Support Worker
Casual employee position:
$41.76 per hour
+ Superannuation
+ penalty rates when applicable
+ $1 per km when transporting participants in your own vehicle.
There are some minimum requirements before you can be employed as a support worker in the disability support industry:
Minimum requirements:
- WWWC (working with children check) (blue card in QLD)
- National Police check (within last 3 months)
- NDIS Worker Screening check (yellow card in QLD)
- NDIS Worker Orientation Module – free
- Infection Control (including PPE) – free
- First Aid (including CPR)
- COVID-19 Vaccination
- Working Visa or Proof of Residency
- TFN (Tax File Number) – free
PLEASE CLICK ON THE HEADINGS BELOW FOR DETAILED INFORMATION & LINKS
WWCC (Working With Children Check)
In NSW to be able to work with children and teenagers (under 18 years old) you must have a Working with Children Check (WWCC). The application or renewal costs $105 for paid workers and is valid for 5 years.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION in NSW
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In QLD the WWCC is referred to as a blue card and will cost $101.30
You can combine this application with a NDIS worker screening check (yellow card) for $162.00
Transporting Participants (optional)
NOTE: Only if you want to provide transport for participants.
A current and valid Australian driver’s licence must be submitted to Reclaim Ability Care to provide this service. Provisional licenses are acceptable.
You are responsible for your own vehicle insurance but must provide:
- Insurance certificate of currency (comprehensive insurance)
- Proof of vehicle registration
National Police Check
You must complete a National Police Check and this can be done online at the NSW Police Force website. Cost is $55.80 and usually takes about 1 hour. If you already have one completed it must be within the last three (3) months to be valid.
NDIS Worker Screening Check
In NSW this can be completed online but you will still need to attend a Service NSW office to provide sufficient identification before the application is submitted. Cost is $105 for 5 years in NSW.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION in NSW
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In QLD you must apply for an NDIS worker check referred to as a yellow card (NOT the QLD disability worker check).
Cost is $147 for 5 years but you can combine it with a WWCC blue card for only $162 for both.
NDIS Worker Orientation Module
This is online worker training provided free of charge by the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. You will be provided with a certificate once completed successfully.
There are four modules to complete:
- Worker orientation
- New Worker
- Supporting effective communication
- Supporting safe and enjoyable meals
Infection Control and PPE training
This training is provided free of charge on the VICNISS website run by the Victorian Department of Health.
You must complete the following six modules prior to employment:
- The Chain of Infection
- Hand Hygiene
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Cleaning
- Waste
- Outbreaks
Each module takes approximately 10-15 minutes. At the end of each module, it will require your name and email address to issue a certificate.
Each module requires a certificate of completion (6 certificates in total).
First Aid and CPR certification SYDNEY AREA NSW
A current First Aid and CPR is mandatory.
First Aid certification is for 3 years, CPR certification must be completed annually.
FULL FIRST AID COURSE CODE is HLTAID011
YEARLY CPR REQUALIFICATION COURSE CODE IS HLTAID009
(click on the pink words below for website link) (prices may vary)
NORTHERN BEACHES AREA OF SYDNEY:
MONA VALE: Beaches First Aid
Cost for full course is $130 (including CPR) and then going forward the yearly CPR certification is $65.
DEE WHY: National First Aid Courses
Cost for full course is $90 (including CPR) and then going forward the yearly CPR certification is $50.
NORTHERN SUBURBS AREA OF SYDNEY:
GREENWICH: First Aid Course Sydney
Cost for full course is $97 (including CPR) and then going forward the yearly CPR certification is $45.
INNER WEST AREA OF SYDNEY:
SYDNEY OLYMPIC PARK: First Aid Course Sydney
Cost for full course is $97 (including CPR) and then going forward the yearly CPR certification is $45.
SYDNEY CBD AREA:
SYDNEY CITY: First Aid Course Sydney
Cost for full course is $97 (including CPR) and then going forward the yearly CPR certification is $45.
EASTERN SUBURBS AND BEACHES AREA OF SYDNEY:
BONDI JUNCTION: 24/7 First Aid
Cost for full course is $95 (including CPR) and then going forward the yearly CPR certification is $55.
ST GEORGE AREA OF SYDNEY:
KOGARAH: First Aid & CPR Courses Sydney
Cost for full course is $89 (including CPR) and then going forward the yearly CPR certification is $49.
HURSTVILLE: First Aid Course Sydney
Cost for full course is $97 (including CPR) and then going forward the yearly CPR certification is $45.
SUTHERLAND SHIRE AREA OF SYDNEY:
MIRANDA: National First Aid Courses
Cost for full course is $90 (including CPR) and then going forward the yearly CPR certification is $50.
WESTERN SUBURBS AREA OF SYDNEY:
LIVERPOOL, PARRAMATTA, BLACKTOWN, BANKSTOWN, SMITHFIELD & PENRITH:
Cost for full course is $97 (including CPR) and then going forward the yearly CPR certification is $45.
STRATHFIELD: ASRT
Cost for full course is $140 (including CPR).
GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY AREA:
CAMPBELLTOWN: Skills Training College
Cost for full course is $85 (including CPR) and then going forward the yearly CPR certification is $39.
First Aid and CPR certification CENTRAL COAST AREA NSW
A current First Aid and CPR is mandatory.
First Aid certification is for 3 years, CPR certification must be completed annually.
