Suppose you or someone you care about has a disability. In that case, you may be eligible for funding from the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), a government-funded program that provides support and services to people with disabilities in Australia. However, navigating the NDIS can be confusing and overwhelming, especially if you are new to it.
That’s why you should enlist the services of an NDIS support worker, someone who can help you achieve your goals and access the support and services you need. In this blog post, we will give you an overview of what an NDIS support worker is, what they do, what their duties are, and what you can expect from them.
What Is an NDIS Support Worker?
An NDIS support worker works with NDIS participants and their families or carers to help them achieve their goals and access the support and services they need. Here are some key facts about them:
- They can be employed or engaged by an NDIS participant directly or by an NDIS provider, an organisation that delivers NDIS support and services.
- They can be paid or unpaid and be self-employed, an employee, a contractor, a consultant, or a volunteer.
- Depending on their needs, preferences, and aspirations, they can provide a range of support and services to NDIS participants.
- They can also provide emotional and practical support to NDIS participants and their families or carers.
- They follow the NDIS Code of Conduct and Practice Standards, which outlines the ethical and professional behaviour expected of them.
What Do NDIS Support Workers Do?
The tasks and duties of an NDIS support worker can vary depending on the needs and goals of each NDIS participant. However, some of the everyday things that they do include the following:
- Developing and implementing individual support plans according to NDIS guidelines and standards
- Providing direct support and assistance to NDIS participants in their daily activities and routines
- Monitoring and reporting on the progress and outcomes of NDIS participants
- Working collaboratively and respectfully with other NDIS support workers, providers, and professionals
- Completing relevant training and professional development to maintain and improve their skills and knowledge
- Keeping records and documentation of their work and activities
What Are the Benefits of Having an NDIS Support Worker?
Having an NDIS support worker can have many benefits for you and your family or carers, such as:
- Helping you to achieve your goals and improve your quality of life
- Helping you to access and coordinate the support and services you need, such as:
- Personal care, such as showering, dressing, and eating
- Household tasks, such as cleaning, cooking, and laundry
- Transport, such as driving, public transportation, or taxis
- Social and community participation, such as hobbies, sports, or clubs
- Education and employment, such as school, training, or work
- Health and wellbeing, such as medication, therapy, or exercise
- Communication and technology, such as devices, apps, or interpreter
- Providing you with emotional and practical support, such as:
- Listening and providing feedback
- Advocating and speaking up for your rights and interests
- Helping you to make decisions and choices
- Encouraging and motivating you to try new things
- Resolving conflicts and managing challenges
- Celebrating your achievements and successes
- Reducing your stress and workload and giving you more time and energy for other things
- Increasing your independence and confidence and reducing your reliance on others
What Can You Expect from an NDIS Support Worker?
An NDIS support worker can be a valuable and rewarding partner who can make a positive difference in your life and your family or carers.
However, it can also be a challenging and demanding relationship that requires a lot of communication, trust, and respect. Here are some of the things that you can expect from their roles and responsibilities:
- They will respect your dignity, privacy, and choices and treat you with kindness and compassion.
- They will listen to your needs, preferences, and aspirations and help you to achieve your goals and improve your quality of life.
- They will provide you with the support and services you need in a timely, reliable, and professional manner.
- They will work with you, your family or carers, and other NDIS support workers, providers, and professionals to ensure the best outcomes for you.
- They will follow the NDIS Code of Conduct and Practice Standards and adhere to the service agreement and the NDIS plan you agreed on.
- They will communicate with you and your family or carers regularly and update you on their work and activities.
- They will seek your feedback and reviews and strive to improve their skills and knowledge.
Get NDIS Support Work Now!
Suppose you are interested in finding and hiring an NDIS support worker. In that case, you must check your eligibility and budget for NDIS funding and decide whether to hire one directly or through a registered NDIS provider, such as Support Chain, a leading provider of NDIS services in Melbourne!
Other than NDIS support work services, Support Chain also offers NDIS support coordination, specialist support coordination, and NDIS plan management that can be tailored to your needs to help you thrive.
