By helping others, we can lead healthier and more fulfilling lives. If you become involved in a life of service and kindness, you will be able to make your life more meaningful. So, If you enjoy helping others, working as a disability support worker could be the ideal career for you if you enjoy working with a variety of people in diverse ways.
A disability support role to help people with disabilities can be a rewarding and versatile career, providing many opportunities that enable workers to help their clients live a more independent life.
There is never a day in the disability support workforce that is the same. However, each day is full of chances for workers to exercise their empathy, build relationships, and engage employees in meaningful interaction. A disability support worker could thrive if he or she believes that empathy transcends physical limitations.
What is the role of the disability support worker?
Disability support workers support people with disabilities. The care they provide can occur in patients’ homes, hospitals, or specialized care settings. In some cases, they will support a wide range of clients, while in others, one or two clients may be their primary focus. Here are some legal options to explore regarding disability benefits, https://www.stoneroselaw.com/veteranslaw/va-disability-calculator/
As diverse as each individual’s needs are, disability support workers are expected to perform the tasks. They may provide companionship and assistance with errands and grocery shopping. Sometimes the helping personnel help clients with their daily care routines like grooming, cleaning, eating, and walking. Additionally, they may assist with needful such as cleaning, cooking, and laundry.
Work options are also available to the disability workers. These professionals can be employed full-time by agencies or institutions or work independently as independent contractors. Many of these jobs are full-time; however, many part-time professionals are also available. If the above lines sound appealing, How do I go about becoming a support worker is the next question you may have in your head.
Requirements to become a disability support worker?
Disability support workers in Australia don’t need certification. It’s not necessary to have a degree. 11% of workers have only finished high school or below. However, there are many valuable certificates in the sector, and obtaining one will position you more appealing as an applicant for disability assistance positions.
Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing & Disability)
This training program aims to provide the student with the skills necessary to start a career conducting support services for people in aged care/disability care facilities and in the community. This certificate program combines practical and theoretical training and prepares you to work in a care institution or at a residence with people having disabilities. The training equips you with the skill sets needed to perform a support position in a structured atmosphere with a high level of autonomy-essential abilities for professionals in the home.
The duration of this certificate program can vary from six months to one year; however, you can complete it in as little as 14 weeks. The prime curriculum of this program focuses on prevention and support for clients with chronic illnesses and the recognition and treatment of chronic illnesses. Additionally, you can choose from a wide range of electives in disability care to deepen your understanding of topics such as strengths-based approaches, person-centered care, and augmentative communication. In order to get certified, this program covers four weeks of work-based training at 38 hours each week (a minimum of 152 hours), including 13 units.
Once you obtain the certification, you’ll be an excellent contender for professions like disability support workers, personal care workers, or domestic care workers. Most provinces offer subsidies and other tuition help for Certificate III in Individual Support, but the average price is $2900.
CHC43115 Certificate IV in Disability
In a Professional Certificate IV in Disability, you will receive professional training and skills that will enable you to provide care for people with disabilities in either a community or residential setting. As the holder of a Certificate IV in Disability, you will be able to engage in professional activities such as Lifestyle Support Officer (Special Schools), Disability Team Leader/Supervisor, Behavioral Support Officer, or more specialized roles. It will allow the helpers to amplify their level of competence in the disability support industry. These individuals are already working members of this community and seeking to advance their careers.
Fourteen units are needed for this certificate. Unlike Certificate III, this program covers more topics in more depth. You can also apply your skills to a wide variety of situations. A standard certification program of this nature takes an average of 1 year to complete and costs an average of $4000. Qualified students may be eligible for subsidies for this program also.
Can disability support workers expect a positive job outlook?
After you’ve finished your certification, you’ll have no trouble finding positions as a disability support worker all around the country. In Australia, 18% of the population is dealing with a long-term handicap. It is true that the number of people with disabilities in Australia has decreased over time, but the Australian population is aging, and most older people with disabilities are women. In Australia, over the age of 65, half of the population lives with some sort of disability, so the need for support workers will grow as the population grows older.
As a result, the career prospects for disability assistance professionals in Australia are excellent. Between 2019 and 2024, the number of personnel required is predicted to increase by 25%.
How much does a Disability Support Worker make?
The average weekly wage for disability assistance employees in the United States is $1265. For persons looking for a job as a disability support worker, this profession may provide a lot of happiness by allowing them to encourage and assist individuals with disabilities to grow and live freely. Disability assistance will be the next milestone for you if you enjoy working with a varied group of individuals in a range of settings to offer person-centered care.