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Would you like to:
• put your life experience to good use?
• feel valued and good about yourself?
• make a difference to someone’s day?
• support a person achieve their goals?
• have flexible working hours?
Do you have:
• good communication skills
• a genuine interest in people
• a positive outlook on life
• respect for differences
• pleasant personality
• a sense of humour
• reliability
• honesty; and
• a sense of responsibility.
If you answered ‘yes’ to all of these questions then you could fit the role of a Disability Support Worker!
“I really enjoy the daily challenges of my work and the satisfaction I feel when I see an individual achieving a new skill, a degree more independence and greater inclusion. Whenever I have played even a tiny part in such a development, I am rewarded by that individual’s success” (Support Worker for 28 years)
The main role of a disability support worker is to work with a person with a disability to assist them in some aspect of their daily life including home, work and/or their social life.
Some people with disabilities need assistance with everyday daily living tasks, some need assistance with accessing recreation and leisure and others with finding and maintaining employment. You can assist people with a disability in these areas and many more. This great diversity of jobs within the disability sector allows you to utilise your skills in a variety of settings with a variety of people.
Working in the disability sector is an enjoyable and satisfying career. Just like all of us, each person with a disability is different, with their own personalities, dreams, aspirations and abilities. People with a disability may require assistance in one or more areas of their life to enable them to maximise their full potential.
Working to assist people in their daily lives also means that your hours for work can be flexible and can cover a 24 hour period. Depending on your chosen area of employment, you are able to work around your own life, including family and study.
Working Hours
Disability work offers flexibility. Hours of work may include weekdays, evenings, overnights and weekends, or a combination of these. The duration of work time can vary from a few hours a up to 24 hours. Work can also be Monday to Friday during office hours. The options of work include full time, part time and casual work.
Salary
Salary rates and levels vary across agencies and depending on the nature/level of work you are engaged in. Attractive salary sacrificing options are possible with most agencies.
Other Conditions and Benefits
On the job induction and training
Training in Certificate III and IV in Disability Work in offered in some agencies.
High level of job satisfaction
Requirements of the job
Appointments are subject to the provision of a satisfactory National Police Certificate,
There are three main pathways to finding work in the disability sector.
1. Newspapers: including the West Australian and Local Newspapers. Look for jobs titled Care Worker, Support Worker, Client Assistant, Personal Care Worker or Disability Support Worker.
2. Current Jobs Register. This website advertises current jobs and has a support worker register (if you are interested in registering for casual work),
3. Disability Service Providers: Finally you can contact organisation directly. Check your yellow pages for disability services in your local area or search the disability service providers in your area section of this website.
Job prospects in this industry are excellent and will continue to grow. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (2003) indicates that 20.6% of the Western Australian population has a disability. The majority of positions can be found in direct care services with reduction in the number of positions in a managerial or supervisory role.
Over half of the people with a disability who live in the community require help from another person with their daily living needs. This help is often provided by carers (unpaid family members or friends) who require regular breaks and some assistance. In fact, approximately one in every 3 carers has a disability.