Choosing the Right Support Worker
The right support worker can help participants feel safe, respected, confident and supported in daily life and community activities.
Why the Right Support Worker Matters
A support worker plays an important role in a participant’s daily life. They may assist with personal care, community access, household tasks, transport, routines and skill building.
The right support worker should be respectful, reliable, patient and able to follow the participant’s support plan. They should also communicate clearly and respect privacy, dignity and choice.
Advice Care aims to match support with participant needs, goals, routines and preferences where possible.
Respect
A good support worker respects dignity, privacy, culture and participant choice.
Reliability
Reliable support helps participants keep routines and feel confident.
Clear Communication
Support workers should communicate kindly, clearly and professionally.
What to Look For in a Support Worker
Every participant has different needs. Some participants may need support with personal care. Others may need help with transport, community participation, household tasks or life skills.
The best support worker is someone who understands the participant’s goals, follows agreed support plans and provides support in a safe and respectful way.
- Respectful and patient attitude
- Good communication skills
- Understanding of participant rights
- Ability to follow support plans
- Awareness of privacy and consent
- Reliable and professional behaviour
Person-Centred Support
Support should be planned around the participant’s needs, goals and daily routine.
Support PlanningSupport Worker Matching
Matching the right support worker can improve comfort, trust and support outcomes. Matching may consider skills, availability, location, communication style and participant preferences.
Skills and Experience
The worker should have skills that match the participant’s support needs.
Availability
Support times should match the participant’s routine where possible.
Communication Style
The worker should communicate in a way the participant understands.
Comfort and Trust
The participant should feel comfortable, respected and safe.
Support Goals
The worker should understand the goals linked to the participant’s support.
Respect, Privacy and Safety
A support worker must respect privacy and personal information. This includes information about health, family, NDIS plan, routines and support needs.
Safety is also important. Support workers should follow support plans, report risks, communicate concerns and support the participant in a safe way.
Participants and families should feel comfortable speaking up if support does not feel right. Feedback helps improve support quality and service matching.
Support Areas Where Workers Can Help
Community Participation
Support to attend activities, appointments and community programs.
Community SupportTransport Assistance
Transport support for appointments, shopping and community access.
Transport SupportQuestions to Ask Before Starting Support
Before starting support with a worker, it is helpful to discuss expectations, routines, safety needs and communication preferences.
- What support does the participant need?
- What days and times are preferred?
- Are there health or safety risks?
- What communication style works best?
- Are there cultural or privacy preferences?
- How should feedback or concerns be raised?
Need Support Workers?
Contact Advice Care to discuss support worker availability, services and referral options.
Make a ReferralLooking for the Right Support Worker?
Advice Care can discuss participant needs, service availability and support matching.
Contact Advice CareFrequently Asked Questions
What makes a good support worker?
A good support worker is respectful, reliable, patient, communicates clearly and follows the participant’s support plan.
Can participants have input into support worker matching?
Yes. Participant preferences, needs and routines should be considered where possible.
What if the support worker is not the right fit?
Participants, families or support coordinators can give feedback and request a review of support arrangements.
Can support coordinators refer participants?
Yes. Support coordinators can refer participants through the Advice Care referral form or contact page.