5 qualities to look for in a disability support worker
There are hundreds of thousands of Australian support workers out there, with different skills, experiences and personalities. So how can you tell which person will be the best match for your needs?
At Like Family, we've been helping Australians connect with local support workers for over 7 years. So we know a thing or two about how to find the perfect someone!
Read our quick guide to find out what 5 qualities to look out for.
1. They're passionate about care
Our Members tell us the number 1 thing they look for in a disability support worker is someone who genuinely cares. Support work is more than just a job to them — it's a way to make a real difference in their community.
You can tell if a carer genuinely cares by looking at their profile. Most will include a section about why they decided to become a support worker.
2. They're trustworthy and reliable
You want to work with someone you can count on, no matter what. A reliable support worker will always turn up for bookings in time, respond to messages promptly, and rarely cancel.
You can check if a support worker is trustworthy and reliable by setting up a free Meet and Greet with them. This will give you the chance to ask lots of questions and see if they'll be a good fit for your needs.
3. They have similar interests
If you're looking for ongoing disability support, find someone who likes to do the same things as you. For example, if you want to learn how to play piano, pair up with someone who's musically gifted!
You can look for support workers with similar interests via Like Family's Search Social Carer page.
4. They're highly vetted
Another way to tell if a disability support worker is trustworthy is to see if they've passed certain checks and training. Do they have a valid NDIS Worker Screening Check? What about a First Aid Certificate?
Many registered NDIS providers, such as Like Family, have comprehensive screening and onboarding processes in place to ensure only the best candidates become support workers.
5. They live near you!
Remember to check if a support worker lives in your local area. This will make it easier for them to support you (particularly at short notice) and ensure they're familiar with all the good local spots!
About Like Family
We're a registered NDIS provider specialising in social support. Our support workers, who we call Social Carers, can help you gain independence, participate in the community, and learn new skills via activities like:
- arts & craft
- a buddy for social events
- transportation
- exercise and meditation
- meal preparation and grocery shopping
- and much more!
Find the right support with Like Family
Like Family is a registered NDIS provider specialising in social and community support. We're committed to making our disability support services simple and affordable, so you can get more support hours out of your budget.
Head to our pricing page if you'd to learn more about our hourly rates, or sign up below to find a reliable support worker near you!