Hiring a support worker is one of the most important decisions NDIS participants and their families will make. The right support worker can transform daily life, offering not just practical assistance but also companionship, encouragement, and a sense of independence. On the other hand, the wrong fit can lead to frustration and unmet needs.
If you’ve been looking for tips for hiring the right support worker, this guide will help you make a confident and informed decision.
Why the Right Support Worker Matters
A support worker isn’t just there to provide physical help. They become part of the participant’s journey toward independence and quality of life. A good support worker:
- Builds trust and rapport with the participant.
- Helps achieve NDIS goals.
- Reduces stress for families and carers.
- Encourages confidence, independence, and participation in the community.
Because of this, the hiring process requires careful consideration beyond qualifications alone.
Key Tips for Hiring the Right Support Worker
1. Define Your Needs Clearly
Before starting the search, take time to understand your requirements:
- Do you need personal care, community access, or companionship?
- Are there specific medical or behavioural support needs?
- How many hours or days of support are required?
Clarity makes it easier to find a support worker who is the right match.
2. Prioritise Safety and Qualifications
Safety and trust should always come first. Look for support workers who have:
- An NDIS Worker Screening Check.
- Police checks and references.
- Verified insurance coverage.
- Training or experience relevant to your needs (e.g., autism, mental health, complex behaviours).
3. Look for Personality Fit
A great support worker is not just qualified — they also click personally with the participant. Consider:
- Shared interests or hobbies.
- Language or cultural compatibility.
- Communication style and patience.
A good personal fit creates stronger relationships and more positive experiences.
4. Ask the Right Questions During Interviews
When interviewing a potential support worker, ask:
- What experience do you have with NDIS participants?
- How do you handle challenging behaviours?
- Can you provide references from other families?
- How do you support independence rather than just “doing things for” the participant?
These questions reveal both their skills and their approach.
5. Start With a Trial Period
It’s often hard to know if someone is the right fit until you’ve worked together. A short trial period allows you to:
- Assess how the participant feels during and after sessions.
- Evaluate reliability, punctuality, and professionalism.
- Provide feedback and see how the worker responds.
6. Use Trusted Platforms
Platforms like Support24 make hiring easier by providing:
- Verified worker profiles with background checks.
- Reviews and ratings from other families.
- Secure messaging and booking systems.
- Smart matching based on skills, location, and availability.
This reduces the risk of hiring the wrong person and saves time for families.
7. Communicate Expectations Clearly
From the beginning, outline:
- Daily tasks and responsibilities.
- Boundaries around privacy and professionalism.
- Preferred communication methods.
Clear expectations reduce misunderstandings and build trust.
8. Provide Ongoing Feedback
Even the best support workers benefit from feedback. Regular check-ins help ensure:
- The participant’s needs are being met.
- Adjustments can be made as goals change.
- The working relationship remains strong.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Choosing based only on availability, not qualifications.
- Overlooking personality fit.
- Not checking references or verifications.
- Failing to communicate expectations upfront.
Final Thoughts
Finding the right support worker takes time and effort, but the rewards are worth it. The best support workers combine professional skills with empathy, patience, and genuine care. By defining your needs, prioritising safety, and focusing on compatibility, you can make a confident choice that improves daily life for participants and their families.Looking for verified, reliable support workers? Support24 makes it easy to connect with trusted professionals who are the right fit for your family’s needs.
Find your ideal support worker on Support24 today and simplify the hiring process with confidence.
