What makes a great support worker?
Disability support workers are healthcare professionals responsible for providing support to those living with disabilities. Support workers generally work in hospitals, nursing homes or at the private homes of their clients.
To succeed as a disability support worker, you will need to have a specific set of skills as well as the right personality traits. Because you’re working closely with elderly people or people living with a disability, you need to know how to provide effective and compassionate care to others.
While not a mandatory requirement, if you are considering a career as a support worker you may wish to complete a Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability), or a Certificate IV in Disability.
Here are 8 skills and traits that you can develop that will help you advance your career as a support worker.
1. Empathy and compassion
Disability support workers should be compassionate and empathetic towards their patients. It means that you should be able to understand their feelings and not judge them. Genuinely caring about others can lead to meaningful relationships that will benefit both the patient and the caregiver.
2. Don’t assume
In your role you are expected to be honest and trustworthy. A successful disability support worker will not make assumptions about their patients. Every person living with a disability has unique needs and abilities. It’s important to get to know the person before you give any advice.
3. Patience
To provide quality care to someone living with a handicap, patience and understanding are required. Disability support workers need to be patient in difficult situations and understand that progress is a long process. When working with individuals who require special accommodations or additional help to complete tasks, remaining composed is essential.
4. Positivity
Disability support workers can benefit from being positive and encouraging others, even when times get tough. This not only helps create an atmosphere where patients feel supported and safe, but also motivates them. Positive attitudes are contagious! Having a positive outlook in difficult times can boost patient morale and can keep them engaged in therapy or activities.
5. Proactive approach
It is important to plan ahead in order to provide the best support for your participant. You may want to familiarise yourself with common risks and how you can best manage them. For example, what would you do if a client slipped and injured themselves at home?
6. Technical skills
Support workers may need to use technology in order to accomplish various tasks. Computer skills, for example, can help you use different applications to manage your patients’ files, schedule appointments, and budget.
7. Clear communication
A critically important skill for caregivers is the ability to clearly communicate. Disability support workers may use their written communication skills when assisting individuals who have hearing difficulties to ensure that patients understand important information. Listening to others and understanding different perspectives can also help you develop better care plans and goals.
8. Business insurance
Whether you are a sole trader, a contractor, or in a NDIS provider role, investing in Professional Indemnity insurance and Public Liability insurance can be vital for a long and rewarding career.
At BizCover we’ve made purchasing support worker insurance (also known as caregiver liability insurance) fast, easy, and cost-effective by combining Professional Indemnity and Public Liability into a Disability Support Workers insurance package.
