability support work. The number of people working as Aged and Disabled Carers has grown enormously over the past five years. The workforce is expected to expand from 175,800 in 2018 to 245,000 by 2023. There are likely to be approximately 35,000 job openings each year, with more opportunities to work part-time than full time. 33% of workers in this industry work full time, and on average, 66% work part-time. In Australia, the majority of disability support workers or aged care workers are present in NSW, VIC, QLD, SA and WA, respectively.
Working as a disability support worker can be a challenging yet highly enriching career. The ability to work with diverse people to improve their quality of life can be a very gratifying feeling for disability support workers.
There are few barriers to entry in this industry, as vocational training can be undertaken once starting working in this profession. Still, it is ideal for candidates to possess some knowledge about practices and behaviours relevant to their clients.
There a range of flexible online courses and study options available for prospective Disability Support Workers and most courses can be done on a part-time or full-time basis.
Working as part of a team to support people with physical and mental health disabilities is perfect for those who are passionate about helping others, especially in their community.
Teaching Children with Special Needs: Complete Career Guide
Everything you need to know about teaching kids with special needs.
Courses found:
Top Result
Diploma of Building and Construction (Building) (SE Melb Only) CPC50220
This course (CPC50220) is designed to meet the needs of people working in the building industry whose intention is to become a Registered Building Practitioner, satisfying the education requirements of the VBA. It is specifically designed for learners...
Study Method Blended, In-class, Online, Virtual
Location Melbourne Victoria +2
Job Outcomes Carpenters
Certificate IV in Building and Construction (SE Melb Only) CPC40120
The Certificate IV in Building and Construction (CPC40120) is designed to meet the needs of people working in the building industry and who aim to be builders and managers of small to medium-sized building projects. This nationally recognised qualifica...
Study Method Blended, In-class, Online, Virtual
Location Melbourne Victoria +3
Job Outcomes Carpenters
Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (Melbourne Only) CHC50121
The Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is a highly sought-after qualification within the early childhood education sector. Upon completion, graduates will have the skills and knowledge to become a lead educator in the delivery of Early Child...
Study Method Blended, Online
Location Victoria
Job Outcomes Day Care Workers +1
Diploma of Mental Health CHC53315
Would you like to follow a career path that will equip you with specialised skills to lead and counsel people towards a brighter future? If a career providing counselling to those impaired by mental health interests you, the Diploma of Mental Health qu...
Study Method In-class, Online
Location Anywhere
Job Outcomes Mental Health Outreach Worke... +4
Diploma of Nursing (SA Only) HLT54115
Build a career that’s meaningful, fills you with a sense of purpose, and provides diverse job opportunities, with this Diploma of Nursing course. Offered via a blend of on-campus and online learning the HLT54115 Diploma of Nursing is the ideal starting...
in partnership with
Study Method Blended
Location Adelaide South Australia
Job Outcomes Enrolled Nurse
in partnership with
Certificate IV in Building and Construction (Building) CPC40110
If you are an aspiring or working tradesperson, here is your foundation for success. This is your first step towards starting your own building business and preparing for the builders registration. We understand that you could be a busy tradie by day,...
Study Method In-class, Online
Location Melbourne Victoria
Job Outcomes Site manager +3
Graduate Diploma in Management
The Graduate Diploma in Management is an online postgraduate qualification that is ideal for busy senior managers, with a potential entry pathway through any of our Graduate Certificates and study that is highly supported, fits into your schedule, and...
Study Method Blended, Online, Virtual
Location Adelaide South Australia +4
Job Outcomes People Management +3
Graduate Certificate in Management
The Graduate Certificate in Management is an online postgraduate qualification that is designed for newer and ambitious professionals, with entry possible through management experience alone and a study structure that easily accommodates full-time work...
Study Method Blended, Online, Virtual
Location Adelaide South Australia +4
Job Outcomes People Management +3
Diploma of Building and Construction (Building) CPC50210
Prepare for registration as a Builder with the Diploma of Building and Construction (Building) (CPC50210) Gain the skills & knowledge to run your own business Study when it suits you – online & on campus options available...