FULL FIRST AID COURSE CODE is HLTAID011
YEARLY CPR REQUALIFICATION COURSE CODE IS HLTAID009
(click on the pink words below for website link) (prices may vary)
CENTRAL COAST AREA:
ERINA: National First Aid Courses
Cost for full course is $90 (including CPR) and then going forward the yearly CPR certification is $50.
GOSFORD: Vital First Aid Training Services
Cost for full course is $115 (including CPR) and then going forward the yearly CPR certification is $60.
TUGGERAH: Intercept Training
Cost for full course is $120 (including CPR).
THE ENTRANCE: First Aid Training
Cost for full course is $95 (including CPR) and then going forward the yearly CPR certification is $45.
TOUKLEY: ASRT
Cost for full course is $140 (including CPR).
First Aid and CPR certification SUNSHINE COAST QLD
A current First Aid and CPR is mandatory.
First Aid certification is for 3 years, CPR certification must be completed annually.
FULL FIRST AID COURSE CODE is HLTAID011
YEARLY CPR REQUALIFICATION COURSE CODE IS HLTAID009
(click on the pink words below for website link) (prices may vary)
SUNSHINE COAST AREA:
The following locations are available:
Caloundra – Maroochydore – Sippy Downs
Cost for full course is $97 (including CPR) and then going forward the yearly CPR certification is $45.
COVID-19 Vaccination
Proof of vaccination for COVID-19 is required, this can be from your My Health record or print your immunisation history statement from Medicare or on MyGov.
You can also provide an international COVID-19 vaccination certificate.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON HOW TO OBTAIN PROOF OF VACCINATION
Work Visa or Proof of Residency
To work in Australia, you must either be a Citizen, a Permanent Resident or have a work visa issued by the Department of Home Affairs.
An Australian Passport or Department of Home Affairs documentation will be required as proof of work status.
TFN (Tax File Number)
To work in Australia (even using a work visa) you must have a Tax File Number (TFN) from the Australian Taxation Office, it is free of charge to apply.
A profile photo and bio
You will need to provide a profile photo – a close-up colour photograph of your own face, with a smile of course 🙂
You will also need to complete a short bio about yourself for participants, which should include your key skills, interests, and things you enjoy – keep it light and conversational.
Role of Support Workers in NDIS
Quick Overview:
Support workers are essential in helping individuals with disabilities lead more independent lives. Their support is tailored to the unique needs of each client, which can vary significantly.
Daily Duties:
Support workers may assist clients with a range of tasks, including:
- Personal Care: Meal preparation, household chores, and administering medication.
- Community Engagement: Accessing community facilities, shopping, socialising, and attending appointments.
- Emotional Support: Providing companionship, encouraging hobbies, and facilitating social interactions.
- Employment Support: Helping clients find jobs or learn new skills.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Sometimes a lot of information can be overwhelming
Please don’t hesitate to contact our team should you have some questions or concerns. Remember the only silly question is the one you don’t ask 🙂
Click on the link below for our contact information or contact our dedicated team by completing the online form.
More about the Role:
Joining our lifestyles team, you will provide one-on-one support to individuals with disabilities in their homes, with travel between clients and working short, split shifts as required. Perfect for a second job or time between studying commitments.
Successful candidates will have availability to support people with disabilities for short shifts (2 or more hours) across weekdays, weekends, afternoon and sleepover shifts. You may be required to travel to different locations to support different people with disability living in various suburbs of the Northern Beaches area.
Key Responsibilities
- Assistance with daily living (including personal care)
- Domestic assistance (support with household chores)
- Maintain and monitor person-centred plans
- Documenting and progress note keeping
- Community access and transport (with the use of your own vehicle)
Skills and Qualifications: While formal qualifications are not mandatory, successful support workers should possess:
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- The ability to assess individual needs and provide tailored support.
- Basic life support skills and an understanding of physical care.
Note:
Without qualifications you can still provide support, but you are limited to providing support for daily living, social and community activities. This includes tasks such as housework, transportation, gardening and meal preparation.
Here are some skills that are very important for support workers to have:
- Time Management: Good time management skills help ensure that all tasks are completed efficiently and effectively. This includes prioritizing urgent needs while balancing ongoing responsibilities, which is crucial in a fast-paced support environment.
- Communication: Clear communication fosters trust and understanding between support workers, clients, and other stakeholders. It involves not just speaking clearly, but also active listening to fully grasp the needs and concerns of clients.
- Adaptability: The ability to adjust to changing circumstances or unexpected challenges is vital in support work. This flexibility allows workers to tailor their approaches to meet individual client needs effectively.
- Resilience: Maintaining emotional strength in the face of adversity ensures that support workers can continue to provide high-quality care. Resilience also contributes to personal well-being, reducing burnout and enhancing job satisfaction.
- Emotional Intelligence: This skill helps support workers build rapport and respond appropriately to clients’ emotional states. It involves recognizing one’s own emotions and those of others, which can significantly enhance client interactions and support outcomes.
TAFE NSW provides an excellent course for support workers:
Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing and Disability)
Course length is 6 months online (1 day) and face to face lectures (2 days) per week. Some enrolments can be free for this course, enquire with TAFE NSW.
https://www.tafensw.edu.au/course-areas/healthcare/courses/certificate-iii-in-individual-support-ageing-and-disability–CHC33021-04
