Disability Support Worker

What does a disability support worker do?

Disability Support Workers play an important role in the lives of those with intellectual or physical disabilities, helping them to achieve their goals and live as independently as possible. You might be asking yourself ‘what is a Support Worker and what does this job entail?’ As a Disability Worker you might help your client with activities like showering, getting dressed, preparing meals, or attending community activities.

This is no office job; you may be asked to visit clients in their homes or at work. Your hours will likely be varied depending on the support needed by your client. From helping out for an afternoon to staying overnight – this is a highly diverse occupation.

Is a career as a disability support worker right for me?

Working with disability takes a special kind of person, someone who is caring, patient and understanding. Other desirable skills and attributes of a Disability Support Worker include:

• a highly empathic and patient nature
• the ability to work well under pressure
• good problem-solving skills and be adaptable
• strong communication and interpersonal skills
• efficient time management skills.

How to become a disability support worker

Every journey to study is individual and there are several paths to reaching your career in disability. At UniSQ, we offer the following degrees in the area of social work and human services: