Top 5 Responsibilities of a Support Worker in Australia 

A disability or aged care support worker holding the hands of an elderly client

Embarking on a career as a support worker is both rewarding and impactful. However, it comes with great responsibilities for the individuals you support. In this blog, we will explore the five main responsibilities and obligations of support staff working in aged care or disability care. Keep reading to find out more!  

1. Personal Care and Support

Support workers assist clients with personal tasks they may not be able to do independently, always with the utmost respect. These tasks may include hygiene activities such as showering, toileting, and dressing, and helping clients maintain their appearance. Additionally, support workers often assist with domestic tasks like cooking, cleaning, and meal preparation, and they may accompany clients to appointments and outings. 

It is crucial for support workers to avoid judgement or belittlement. Their primary goal is to make everyday tasks easier and help care receivers lead the lives they want. 

2. Emotional and Social Support

A support worker’s responsibilities extend beyond completing daily tasks; they also provide emotional and social support. By creating a safe and secure environment, support workers allow care receivers to relax, discuss their issues, and feel understood. This environment fosters open communication, enabling support workers to offer advice and emotional support. 

Support workers should be able to identify triggers and stressors affecting their clients and propose coping strategies where appropriate. Additionally, they can provide social support by organising outings, such as trips to the supermarket, or group activities, like park visits, to foster friendships and social connections.

A disability or aged care support worker holding the hands of an elderly client

3. Promoting Independence

While assisting with daily tasks is important, support workers also have the responsibility to impart knowledge and skills that help care receivers develop independence. Encouraging decision-making and collaboration is key to this process. 

Support workers should lead with positivity, as emotions like hope and happiness are contagious and can make it easier for individuals to embrace change and build independence. This responsibility is vital for enhancing the quality of life of those they support and aiding them in improving their prospects.

4. Documentation and Reporting

Support workers are required to keep up-to-date documentation and reports, including incident reports, medication logs, concerns, progress made by the client, and relevant interactions. Accurate documentation is essential for planning future care and making informed decisions. As support workers are legally responsible for providing truthful and accurate documentation, it is essential that these reports are current and correct.

5. Healthcare Support

Support workers may assist with the administration of medication, interpreting medication charts, checking dosage requirements, maintaining hygiene and safety, and avoiding medication errors. The scope of healthcare responsibilities can vary but may include ensuring that clients take their necessary medication. 

As we have shared, the five main responsibilities of a support worker encompass multiple aspects and require a diverse skill set. If you are an aspiring caregiver, it is essential to undergo a training program that equips you with the necessary knowledge and skills. Enrol in GBCA’s Certificate III in Individual Support and Certificate IV in Disability Support to embark on a rewarding career as a support worker today!

Individual Support Worker in Victoria: Salary and Rates 2024

An individual support worker in her blue uniform taking care of an elderly woman

Are you aspiring to kickstart a meaningful and rewarding career as an Individual Support Worker in Victoria, Australia? Keep reading to explore the occupational scope and earning potential of support workers in aged or disability care. 

A Support Worker’s Scope of Work 

An Individual Support Worker in Victoria plays a crucial role in the healthcare system, providing assistance to people with disabilities, the elderly, or those in need of personal care due to medical conditions. Their duties can range from helping with daily activities such as dressing, bathing, and eating to providing companionship and emotional support. They may also be responsible for medication management, coordinating with healthcare professionals, and helping clients to maintain their independence. 

The responsibilities of an individual support worker require a compassionate nature, patience, and a deep understanding of the unique needs of each client. This work is not only about physical assistance but also about enhancing the quality of life for those they serve. It is a role that demands dedication and a personal touch, making it both challenging and rewarding. 

An individual support worker in her blue uniform taking care of an elderly woman

How Much Does a Support Worker Earn? 

According to governmental data, a support worker makes a weekly salary of $854.00 on average. However, the salary of an Individual Support Worker can vary significantly with their level of experience and qualifications. Generally, those who are just starting in the profession may earn a lower wage, which increases with time and the accumulation of practical experience. According to the NDIS pay arrangements, the hourly rate for support workers ranges from $29.25 to $49.95 depending on experience level.  

Professional certifications and specialised training can also elevate an individual’s earning potential, as they demonstrate a higher level of expertise and commitment to the field. The Global Business College of Australia (GBCA) offers care training certificate programs such as the Certificate III in Individual Support and Certificate IV in Disability Support, which provides practical knowledge and hands-on experience through work placement. Check out these programs if you want to get a head start on your career as a support worker. 

