How to become an independent support worker

Demand for independent support workers is on the rise. By 2049-50, the number of care and support workers is expected to double, representing nearly 1 in 20 jobs within Australia.

Helping those in need can be a very rewarding career path. Continue reading to learn all about becoming an independent support worker, including the required qualifications, experience, associated risks and more.

What is an independent support worker?

A support worker is someone who offers care and support to people living with a physical, intellectual, or psychosocial disability.

Independent support workers are self-employed individuals. They have the freedom and flexibility to set their own hours, choose their rates, and pick the clients they work with.

What types of services do support workers provide?

Support workers offer a range of services designed to help their clients with their everyday lives. This may include:

• Personal care – Assistance with dressing, bathing, toileting, and grooming
• Housekeeping – Help with dishes, laundry, gardening and other homecare tasks
• Meal preparation – Assistance with grocery shopping, cooking, and feeding
• Social assistance – Helping clients attend events, make friends, and increase their social wellbeing
• Transportation – Helping clients get where they need to go
• Exercise and fitness – Assistance with staying physically fit or completing physiotherapy programs

Qualifications and experience

Independent disability support workers should have a relevant formal qualification. A Certificate III in any of the following areas is recommended:

• Individual support
• Community services
• Youth work
• Mental health
• Health services assistance
• Allied health assistance

You will also be required to complete the NDIS Orientation Modules and have an NDIS Worker Screening Check. In some cases, you may also need to pass a police check and/or a working with children check.

What is the NDIS?

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is an Australian government program that supports people living with a disability. It provides funding to eligible people to help them gain greater independence and improved quality of life.

NDIS providers deliver the support services needed to help participants live comfortably and reach their goals. Registering with the NDIS helps you to connect with participants in need of services and access training modules to help further your career as a carer.

What makes a good carer?

While educational qualifications are essential, good carers tend to have certain personality characteristics, such as:

• A friendly disposition
• Patience and empathy
• Emotional resilience
• A genuine interest in getting to know others and supporting their wellbeing

Business requirements

Once you have the experience to become an independent support worker, it’s time to decide your business structure. Often, independent support workers start as a sole trader, meaning they are the owner and operator of their business, and run the business on their own.

To become a sole trader, you will need to first obtain an Australian Business Number (ABN) and a business name through the Australian Business Register (ABR).

Benefits of becoming a sole trader or contractor support worker

There are many benefits to working as a sole trader or contractor support worker, including:

• Choosing the clients you work with
• Choosing the services you will (and won’t) offer
• Setting your own rates
• Setting your work hours and availability

What you need to know about working as a contractor

Independent support workers enjoy great freedom and flexibility in their career, but there are potential disadvantages. As a sole trader, you are financially and legally responsible for all parts of your business. Running a small business can be challenging. You will be responsible for finding new clients, sending invoices, filing taxes and managing your superannuation.

Get adequate insurance

Independent support workers can be exposed to many risks while on the job. The NDIS aid requirements include holding an adequate level of Public Liability insurance and Professional Indemnity insurance. These business insurance products provide protection for you while you help your clients.

Finding clients

With all the above taken care of, you are now ready to start taking on independent support worker clients. Marketing can help to raise awareness about your services and help you get in touch with your target audience. You may wish to consider the following ways to promote your services:

• Create a catchy business name and logo.
• Set up social media profiles and like/follow NDIS independent support worker groups on Facebook and LinkedIn.
• Look at what similar independent support workers are doing to get new clients; learn from their approach and adapt it to work for your business.
• Create a company website – template website designs make it easy for anyone to create a great and informative website.

Design digital and print advertising material and send it to all the disability support coordinators in your area.

How much can you earn as an identification support worker?

The maximum that independent support workers can charge for their services is set out in the NDIS Price Arrangements and Limits. Consider charging less than the NDIS limit to be more competitive, but don’t undervalue your work!

Is becoming an independent support worker worth it?

While there is no single, definitive answer to this question, independent support work can be very rewarding – after all, you are providing essential support to those who require it the most.