Thanks to the NDIS, you can now organise and choose your own NDIS disability support workers - a very welcome and huge change for many of you, allowing you to take control over who supports you - both in your daily life and as you achieve your goals.

But how do you go about finding the right NDIS disability support workers for you?

There are two ways you can do this, each with their own pros and cons depending on your situation:

  1. Just like before the NDIS was introduced, you can choose to work with a provider of disability services who organises your support workers for you. This allows you to rely on the provider without having to manage your own planning or worry about continuity of your supports.
  2. Thanks to the NDIS you can now choose to get support from a support coordinator who is independent and doesn’t work for an organisation. You can even organise your team of support workers yourself. This means you're in control of when and how the services are delivered to you, and most importantly, by whom. You’re able to research and chose the person you feel most comfortable with, and who best understands your needs.

If you’d like to get support from an independent support worker and build your own team, this article gives you some handy insights and tips.

Building your NDIS disability support worker team 

Step 1. Set your criteria

Before you begin building your team, take a moment to think about what you actually need from your support workers and write down the key points, including:

  • Exactly what supports you require

  • From what date you need them to begin

  • How many hours of supports you’ll require

  • Anything specific you’re looking for in a support worker

Establishing these first can be very useful when you begin contacting people and save everyone involved a lot of time. It can be a frustrating experience to only realise after a long conversation that a disability support worker doesn’t meet one of your key criteria, or can’t work the hours you require, so keep this list handy and be sure to mention them early on.    

Step 2. Build a shortlist

Having established what you’re looking for, it’s time to start building a shortlist of the support workers that fit the bill. Search the internet, chat with people about the support they receive, or contact an organisation that specialises in disability support workers (more on that later) to do some research. A shortlist of between 5 and 10 potential candidates should allow you to pick and choose to ensure you’re getting the right care.  

Step 3. Talk it out

You and your support worker will spend a lot of time together, so it’s really important that the two of you get along well. While some NDIS disability support workers might look good on paper, you might just not be the right fit for each other in real life. Contacting them by phone or in person can help you get a sense of what they’re really like and help ensure you’re compatible. Take your time, be polite and remember – they’re probably just as nervous as you.

Managing your team 

Once you’ve selected the right support worker(s), for you, you’ll need to start thinking about the best way to manage them and keep them around.

This might sound like a lot of work, but with the right approach and being as proactive as you can, it doesn’t need to be difficult. Here are some handy tips for maintaining your team of support workers:

  • Set expectations up front so that the support workers know what you want from them.

  • Provide ongoing feedback to let your support workers know how they’re going. Try to keep your criticisms constructive and focus on what they could be doing differently instead of what they’re doing wrong.

  • Open dialogue prevents little issues from growing into bigger issues.

  • If you have several support workers, let them know what the others are up to. A logbook, or even a WhatsApp group, is a great way to give them visibility over the care you’re receiving so there’s no gaps.

How to find independent disability support workers

Finding an independent NDIS support worker in your area might sound complicated, but you can get support in finding the perfect match for you.

1. Online platforms

There are some great platforms out there to help you find and connect with support workers. Organisations like Mable, Hireup, LikeFamily, Find a Carer and Care Seekers make it easy by providing an online platform where you can create a profile, research and contact support workers, and then manage your team.

If you think an online platform would help you, there are some things to consider before choosing which is right for you.

  • How much do they charge?
  • Can support workers set their own rates?
  • Do they offer comprehensive insurance?
  • Can they integrate with a plan manager or support coordinator like Plan Partners?
  • Do they have a mobile app?
  • Do they allow access to shift notes?

2. Support coordination

If you have support coordination as part of your NDIS plan, your support coordinator could support you organising your team. They can help setting you up on the online platforms and selecting the right support worker for you. However, you will still need to organise your daily supports and manage your own time schedule.

Eligible for support coordination? At Plan Partners, we offer support coordination to people all over Australia and work closely with all major online platforms for independent support workers.

FAQs about NDIS support workers

What are a NDIS support worker’s roles and responsibilities?

Disability support workers play a crucial role in supporting NDIS participants to lead more independent and fulfilled lives. Key responsibilities may include:

Personal Care: support with personal hygiene, grooming, dressing, and mobility. They may also provide support with activities like eating, medication management, and maintaining overall well-being.

Emotional Support: emotional support and companionship, having conversations, providing a listening ear, and offering encouragement when times are challenging.

Daily Living Support: support with daily activities such as cooking, cleaning, and household tasks. They may also help with budgeting, shopping, and managing appointments.

Skill Development: developing and enhancing a participant’s skills through educational activities, employment support, social skills training, and facilitating community integration.

Documentation and Reporting: maintaining accurate records of the supports provided, progress made by the individual, and any incidents or changes in their condition. This documentation is crucial for effective communication and monitoring of the individual's progress.

Can a family member be a NDIS support worker?

The NDIA will only fund a family member to be a support worker if they are registered to provide supports and, even then, in very limited circumstances such as:

  • to mitigate risk of harm or neglect to the participant
  • when there are religious or cultural reasons for funding a family member to provide supports
  • when a participant has strong personal views regarding their privacy or dignity

The NDIA considers every situation individually, including any wishes or concerns expressed by the participant and what is reasonable and necessary to their needs and goals. All decisions are made at the NDIA’s discretion.

Why are NDIS support workers important?

Support workers provide vital assistance and support to NDIS participants that contributes to their independence, happiness and overall wellbeing. As well as supporting participants with different forms of aid, including personal care, household tasks, transportation, and social support, they are often a source of emotional support, companionship, and encouragement.

The dedication and commitment of support workers make a significant difference in the lives of NDIS participants, creating a more inclusive and equitable society for all.

Can NDIS support workers administer medication?

NDIS support workers can provide medication assistance when it’s an agreed support, has been discussed as part of the support planning process, and is listed as a planned support in a participant’s NDIS plan. Support workers are also required to understand the scope of the agreed support and that any associated risks identified are properly assessed and managed.

All medications must be prescribed or ordered for a participant by a licensed practitioner (such as a medical Doctor), dispensed by an authorised pharmacist and as part of a routine medication management regimen.

What can NDIS support workers claim on tax?

Generally, a support worker can claim anything that’s been bought and used for work purposes. Expenses need to be proved with a receipt or invoice, and only the work-related part of the expense can be claimed. Some examples of what can be claimed include:

  • education (such as training courses and seminars)
  • travel and vehicle expenses to and from the participant
  • home offices expenses, such as computer, phone and internet

Do NDIS support workers need insurance?

Whether you work with NDIS participants or not, support workers often make decisions for and acting on behalf of the people they care for. Professional indemnity and public liability insurance provides peace of mind and protection in the event of an accident or claim of misconduct.

Insurance specialists like BizCover provide Disability Support Worker insurance especially tailored for disability support workers.