A career as a support worker is one of the most rewarding and meaningful paths you can choose. Support workers play a vital role in helping people with disabilities, ageing needs and day to day challenges live with independence, dignity and choice. In the Northern Rivers region, the demand for compassionate, skilled workers continues to grow, creating opportunities for job seekers who want stable and fulfilling work.

If you are exploring how to become an NDIS support worker in Northern Rivers, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know. From understanding the role, completing qualifications, obtaining checks, developing skills and applying for work, you will learn each step clearly and simply so you can begin your career with confidence.

What Does an NDIS Support Worker Do

Before taking the next step, it is important to understand what the job involves. An NDIS support worker provides practical, emotional and social support to people with disabilities who are receiving NDIS support services.

Your responsibilities may include:

assisting with daily living activities such as personal care, meal preparation and home tasks
supporting community participation such as social outings, appointments or hobbies
providing companionship and emotional support
helping participants work toward their personal goals
assisting with mobility, transport or physical support
maintaining safety, dignity and respect at all times

Support workers may work with people of different ages, needs and abilities. No two days look the same, which is why resilience, adaptability and empathy are important. The role requires professionalism, patience and the ability to build trust with participants and their families.

Step 1: Understand the Requirements

A successful support worker needs more than certificates. You need the right qualities and mindset to provide high quality care.

Key traits of a great support worker include:

empathy and kindness
patience and good communication
reliability and time management
willingness to learn
problem solving skills
respect for cultural, personal and individual differences

Working in disability care jobs or aged care jobs can be physically active. You may need to assist with mobility, equipment or personal care tasks. Emotional resilience is important too, as the role involves working closely with people who may face daily challenges. Reflecting on your strengths and motivations is a great first step toward this career.

Step 2: Complete the Necessary Qualifications

Qualifications provide the skills and knowledge required to support participants safely and effectively. The most common entry level qualification is the Certificate III in Individual Support, with the option to specialise in Disability or Aged Care. Either option can help you enter NDIS employment.

A Certificate III typically covers:

supporting independence and wellbeing
working with diverse people
safe work practices
person centered care
communication techniques
assisting with daily living and mobility
understanding disability and ageing needs

Additional training that can boost your employability includes:

First Aid and CPR
Mental Health First Aid
Safe manual handling
Infection prevention and control

These courses ensure you are prepared to provide safe and confident support to participants receiving NDIS support services.

Step 3: Obtain Mandatory Checks

Before you can work as a support worker, you must complete important safety checks. These checks protect participants and ensure workers meet national standards.

Common checks include:

NDIS Worker Screening Check
Working With Children Check
National Police Check

Many providers require these checks to be completed before hiring. They show that you are safe, trustworthy and suitable to work in disability care or aged care environments.

Step 4: Build Practical Experience

Hands on experience can make a big difference when starting your career. While your Certificate III will provide practical training, additional experience helps you develop confidence and understanding.

Ways to gain experience include:

volunteering in community organisations
completing work placement through training programs
shadowing experienced support workers
assisting in group programs or activity sessions

Experience helps you become familiar with daily routines, communication styles, assistive equipment and person centered support. It also strengthens your resume and makes you stand out in job applications.

Step 5: Apply for NDIS Employment Opportunities

Once you have the right qualifications and checks, you are ready to apply for disability care jobs or aged care jobs in the Northern Rivers.

To prepare a strong resume:

highlight your Certificate III and other training
include any relevant volunteer or practical experience
emphasise personal traits such as empathy, communication and reliability
demonstrate understanding of person centered care
include current checks and certifications

You can search for opportunities with local providers, on job boards or directly with organisations like Lets Get Support, who regularly welcome compassionate and dedicated workers to their team.

When applying, show that you truly care about supporting people in meaningful ways. Employers value workers who are motivated by purpose and aligned with participant rights and NDIS values.

Step 6: Develop Person Centered Care Skills

Person centered care is at the heart of every support worker role. It means supporting individuals based on their unique goals, preferences and abilities rather than using a one size fits all approach.

To strengthen your person centered skills:

listen actively to participants and their families
respect individual preferences, routines and cultural backgrounds
support independence rather than doing tasks for participants
communicate clearly and kindly
adapt your approach to suit different needs

NDIS support coordination and care teams often collaborate with support workers, so communication and teamwork are also important. When you embrace person centered care, you create positive experiences and empower participants to live the life they choose.

Step 7: Continue Professional Development

Career growth does not stop once you secure your first support worker role. The disability and aged care sectors offer ongoing opportunities for learning and development.

You can expand your skills through:

advanced training such as Certificate IV in Disability
workshops on mental health, dementia or behaviour support
online NDIS training modules
learning new communication techniques
staying updated with NDIS changes

Professional development builds your confidence and opens doors to leadership, specialised care roles or support coordination pathways. It also ensures you continue delivering high quality NDIS support services aligned with participant rights and needs.

Working With Lets Get Support

If you are looking to begin a fulfilling career as a support worker in Northern Rivers, Lets Get Support offers a supportive team environment where new workers can grow and succeed. The organisation is committed to delivering quality, person centered care and welcomes individuals who share this passion.

At Lets Get Support, you can expect guidance, training, flexible work options and opportunities to expand your skills. It is the perfect place to begin your journey in disability care or aged care while making a real difference in the lives of others.

Conclusion

Becoming a support worker in Northern Rivers is a meaningful step toward a rewarding career. By completing the right training, gaining practical experience, building your skills and understanding the values of person centered care, you can create a strong foundation for success.

If you are ready to start your journey, Lets Get Support is here to help you take the next step. Whether you need guidance, want to explore current job openings or are looking for a supportive workplace that values compassion and quality, we are here to support your career goals.

Contact Us today to learn more about joining our team and building a future in disability and aged care.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do I need a Certificate III to become a support worker?

Most organisations require a Certificate III in Individual Support, Disability or Aged Care to ensure you have the skills needed to support participants safely. Let’s Get Support can provide employment while you are in the process of completing your certificate III. Contact our HR team to discuss options.
How long does it take to become an NDIS support worker?

Certificate III usually takes several months to complete. Once you finish your training and obtain required checks, you can begin applying for roles right away.
What checks do I need?

You will need an NDIS Worker Screening Check, a Working With Children Check and a National Police Check before you can start work.
Is experience required to get hired?

Experience is valuable but not always required. Many entry level roles are available, especially if you have completed placement or volunteer support work.
What skills do I need for disability care jobs?

Empathy, communication, patience, reliability and a strong commitment to person centered care are essential.
Can I work in both disability and aged care?

Yes, many support workers work across both areas, especially if they hold a Certificate III that includes units in disability and ageing support.
How can Lets Get Support help me start my career?

Lets Get Support offers opportunities, guidance, training and a supportive team environment to help new workers build a strong and successful career.