What is an NDIS Support Worker?
NDIS Support Workers assist NDIS participants with daily tasks, social engagement. This allows the NDIS participant to achieve their own personal goals and participate within their local community. If you’re in need of support through the NDIS or are wanting to get involved as a support worker it can be useful to know the role that an NDIS Support Worker plays. Let’s explore the role of an NDIS Support Worker, what they do, and how they make a difference in their participants lives.
What Does an NDIS Support Worker Do?
An NDIS Support Worker may assist their participants with a range of activities to support the NDIS participants independence and well-being. The specific tasks vary based on each participant’s unique needs and goals which will be determined with you during your NDIS planning meeting. Knowing the kind of help an NDIS Support Worker can provide can be empowering for individuals looking for or considering care via the NDIS:
-
- Personal Care: Helping with daily personal tasks like bathing, dressing, and grooming.
-
- Household Assistance: Assisting with cooking, cleaning, laundry, and other household chores.
-
- Transport and Mobility: Providing assistance with getting around, whether through driving participants to appointments or helping them navigate public transportation.
-
- Social Engagement: Supporting an NDIS participant in social activities, outings, and community events to promote social connection.
-
- Health and Well-being: Offering support with medication management, attending health appointments, and assisting with exercise routines.
NDIS Support Workers often provide more than just physical assistance — they offer companionship, encouragement, and support that help the individual feel empowered.
Types of NDIS Support Workers
NDIS Support Workers may specialize in different areas based on their training and experience. You may have skills or experience from prior work that could be used to help people in need! Here are some common types:
-
- Personal Care Workers: Focus on assisting with daily personal and hygiene needs, such as bathing, dressing, and other tasks of daily living.
-
- Community Access Workers: Specialize in helping participants engage with their community through social activities, hobbies, and events.
-
- Therapeutic Support Workers: Trained to provide assistance related to therapeutic activities, such as exercise routines prescribed by an allied health specialist such as an exercise physiotherapist.
-
- Companionship Workers: Provide social companionship, emotional support, and assist with activities that help reduce social isolation and loneliness.
Why Are NDIS Support Workers Important?
NDIS Support Workers play a crucial role in helping participants live as independently as possible. They empower individuals to:
-
- Build Skills and Confidence: NDIS Support Workers encourage skill-building and foster independence in daily tasks, which can significantly boost confidence and self-esteem.
-
- Stay Connected to Community: Through community engagement, NDIS Support Workers help participants stay connected, reducing isolation and promoting mental well-being.
-
- Achieve Personal Goals: Whether it’s attending a hobby class, developing daily living skills, or reaching a health milestone, Support Workers are there to help participants achieve their personal goals.
4. How to Find an NDIS Support Worker
Participants can connect with NDIS Support Workers through NDIS-registered providers or independent support services. Here are a few ways to find the right Support Worker:
-
- Through a Support Coordinator: If you have a Support Coordinator, they can help you find workers that match your needs and preferences.
-
- Social Media: It is possible to find Independent Support Workers through Social Media Groups. However, this could be risky as most Independent Support Workers are not registered and typically are not compliant with the NDIS Safeguards Commission.
-
- Word of Mouth and Reviews: Hearing from other participants and reading reviews can provide insight into a Support Worker’s approach and reliability.
-
- Contact us here at Evergreen Support Services: Our skilled and trained team of NDIS Support Workers are eager to help you get the support you need. We have a strong belief of matching the right Support Workers with the participant to best meet their needs and requirements.
Finding the right NDIS Support Worker can make a meaningful difference, as a good match leads to better support and a more positive experience for both the participant and the worker.
If you have an interested in becoming a NDIS support worker check out our blog here: Start a new job today, look at NDIS careers
If you are looking to get support with applying for the NDIS, contact us today!
