Do I need qualifications to be a Disability Support Worker?
There are over 4 million Australians living with disability, which is about 18% of us. Disability Support Workers are indispensable to many individuals and families. Disability Support Workers provide practical assistance with day to day activities, such as running a household, personal care, managing paperwork, and administering medication. In addition to these core responsibilities, Disability Support Workers provide vital emotional support, too.
As a Disability Support Worker, you’ll do more than just help with everyday tasks. Your connection with your clients and their families gives you the opportunity to support learning, liaise with health professionals such as doctors and nurses, support engagement with new hobbies and interests, and enhance their lives in many other ways.
The level of support you provide is dependent upon the abilities and health of the individual you’re working with, but above all else, you’ll be providing daily physical, personal and emotional support to people with a disability.
Why becoming a Disability Support Worker is a great career choice
Working in the disability sector provides a huge range of roles and career opportunities. This diverse field is hugely rewarding and is experiencing rapid growth thanks to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Careers in Disability Support provides meaningful employment, where your work results in a tangible positive impact for your clients and their families. If you’ve been longing for a job that really makes a difference, this could be it.
Being a Disability Support Worker provides a work environment with huge variety. If you’re someone who’s sick and tired of doing the same thing every day, this career change could help you break out of that rut and into a diverse new world of opportunity. Support work offers flexible hours with a great work/life balance and the ability to embrace challenges that grow you professionally and personally. These hands-on, real person qualities aren’t often seen in other jobs.
Becoming a Disability Support Worker means you become someone who can help people develop skills that enhance their independence, enabling them to live fuller, richer lives. What could be more meaningful than that?
Can I be a Disability Support Worker without qualifications?
It’s not necessary to hold a qualification to begin your career in Disability Support. Many organisations require nothing more than the right attitude, a police check and a first-aid certificate. This, along with an open-minded and positive attitude towards learning about your clients and their individual needs will be enough to get you started in Disability Support. However, your opportunities, salary, and overall job satisfaction can be dramatically improved by completing a formal qualification.
Disability education is probably different from other types of education you’ve encountered in your life. It is focused, relevant, and directly useful. Everything you study will be useful to both you and your future clients.
The advantages of getting qualified as a Disability Support Worker
Disability career pathways are greatly enhanced by having a formal qualification. Currently, there are about 176,000 people employed in the Disability Support sector. By 2023, it’s predicted there will be around 245,000 people employed in the same areas, which constitutes nearly a 40% increase. With this increase in numbers, workers with qualifications will be first in line for roles of greater responsibility, coordination, and management.
Disability education is your gateway to making a bigger difference to people living with disability, as well as enhancing your career options in the long term. By investing in your education now, you place yourself as a potential new leader in the field.
Your Disability Support qualification
Disability Care courses include Certificates, Degrees and Postgraduate Diplomas depending on your previous level of education and job experience.
The Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability) is an excellent place to start when looking for employment in this sector. It will equip you with a greater understanding of entry-level positions in Disability Support, provide the opportunity for practical work placements where you can put your learning into action and is a nationally recognised professional qualification.
A Certificate IV in Disability includes more advanced practices such as legal and ethical compliance, co-ordinate care for people with complex needs, and providing advocacy and representation. This qualification prepares you for Team Leader and Supervisor positions and can be a great upskilling option for people already involved in Disability Support, or those who are bringing relevant experience in management and coordination from a different field.
Qualy can help you find the ideal qualification to kickstart your career as a Disability Support Worker. Take our quiz, or speak with one of our team today.
REFERENCES
(1) Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2019) People with a disability in Australia: in brief, Australian Government, Canberra.
(2) National Disability Services (2018) Australian Disability Workforce Report National Disability Services, Canberra.
(3) Commonwealth of Australia (2020) NIDS Workforce Interim Report: December 2020, Australian Government, Canberra.
