It’s a common misconception that there are limited pathways in the disability sector. However, thanks to the recently introduced NDIS Scheme, this is rapidly growing field that offers several career pathways.
There are also several benefits of working in the disability sector, including:
- a great work life balance
- an opportunity for salary packaging
- an ability to choose when you work
- knowing you are making a difference.
To find out why you should consider a career in the disability sector, click here.
Job opportunities across this field include:
- Support Workers/Mentors
- Support Coordinators
- Allied Health Professionals, including Psychologists, Physiotherapists and Speech Pathologists
- Administration and Finance
- IT
- Supervisors
We will delve into several of these career paths below. Keep reading if you want to learn more…
Support Workers/Mentors
A Disability Support Worker, also commonly referred to as a “Mentor”, spends a lot of time directly with customers/participants. Support Workers need to have great interpersonal skills, and be good at building relationships. Like all jobs in the disability field, Support Workers need to be caring individuals who want to make a difference and help others improve their independence and life skills.
Disability Support Workers help those with a disability achieve their community, social or recreational goals. Day to day tasks may include:
- doing activities with participants, such as ten pin bowling or fishing
- attending footy games, concerts and other events with participants.
They also help customers with a range of daily tasks, including
- transporting them to work, school, or medical appointments
- running errands
- personal hygiene facilitation
- mobility support
- food preparation
- shopping and/or household tasks.
A large part of the role of a Disability Support Worker is being able to offer an ear to someone, understanding their needs, and providing emotional support.
Support Coordinators
A Support Coordinator’s role is to coordinate the different supports linked to an individual customer’s goals. At Access4u, Support Coordinators provide assistance in navigating the NDIS and its many services.
The NDIS Scheme can be very overwhelming and confusing, so the Support Coordinator’s job is to reduce confusion, address barriers and ultimately connect customers with the support they need.
Support Coordinators can also help with addressing service or support delivery concerns.
Positive Behaviour Support Practitioners
Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) Practitioners assist people with disabilities to reduce the risk of or harmful behaviours and achieve positive outcomes.
This role comes under “Specialist Support.” Specialist Support also includes allied health professionals, like psychologists and occupational therapists.
So, Are You Interested in a Career in Disability?
Kickstart your career with our CHC33015 Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability).
This qualification will teach you:
· the skills to empower and support people with disabilities
· how to provide appropriate home and community support
· legal and ethical workplace practices.
Learn the essential skills to provide better care for people living with mental or physical disabilities.
We offer two study options – a paid internship and external mode. You can find out more about these options here.
Who Can Apply?
You must either be currently working at, or considering employment at Access4u.
If you are currently not employed at Access4u, you can submit an expression of interest here and our HR Advisor will be in contact shortly. They will provide more information about our training options during the onboarding process.
Job Pathways from Cert III:
Possible job pathways include, but are not limited to:
· Residential Youth Worker
· Personal Care Worker
· In-home Respite Worker
· Home Care Assistant
· Personal Care Assistant
· Community Care Worker
· Disability Support Coordinator
· Disability Support Worker
· Employment Coordinator (Disability)
· Field Officer
We are always on the lookout for amazing staff to join our team. Apply now!
Access4u is a not-for-profit organisation that helps guide you through the NDIS to ensure the most optimal and effective outcomes for your ongoing objectives. From your coordinator to your mentor, Access4u works towards your personal goals whilst increasing independence and adding value to every life we support.
We make a difference by providing personalised care to every individual and their aspirations. Through working with a diverse group of service providers we can ensure support for you in a timely, innovative, and flexible way.
