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Support Workers are in constant demand in Australia.
Support Workers offer a variety of different health services to help people with physical and mental health conditions. As the need for these types of jobs continues to rise in Australia, there are many opportunities for new workers to enter this challenging yet rewarding space.
What does a Do?
Support Workers play a crucial role, as they are in direct contact with the clients and their families, not only offering physical assistance in all their daily activities, but also in providing companionship and emotional support.
The service they provide could be temporary, or sometimes permanent for clients with severe conditions. Clients may require support in their own private homes, or any of the various community housing & accommodation centres (e.g. aged care), either in the major cities or in rural and remote areas of Australia.
Support Workers need to be mentally and physically prepared to take care of a multitude of tasks on any single day.
Common Tasks and Duties of a :
- Collaborative note-keeping and reporting according to organisational standards and procedures
- Interacting on a personal level, by providing encouragement and companionship
- Helping clients to acquire new skills or take up new hobbies, develop new interests or find employment
- Plan social activities that may benefit their clients, both physically and emotionally
- Home Care – attend to domestic tasks, such as cleaning, ironing, menu planning, cooking, etc.
- Grocery shopping
- Provide support and general assistance with personal care, including hygiene and grooming (varies depending on job description)
- Work with doctors and therapists
- First Aid – Dressing wounds, administering medication and first-aid if required (and qualified to do so)
- Collaboratively explore the needs of the client and plan support and opportunities for wellness and growth
What skills do I need to become a ?
- Good problem-solving skills
- An interest in helping others
- Ability to be flexible and adapt to what is happening at present
- Ability to carry out domestic tasks
- Strong communication skills
- High Patience and Empathy
- Works well with others
What are the types of organisations a Works At?
- Youth Services Centres
- Community Housing
- Disability Support Centres (e.g. NDIS)
- Mental health organisations focusing on youth or young adults
- Aged Care Centres
How much do Earn?
$75,000
AVERAGE SALARY
$1,422.31
WEEKLY EARNINGS
Industry Snapshot
INDUSTRIES
Health Care and Social Assistance, Public Administration and Safety
AVERAGE EDUCATION LEVEL
Bachelor/Diploma
Projected Job Growth in 5 Years:
23.2%
AVERAGE AGE
45
GENDER BREAKDOWN
80% Female
JOB SATSIFACTION LEVEL
4.4
How to become a ?
While it’s not necessarily required, a formal qualification in Community Services or Mental Health can help you be employed as a support worker. Common qualifications include:
- Certificate III in Community Services
- Certificate IV in Community Services
- CHC52015 Diploma of Community Services
- CHC53315 Diploma of Mental Health
- CHC50421 Diploma of Youth Work
*The projected values are for informational purposes only and are subject to change based on industry demand and growth.
What our trainer has to say
“If you’re looking for a job that is both meaningful and fulfilling, consider becoming a support worker. Support workers provide vital assistance to those who need it most and can make a real difference in the lives of others. If you have a heart for helping others, and you’re looking for a career that is both challenging and rewarding, then support work could be the perfect fit for you.”
Roy Miller
