Are you interested in pursuing a career that will have a real positive impact on others' lives? Working as a disability support worker could be the perfect choice for you. Supporting people with disabilities to live meaningful lives is incredibly rewarding and has plenty of other benefits.
In this blog post, we'll explore the rewards of working as a disability support worker – from making connections with clients to developing new skills and experiences – so read on to find out how this job could change your life.
1. Flexibility
Have your priorities shifted recently? You may have welcomed a new family, started a relationship or relocated to another area. If the traditional 9-5 desk job no longer fits your lifestyle, and you're looking for more flexibility in how, where and when work is done, disability services might be perfect for you.
One of the most significant benefits of working as a disability support worker is that you have the opportunity for flexible working hours. Many jobs are part-time or casual, which means that you can tailor your hours to fit around other commitments such as family and study. This allows for better time management, which boosts your effectiveness in the role. It also gives you more control over your schedule so that you can take on additional duties or take a break without feeling guilty about it.
2. Sense of Fulfilment & Making a Difference
Another great benefit of being a disability support worker is the sense of fulfilment that comes from helping others to reach their goals and live their best lives. Seeing your client grow and achieve something they never thought possible is a gratifying experience you won't find anywhere else. This feeling is gratifying and can make all the hard work worth it.
One of the most rewarding aspects of being a disability support worker is making a difference in other people's lives. You provide the assistance they need to lead independent lives and feel part of their community. This can be anything from helping them travel on a coffee date with a friend to assisting them in finding housing or employment or providing emotional support when needed. It's incredibly satisfying to know that you're making someone's life better daily.
3. Opportunity for Growth
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) came into full force recently and represented an estimated $22 billion in annual funding for half a million Australians. NDIS, combined with a 25% increase in the number of roles in Australia over the last five years, makes disability support a growth sector in the workforce.
Working as a disability support worker can also provide tremendous personal growth and development opportunities. You will be exposed to different people with different needs, which means you'll develop transferrable skills for any situation or workplace environment. Additionally, many organisations including Enhance Training (part of Hessel Group) offer training courses specifically designed for those interested in becoming disability support workers, so there's always something new to learn while on the job!
4. Developing Your Skills
Working as a disability support worker also provides personal growth and development opportunities. You learn about different types of disabilities, how to handle difficult situations, communication skills, and strategies for developing positive relationships with those you work with. These skills are invaluable both in your professional life and your personal life. Traineeships are available if you need qualifications, and you may be eligible for government funding to assist with your studies.
You will also learn how to create individualised care plans tailored to each client's needs, which helps develop empathy, compassion, and understanding—skills invaluable in any job market. In addition, working as a disability support worker gives you an inside look into the medical field, which can help open doors for those who want to pursue further education or training in healthcare professions such as nursing or social work.
5. Receiving Support from Management & Peers
Finally, working as a disability support worker gives you access to mentors who can help guide your career path. As well as having access to experienced colleagues who can offer advice and encouragement when needed, there are opportunities for further training and education that can help you progress within the industry. Additionally, many companies offer bonuses or additional benefits like flexible hours or extra vacation days, which make it an even more attractive option for potential employees.
Working as a disability support worker is an enriching experience with many benefits for you and those you assist daily. You get the satisfaction of improving other people's lives and gaining valuable skills that will benefit your career growth. On top of all this, many employers offer extra incentives like bonuses or flexible hours, which make it an even more attractive proposition for potential workers. If you're looking for meaningful work with tangible benefits, becoming a disability support worker could be just what you're looking for.
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If you're considering upskilling or studying for a nationally recognised qualification, our trainers at Enhance Training have real industry experience and want to see you succeed. You will have direct access to your trainer and they will help you with study plans, flexible delivery and even after-hours support.
Enhance Training offers courses in various study modes so you can find an approach that suits your lifestyle. We enjoy strong industry partnerships, so we can help you find a placement with the possibility of ongoing employment once you have completed your studies.
Hessel Group proudly delivers Support and Care services for South Australian families with a team of passionate Support Workers, Clinicians and Therapists. We are currently hiring, check out our current positions here or contact our recruitment team for a confidential discussion about your career prospects.
Find out more about our Disability Support Courses