Furthermore, how much you can earn as a disabled or aged carer also depends on type of employer, and the nature of the work. For instance, a care staff working in the Community Services & Development industry may expect wages on the higher end ($63,843 per annual average), while those working within Hospitality & Tourism might expect salary on the lower end ($55,120 per annual average). Those working for private organisations or in metropolitan areas may also see higher wages compared to their counterparts in rural settings or within public sector roles. 

Additional Benefits and Perks for Individual Support Workers 

Beyond the base salary, individual support workers in Victoria may enjoy a variety of additional benefits and perks that contribute to their total remuneration package. These can include superannuation contributions, paid leave entitlements, professional development opportunities, and flexible working arrangements. Some employers may also offer health insurance, travel allowances, and support for further education. 

As the demand for individual support workers is consistently growing, the role of an individual support worker is becoming even more crucial. Embark on a rewarding career today in helping to improve others’ quality of life. 

All you need to know about a Disability Support Worker  

Certificate III in Individual Support

Disability Support Worker can be an extremely rewarding career as you’re assisting others to experience a more enabling life every day. What does the day-to-day look like for a Disability Support Worker, what is their average salary expectation and what are the requirements to becoming one? In this article, we are going to provide some insights into the career of a Disability Support Worker. 

Daily tasks of a Disability Support Worker

As a support worker, your main tasks will vary according to the personal needs of each client; nevertheless, the scope of work usually includes the following tasks:  

1. Assisting with mobility and movement from and to places, gatherings or social events 

Clients may need assistance with movement from and to places, for instance their home, gatherings or social events. Support workers can work with a range of mobility vehicles such as wheelchairs, hoists, or cars.  

2. Assisting with communication 

Difficulties or inabilities in communication may occur from clients’ mental or physical conditions. A Disability Support Worker’s responsibility is to comprehend the clients’ needs and requests, as well as to act as a bridge of communication.  

3. Personal care tasks 

Clients may need assistance in performing everyday tasks such as eating, bathing or getting dressed. A support worker should acquire their daily routines and how to assist with such tasks efficiently.  

4. Peripheral tasks 

If you are a Disability Support Worker working in the domestic realm, your scope of work can also extend to light housework tasks such as meal prepping or cleaning. 

5. Providing companionship and emotional support  

As someone working closely with clients on a daily basis, disability support workers can be a consistent source of emotional support for clients. Providing a sense of companionship beyond mere care service can establish meaningful relationships between the care giver and the care receiver.  

Employer types

As a Disability Support Worker, you have the chance to explore flexible working arrangements, which can include:  

  • Working for a disability service provider organisation. 
  • Direct employment by a client with disability under a NDIS plan. 
  • Work under temporary short-term contracts. 
  • Work as a sole trader and establish your own business. 

Salary expectations 

The average salary for a Disability Support Worker in Australia is $67,421 per year or $34.58 per hour. Entry-level workers can expect $62,215 per year, and as their level of skills and experience move up the ladder, they can expect up to $99,091 per year. 

Skill requirements 

Alongside an interest in helping people to reach their potential and live the life they want, there are a range of desirable skills and attributes for a Disability Support Worker: 

  • Effective communication skills, both verbal and written 
  • Critical thinking and problem-solving skills 
  • Teamwork and collaboration  
  • Planning and organising skills 
  • Literacy, basic numeracy and computer skills  
  • Reliability and trustworthy, with flexibility to handle novel situations 

Furthermore, while there are entry-level positions that don’t require qualifications, it is recommended that prospective disability workers undergo training to equip themselves with the appropriate knowledge and skills before stepping into the workforce. A qualification that will facilitate your pathway as well as bring the essential skills into practice is the Certificate IV in Disability.  

Being a Disability Support Worker requires timely and effective responses to individual needs, which is why The Certificate IV in Disability covers the fundamental practical knowledge that enables students to provide the most appropriate responses, such as recognising healthy body systems, providing person-centred services to people with disability with complex needs or recognising and responding to crisis situations. To enhance and implement acquired knowledge, students also undergo 120 hours of work placement that thoroughly prepares them to step into the future role of Disability Support Worker.  

If you have an interest in supporting the lives of others and is ready to start making a difference today, enrol in the The Certificate IV in Disability or contact us at enquiries@gbca.edu.au for any further enquiries.  

Recommended reads: 

What is disability support and how can you become a disability support worker? 

What can I do with a Certificate IV in Disability Qualification?