Are you considering a career as a disability support worker? You are in demand.

Australia is home to over 4 million individuals with disabilities, with a significant portion of them having serious conditions. The NDIS National Workforce Plan predicts that more than 500,000 people with disability will require the aid and support of a carer by 2025. With such high demand, disability support has emerged as an attractive career option, offering numerous benefits and job satisfaction to its workers. In this article, we will explore the disability support worker industry in depth, highlighting the necessary qualifications, the advantages, and the potential career path options, whether you are a student seeking your first career step or someone considering a career change.

What is the current state of the disability support Sector?

As defined by the New South Wales Government, the disability support industry includes anyone who offers care, assistance, emotional and physical support, and oversees people with physical and intellectual disabilities. Workers will offer their services in a range of community settings such as homes, residential facilities, clinics, and hospitals. But why are support workers in demand?

As previously noted, 4 million Australians, or 1 in 6, live with disabilities. The government had already recognised a shortage in the industry even before the COVID-19 pandemic and had declared the need for over 90,000 workers to address the shortage. The pandemic only intensified the problem, however, as people with chronic and terminal illnesses faced difficulties in accessing proper healthcare and started to rely on support workers to help with their needs. Even with a brief overview of the industry, it's evident why disability support workers are in such high demand, especially now.

What are the benefits of studying and working in the disability support industry?

With a deeper understanding of the industry, let's delve into the reasons to become a part of it. Here are a few key benefits and advantages of working in the disability support sector.

1. Unmatched career growth – The increasing aging population, particularly in Australia, has led to heightened demand for disability and home care workers. Statistics indicate that over 179,000 job opportunities will be available in the next five years. Unlike other careers, care officers form a close bond with their clients, making them irreplaceable if they perform well and maintain a good relationship.
   
   

2. Empowering individuals with disability – People living with disability face numerous challenges daily, which can negatively impact their self-esteem and leave them feeling helpless. As a support worker, you play a crucial role in providing companionship and helping your client, and yourself, feel confident and reach higher levels of independence. 

3. Enhancing interpersonal skills – The disability support sector requires traits such as patience, effective communication, self-motivation, optimism, and flexibility. Combining these skills with a passion for the job will continue to prepare you for future challenges in life.
   
   

4. Varied tasks – Each day, you will encounter new clients with unique needs, requiring you to adapt and adjust your role as a support worker. Tasks may include assisting with daily chores, budgeting, organising events and social outings, or simply providing companionship. This provides ongoing skills development and the chance to learn and do something new every day!
   
   

5. High job satisfaction – Few careers provide the level of fulfilment that working in the disability support sector does. The primary focus of the job is to improve people's lives, which can bring a great sense of satisfaction. This makes it a suitable option for those who seek purpose-driven careers over traditional white-collar jobs.

How do I become a disability support worker?

The disability support sector is ideal for individuals who are highly adaptable and flexible, given the challenges involved in the job. While formal education is not a necessity, it is recommended to pursue a Cert IV in Disability course.

The Cert IV in Disability program covers the duties and responsibilities of workers in various community settings and homes. Upon completion, students will be able to assist individuals with disabilities to attain independence through direct client care, invest in community participation, fully understand safe work practices and ethical compliance laws and maintain overall well-being. They will also learn to work in a person-centred service, with and without direct supervision, and manage a small team.

The eligibility criteria for the course, individuals must be at least 18 years old, have basic digital literacy skills, and pass a literacy and language assessment to confirm their suitability for the program. Additionally, proof of Covid-19 immunization is required. The course usually takes between 22 to 30 weeks to complete and can be taken either by distance learning or in a classroom setting, with classes held once a week on weekdays, evenings or weekends.

Upon successful completion of the course, graduates can choose from various career paths such as disability support worker, disability officer, care in residential areas officer and many more. Throughout the course, students will engage in hands-on activities and be regularly assessed by industry experts.

At All Health Training, we provide an in-depth Cert IV in Disability course that will have you certified, confident and job ready and a list of employment opportunities by graduation.

In conclusion, the disability support sector is a growing field in Australia, with high demand for support workers. Becoming a disability support worker can provide numerous advantages, such as personal satisfaction, advancement opportunities, empowering responsibilities, the development of interpersonal skills, and the chance to make a difference in the lives of others. If you are a student looking to start your career or someone considering a career change, the disability support sector presents a worthwhile opportunity with the potential for a rewarding career journey.