Study Method Blended, In-class, Online
Location Victoria
Job Outcomes Construction Manager +4
Certificate IV in Plumbing and Services (VIC ONLY) CPC40912
This course covers common skills for the plumbing industry as well as specialist streams relevant to gasfitting, drainage, sewerage, roof drainage and more....
Study Method In-class
Location Victoria
Job Outcomes Carpenters +1
Diploma of Counselling CHC51015
There is a growing need for people who can offer support services to adults and teenagers who may need support and guidance. If you have the desire to help people lead a happier life to reach their full potential, a career as a professional Counsellor...
Study Method In-class, Online
Location Anywhere
Job Outcomes Community Services Worker +3
Building Leadership Programme (VIC ONLY) CPC40110 ,CPC502110
BAA is proudly partnered with Victoria University to offer our students higher education opportunities. Whether students are after an alternative way to gain entry into a degree, or simply want to try out a study path so they can confirm their longer-t...
Study Method In-class
Location Melbourne Victoria +3
Job Outcomes Construction Manager +5
Bachelor of Dance Education
Australia’s first Bachelor of Dance Education! Delivered through ACPE, this is a specialist professional qualification that is unique in Australia. Units are provided by highly qualified and experienced professionals, empowering you with all the knowle...
Study Method Blended, In-class, Online
Location Sydney New South Wales
Job Outcomes Dance teacher (secondary sch... +4
Bachelor of Education (Physical & Health Education)
If you’re keen to pursue a career in physical and health education, the Bachelor of Education (Physical and Health Education) will provide you with the graduate qualification to become a PDHPE teacher. Based on the Graduate Outcome Survey 2021, ACPE wa...
Study Method Blended
Location Sydney New South Wales
Job Outcomes PDHPE secondary teacher +4
Associate Degree of Sport Business
Get a higher education qualification in two years when studying full-time! Based on the Bachelor of Sport Business in terms of content, the Associate Degree of Sport Business offers students the opportunity to get into the workforce quicker or alternat...
Study Method In-class, Online
Location Sydney New South Wales
Job Outcomes Sport manager +4
Bachelor of Dance Practice
The Bachelor of Dance Practice is a specialised degree that will equip you with the skills and experience to become a professional in the dance industry. The course develops artistry, choreography, performance, educational and organisational skills for...
Study Method Blended, In-class
Location Sydney New South Wales
Job Outcomes Dance artist (company dancer... +9
Bachelor of Health Science (Exercise)
The Bachelor of Health Science (Exercise) offers the perfect career path for those looking to enhance their knowledge and skills through further studies in physiotherapy, exercise physiology, and other health professions. You will come to understand ho...
Study Method Blended, In-class, Online
Location Sydney New South Wales
Job Outcomes Exercise scientist +4
Bachelor of Sport Coaching (Strength and Conditioning)
To address the high demand for sport coaches and professionals in Australia, the Bachelor of Sport Coaching (Strength and Conditioning) is a specialist degree fostering the coaching, administrative, and professional skills necessary for a fulfilling ca...
Study Method Blended, In-class
Location Sydney New South Wales
Job Outcomes Director of coaching +5
Bachelor of Sport Coaching (Management)
With employment increasing in Australia for sport coaches and specialist managers, the future looks bright for our graduates. It doesn’t matter where your passion for sport takes you, your qualification from ACPE can help make your dream a reality. The...
Study Method Blended, In-class
Location Sydney New South Wales
Job Outcomes Head and assistant coach +2
Bachelor of Sport Business (Leadership)
Turn your passion for sport into a career by immersing yourself in a degree that will broaden your theoretical and technical knowledge, so that you are fully equipped fora management role within the sport industry. The Bachelor of Sport Business will d...
Study Method In-class, Online
Location Sydney New South Wales
Job Outcomes Sport manager +5
Looking for a short course?
With a huge range of short courses from Australia's leading online providers, you will be sure to find a course that's perfect for you.
Online courses also available
Loading...
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
Get expert advice, insights, and explainers on tricky topics — designed to help you navigate your learning journey with confidence.
By submitting this enquiry I accept the "Privacy Policy" and "Terms of Use"
