Over four million people in Australia have a disability, and that figure continues to grow every year. Of that, 19.1% of the Queensland population have a disability.
According to government research, around one and a half million of those with disabilities in Australia require support with core tasks. As such, the need for disability support workers has intensified to become one of the most necessary roles in health care today.
But what does a Disability Support Worker – or DSW – actually do? This article looks at the specific duties and responsibilities of a DSW and the various study pathways to prepare for work in this much relied on sector.
Table of Contents
- Disability Support Work: Fast Facts
- What is a Disability Support Worker?
- Disability Support Worker Duties and Responsibilities
- Disability Support Courses
Disability Support Work: Fast Facts
- Australian people with a disability – either physical or non-visible – is close to 5 million.
- Those who require daily support currently accounts for around a third of those people.
- 19% of people with a disability live on their own and require support in their homes.
- The number of industry workers supporting people with a disability is 270,000 and rising.
- Around 306,000 people in Queensland have a disability that’s severe or profound.
- As of 2024, approximately 84,300 people are employed as Disability Support Workers in Queensland.
- The average salary in Queensland for a Disability Support Worker is $75,000.
What is a Disability Support Worker?
There are many types of support worker in Australia, and you might be wondering what this job title actually means.
If someone is supporting a person with disabilities, they are known as a Disability Support Worker (or DSW). The role focuses solely on giving optimum care and assistance to help their clients live as independently as possible, whether they’re residing at home or in a care facility.
While sometimes a DSW looks after an individual full-time, it’s highly likely they will look after several clients, all with very different needs. As such, a DSW will perform a range of tasks throughout the course of their day, all tailored specifically to their clients. While the tasks may vary, the core purpose of the role remains the same: to facilitate the physical, psychological, and social well-being of people with disabilities, empowering them to live with purpose.
Disability Support Worker Duties and Responsibilities
When you consider the number of people with disabilities, it’s no wonder our nation requires a dedicated team of highly specialised DSWs to help the thousands relying on them for daily support.
But what do people working in disability support do? Put simply, it all depends on the individual they care for and the severity of their condition.
Every person with a disability has different needs, which makes it impossible to create a ‘one-size-fits-all’ job description for a support worker. That said, there are a number of basic tasks common within this type of role. These primary Disability Support Worker duties may include:
- Assisting with personal care – bathing, dressing and toileting.
- Cooking and supporting the client through mealtimes.
- Shopping for groceries or other necessities (clothes, toiletries).
- Administering essential medication and redressing wounds.
- Housekeeping: cleaning and vacuuming.
- Completing admin tasks and paying the bills.
- Accompanying the client on medical visits.
- Taking the client on social excursions.
- Providing an opportunity for human interaction and friendship.
Then, there are people managing more complex needs, for which the Disability Support Worker duties become even more crucial, encompassing some of the following types:
- Administering complex medical procedures, such as catheter care or advanced wound management.
- Implementing specialised intervention plans for clients with severe behavioural issues, including crisis intervention.
- Providing support for clients with mental health conditions, including managing symptoms of anxiety, depression, or other mental health disorders.
- Assisting with a diverse range of rehabilitation exercises and therapies as prescribed by physical, occupational, or speech therapist.
- Using specialised feeding techniques for clients with swallowing difficulties or those requiring tube feeding.
- Supporting clients with communication impairments, including using augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices.
- Assisting clients with sensory processing disorders by implementing sensory integration techniques and creating sensory-friendly environments.
- Assisting clients with complex mobility needs, such as using mechanical lifts or transferring clients with significant physical disabilities.
- Providing cognitive support and memory aids for clients with conditions such as dementia or traumatic brain injury.
- Assisting clients with educational needs by implementing individualised education plans (IEPs) or other learning support strategies.
- Managing challenging behaviors using training techniques like Positive Behavioural Support (PBS).
- Monitoring health conditions such as diabetes management, seizure management, and respiratory support.
Considering these wide-ranging roles and responsibilities, it’s clear just how much this DSW workforce requires specialist training to prepare for the industry’s demands. And this is where formal training becomes paramount.
Disability Support Courses
People with a desire to help others in need typically bring a set of personal attributes to the table – like empathy, positivity, a caring persona, and the ability to listen and provide guidance.
However, in such a demanding hands-on supporting role, it is important workers are trained to equip themselves with a range of skills, practical and social. As such, individuals looking to progress in this sector require a formal qualification.
There are three Disability Support courses to consider before seeking employment in this sector.
Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability)
This is considered an entry-level course for anyone looking to work in disability support. It teaches students a range of basic skills to help vulnerable people at home and in the community. After completing the course, individuals are equipped to work legally and ethically, follow safe practises for direct client care and support independence and well-being.
Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing and Disability)
Another entry-level qualification, this course is designed to start individuals on their journey towards helping others. However, alongside teaching basic skills for effective disability support, it incorporates skills to look after older adults. Therefore, it is ideal for anyone who wishes to switch between supporting older adults or those with a disability once completed, and students can seek a role in either specialism.
Certificate IV in Disability Support
Individuals who have completed the Certificate III may then choose to continue their studies with this qualification. Anyone who wants to gain advanced care skills or to embark on senior roles like a team leader or manager, is encouraged to complete this course.
All three courses take an average of twelve months to complete, although personal circumstances could result in earlier completion.
Why Specialise in Disability Support Work?
You might already know you want to work in disability support. But it’s not always that straightforward, particularly for people entering the care industry and with no prior experience of the sector, settings and demands.
If you’re still deciding whether specialising in disabilities is right for you, here are a few compelling reasons that might help you to choose:
- Meaningful Impact: Disability Support Workers directly enhance the quality of life for individuals with disabilities, fostering independence and empowerment while making a tangible difference in people’s lives.
- Diverse Opportunities: The Disability Support Worker duties list ranges from personal care and skill development to community participation, ensuring no two days are the same.
- High Demand for Workers: With growing emphasis on inclusive care and services like the NDIS in Australia, there is a steady demand for skilled disability support workers.
- Flexibility and Work-Life Balance: The role often provides flexible hours and diverse settings, from homes to community centers, allowing workers to find a schedule that suits their lifestyle.
- Personal Growth and Fulfillment: Engaging with clients helps develop empathy, patience, and problem-solving skills, while offering a rewarding career path for those passionate about making a difference.
The Future of Disability Support
The growing need for Disability Support Workers shows how important this role is in our society.
If you want a job that offers stability, a generous salary and helps others in meaningful ways, now is the perfect time to start. With proper training and a caring attitude, you can enter this essential and rewarding field and reap the many personal benefits it offers.
Ready to begin a career where your work will be needed and valued? Browse our funded disability support courses today and arrange a chat with a Course and Career Advisor at Collaboration Learning to discuss your options.
