What can support workers do?

Support workers play a key role in the lives of autistic adults, offering friendly, personalised help to help them thrive. 

They assist both at home and out in the community, helping with everyday tasks, job searches, stress management, and social skill development. They also ensure individuals have access to necessary services and advocate for their rights, making a significant difference in their lives.

Understanding support work

Support work involves various tasks that assist people with disability to live the lives they want. These tasks can range from personal care activities such as showering, dressing, or toileting to general tasks like housekeeping, grocery shopping, or cooking. Support workers might also accompany individuals to sports events, gigs, or when travelling or on holidays, ensuring they can access the support they need to make the most of these events.

Disability support workers usually provide their services in person at their client’s home or in the community. Depending on their client’s needs and preferences, the support can be offered one-on-one or in small groups. Regardless of how the support is delivered, it can and should always be tailored to the client’s specific needs, preferences and goals. 

Disability support workers can either be sole providers (they work for themselves) or work for agencies and service providers. Each option has its own benefits and limitations, and some people prefer to work with one kind of support worker over the other. Ultimately, a good support worker meets their client's needs in a safe and supportive way. 

Benefits of support workers for autistic people

Disability support workers offer a wide range of services that can be tailored to the unique needs of autistic individuals. Here are some key responsibilities of disability support workers:

Daily living support

Disability support workers assist with developing life skills and completing daily activities such as shopping, cleaning, and attending appointments. These tasks, which might be challenging for autistic individuals, become manageable with the support of a dedicated worker. This assistance ensures that an autistic person’s daily needs are met efficiently and consistently.

Skill development

A significant part of a disability support worker's role is helping autistic individuals develop essential life skills. These skills can range from daily living skills, such as cooking and personal hygiene, to communication and social interaction skills. Support workers empower their clients to lead more independent and fulfilling lives by regularly working on these skills in different settings.

Community participation

One essential service provided by disability support workers is supporting access to community activities. This can include helping autistic individuals attend social events or recreational activities that interest them. Doing so helps reduce social isolation and improves social skills and relationships.

Self-advocacy

Another important aspect of support work is encouraging self-advocacy and empowerment. Disability support workers guide autistic individuals and their families in understanding their rights as autistic people and as parents and carers, as well as expressing their needs and preferences. This is vital for building confidence and self-advocating in different settings, such as in the workplace or when travelling. 

Vocational support

Disability support workers can assist autistic individuals looking for employment or vocational experiences. They can help clients access and maintain work, providing support with job applications, workplace adjustments and skill development. This vocational support assists with economic independence and improving self-esteem.

Hiring support workers

If you believe you or your loved one would benefit from a support worker’s services, you might be eligible to include support work in your NDIS plan, meaning the NDIS will fund the cost of hiring your support worker. To verify this, refer to the 'Core Supports' section of your plan. Any funds allocated in this category can be used to hire support workers. 

You have two main options when hiring support workers: privately hiring a worker or going through an agency. Each option comes with its own set of advantages. When you hire a support worker privately, you agree on an hourly rate directly with the worker. This option offers flexibility, but it also means you must coordinate your support worker yourself. Agencies provide a 'schedule of supports' that outline the rates for their support workers. While this option might be more expensive, it often requires less organisational effort on your part.

The cost of hiring a disability support worker can vary greatly. Rates depend on factors such as the level of support required, the worker's qualifications, and whether the services are provided through an agency or privately. 

Finding the right support worker for you

Finding a support worker who clicks with you requires understanding your own needs and preferences and what you expect from a support worker. Here are some steps you can follow to help you in your search:

Define your needs

Start by clearly defining what you or your loved one would need from a support worker - it can be helpful to make a list of the tasks and activities where you require assistance. This could include support with daily living activities, someone to attend social outings with, or specific skills you want to learn (e.g., navigating public transport or applying for a job).

Invest in the hiring process

Consider whether you prefer to hire privately or through an agency. Evaluate the pros and cons of each method in the context of your situation. If hiring privately, create a detailed job description outlining your requirements. Include information about the tasks, hours, location, and specific skills or attributes you seek. Ask for and check references from previous clients or employers; this can provide valuable insights into the support worker's reliability, skills, and personality.

Establish boundaries and expectations

Clearly communicate your boundaries and expectations from the beginning. This includes discussing preferred communication styles, punctuality, and how you would like to handle any issues that may arise.

Trial periods with a support worker

Whether hiring privately or through an agency, it’s important to be absolutely sure that a support worker is right for you before signing them on. Many individuals and families interview potential support workers or invite them to a trial shift to see if they are a good fit. If you already have a support worker and are looking for a replacement support worker or additional support, a buddy shift, where a candidate works alongside an existing worker for a shift, is also a good option. 

During this period, pay attention to their punctuality, communication skills, and how comfortable you feel around them. Asking questions to get to know them is also helpful - you can use the questions or topics below to get you started:

• Experience: "How long have you been a support worker?"
• Motivation: "What drew you to support work as a job?"
• Interests: "What are some of your interests? (For example, do you like music? Sport? Animals?)"

These questions should not be about delving into personal matters but understanding if they would be compatible with your lifestyle, personality, and needs. Remember, the goal is to find someone who is not only competent and qualified but also respects and supports your values, interests, and goals. 

Maintaining a positive relationship

Maintaining a positive working relationship is key once you have found a support worker who clicks. Here are some tips to ensure ongoing success:

Communication

Open and honest communication is crucial. Regularly check in with your support worker to provide feedback and discuss any changes in your needs or preferences. Encourage them to share their observations and suggestions when talking about progress; this helps you understand their point of view.

Flexibility

Be flexible and understanding. While expectations are important, it's also essential to be adaptable when unforeseen circumstances arise.

Appreciation

Show appreciation for their work. A simple thank you can go a long way in building a positive relationship. Recognise their efforts and contributions to your wellbeing.

Remember, finding the right support worker is personal and unique. Take your time, trust your instincts, and prioritise your needs and preferences. You can achieve greater independence and enjoy a fulfilling life with the right support.