The primary role of a Disability /Individual Support Worker is to provide assistance to individuals with physical, developmental or cognitive disabilities. They help disabled individuals perform basic hygiene tasks, such as bathing and brushing teeth, in addition to daily living tasks such as cooking, cleaning and doing laundry. Disability Support Workers could be responsible for transporting disabled individuals to therapy or doctor appointments and take them shopping and completing other chores.
Other duties/responsibilities of Disability Support Workers include:
• Medication administration
• Cleaning rooms
• Behavior observation and support
• Maintaining record of client progress
• Assessing client to determine continuing needs
• Assistance in building client self-image and self-confidence

What does a GCC Support Worker do?

Support Workers support and advocate on behalf of client facing welfare, behavioural, developmental, social and protection issues. Support Workers may work with people on an individual or group basis, offering practical and emotional support and helping them to develop skills to make positive changes in their lives.

Youth Workers plan and facilitate programs to address the particular issues young people face, including: building self-esteem and confidence, family conflict, homelessness, drug and alcohol abuse, sex and relationships, education, and finding a job.

While Support workers provide basic counselling and risk assessments

The role of a Support workers is varied and involves a mix of interpersonal, administrative and advocacy work. Depending on the setting, daily duties may also include:

  • Meeting with people to identify and discuss their problems.
  • Providing support and advice in a one-on-one or group setting.
  • Acting as an advocate and raising issues with government departments.
  • Providing information about services and resources available locally.
  • Organising and supervising group activities including sports and recreation.
  • Writing reports and submit the progress of the participants.
  • Support workers often work outside of regular business hours, including nights, weekends or shift work, in order to be available for services. Group sessions or activities for young people may also be held during evenings.