Disability support worker job description: Duties, skills and responsibilities
Contents
Hiring a disability support worker means finding someone who can do it all. The role spans personal care, community access, building daily living skills and keeping the home environment running smoothly.
This template was built from real jobs posted by employers to Employment Hero, so it reflects what employers are genuinely asking for. Use it as-is or tailor it to your specific setting and participant group.
Customise the sections in [brackets] to match your organisation and role requirements.
Disability support worker job description template
About the role
As a Disability Support Worker based in [Location], you’ll provide hands-on support to clients living with disability, helping them engage with their community and maintain their independence through daily personal care. Your day-to-day will include physical assistance and hygiene as well as facilitating social activities and community outings. This role suits someone with prior experience in disability, mental health or aged care who is committed to delivering respectful, person-centred support.
About our organisation
At [Company Name], we’re committed to delivering person-centred support that upholds dignity, independence and genuine inclusion across the [disability/community services sector]. We invest in our people through ongoing professional development, competitive remuneration and a culture where your contributions are genuinely valued. We’re looking for a dedicated professional who takes pride in helping clients reach their goals and wants to work within a supportive, forward-thinking team.
Disability support worker responsibilities
- Support community access and participation in social and recreational activities
- Assist with personal care including showering, dressing, grooming and hygiene
- Encourage independence and build daily living skills in line with individual goals
- Assist with domestic tasks including cleaning, laundry and general household upkeep
- Prepare meals and support clients with dietary needs and nutrition
- Document shift notes, incident reports and case notes accurately and on time
- Transport clients to appointments and community activities as required
- Implement Positive Behaviour Support Plans and respond to behaviours of concern
Work hours and benefits
This is a [Full-time / Part-time / Casual] role with rotating shift-based rostering across day, afternoon and overnight shifts.
We offer a competitive benefits package that includes:
- Ongoing training and professional development
- Supportive team environment with strong leadership
- Flexible working rosters to suit your lifestyle
- Clear pathways for career growth and progression
- Competitive pay rates aligned to the SCHADS Award
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Disability support worker qualifications and skills
Essential:
- Prior experience in disability support, mental health or aged care
- Current Australian Driver’s Licence and access to a reliable, comprehensively insured vehicle
- NDIS Worker Screening Check (Yellow Card) or willingness to obtain
- Certificate III or IV in Individual Support, Disability or Community Services (or equivalent)
- Current First Aid and CPR certificates
- Working with Children Check (Blue Card, WWCC or WWVP) where applicable
- Strong interpersonal skills and a demonstrated capacity for empathy and patience
Desirable:
- Experience supporting people with complex or challenging behaviours
- Working knowledge of the NDIS framework and person-centred practice
- Completion of the NDIS Worker Orientation Module
- Experience with care management or scheduling software
- Demonstrated cultural competence working with diverse communities
Education and experience requirements
- Certificate III or IV in Individual Support, Disability or Community Services (or equivalent)
- Current Australian Driver’s Licence and access to a reliable, insured vehicle
- NDIS Worker Screening Check or willingness to obtain prior to commencement
- Current First Aid and CPR certificates
- Working with Children Check where required by state or territory legislation
- 1+ years of experience in disability support, mental health or aged care preferred; candidates with experience supporting individuals with complex or challenging behaviours are strongly encouraged to apply
How to apply
If you’re ready to make a real difference in the lives of people with disability and meet the requirements above, we’d love to hear from you. Please submit your CV and a brief cover letter outlining your experience and why this role appeals to you. Applications close [date]. We look forward to connecting with candidates who share our commitment to quality, person-centred support.
What does a disability support worker do?
A great support worker is a versatile professional who balances physical assistance with genuine community connection. They support community access, handle personal care with consistency and dignity, build daily living skills and keep all documentation current. They adapt to each participant’s goals and deliver reliable support across every shift.
The role is as diverse as the people you support. Your hire works across home, community and clinical settings, collaborating with participants, families and healthcare professionals. They bring the same standard to every shift regardless of what it demands.
Disability support worker salary expectations
Disability support workers are in high demand. Getting your rate wrong could mean losing candidates. Workers in this field typically earn $28–$40 per hour, depending on experience and the complexity of support delivered. The SCHADS Award governs minimum pay rates, penalty rates and allowances. Review it before you post.
Base pay is only one part of a great offer. Salary packaging lets workers reduce their taxable income, a genuine advantage in the community sector. Travel allowance or kilometre reimbursement matters too, since many workers move between client homes daily. Use Employment Hero’s salary benchmarking tools to set competitive rates and build offers that attract the right people.
Disability support is a demanding role. Your job description doesn’t have to be. Start with this template and find the right person faster.
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