What are the duties and jobs in disability care?

Disability care workers provide assistance and support to individuals living with developmental, physical or cognitive disabilities. They are vital in helping such individuals live their lives as independently as possible.

The role can be challenging both mentally and physically, but it provides immense job satisfaction for the right person. If you think disability care is right for you, then keep reading to find out more about this rewarding occupation.

Disability care worker duties and responsibilities

Disability carers carry out a wide range of tasks, including completing daily chores such as cleaning, cooking, laundry and shopping, but they may also provide more personal tasks, such as bathing.

Care workers are also expected to provide companionship and support to patients in their care. This helps vulnerable individuals maintain or develop social skills and build confidence. In some cases, they may also be expected to administer medication.

The job can involve working in a hospice or an individual’s home. Carers who work in a hospice may also be expected to help organise social activities and manage daily routines for patients. Disability care worker duties include:

• Shopping
• Menu planning
• Cooking
• Cleaning
• Bathing
• Toileting
• Medication administration
• Companionship
• Emotional support
• Organising social activities

What skills do disability care workers need?

Disability care workers need to be empathetic, compassionate and detail orientated. They also need to possess good listening skills and have excellent oral communication.

A passion for helping people is also a valuable skill to possess.

Because the job involves working closely with individuals in their own home, you will need to be trustworthy and be able to work independently, without supervision.

Although disability care workers often work alone, there may be times when they have to work with other healthcare professionals, such as nurses, psychiatrists and physiotherapists, so the ability to work well as part of a team is a desirable skill.

Carers also need to be in good physical shape because some heavy lifting is involved. Tasks involve assisting individuals into and out of the bathtub or vehicles. You may also be required to push a wheelchair, but this will depend on the the patient.

How much can a disability care worker expect to earn?

Qualified and experienced disability care workers can expect to earn between $60,000-$70,000 a year. New entrants to the profession will earn significantly less until they have at least two years of experience.

Disability care workers who specialise in supporting patients in a particular area such as mental health support or community support may earn considerably more, while care managers can expect to earn between $110,000-$137,500 per annum.

What are the job prospects for disability care workers?

Like most developed nations, Australia has an ageing population. This is down to a combination of factors, including sustained low fertility and extended life expectancy. As a result, there will be strong demand for disability care workers for the foreseeable future.

The average age of care workers is also a factor affecting the industry. The median age of care workers is currently around 47 years old, which means thousands of care workers and managers are due to retire within the next 20 years.

Job prospects for young people joining the profession today are good. This is a stable occupation, with applicants who show good managerial ability quickly able to progress through to managerial roles.

How to become a disability care worker

No formal qualifications are required to become a disability care worker, but most employers look for individuals that have achieved a vocational qualification, such as the Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability)

Courses can be taken online or face-to-face with full or part-time study options available. Full-time students can expect to complete the course in less than 12 months, while part-time courses can take up to 18 months.

You will also need to ensure you have a valid police check for the state you wish to work in. Carers looking to support individuals in their own homes will also need a driving license.

Disability carers with ambitions to become care managers should consider studying for a Bachelor of Social Work degree. This will provide them with the knowledge, skills and experience required to manage other carers effectively.

Take our quiz to see if becoming a disability care worker is the right option for you. You can also find disability care courses here.