Families
Disability Support Work Disability Support Work

The kind of work
you could do

You could support people with intellectual disabilities in a variety of settings including:

•  their homes
•  their workplaces
•  their family home
•  community locations such as recreation
facilities, libraries, social events, etc.

Disability Support Workers:

Disability Support Workers may also be called Direct Service Workers. They work as part of a support team to:

•  provide day-to-day direct support to individuals
•  provide opportunities for the individual to learn new skills in a variety of areas
•  assist the individual to achieve their personal goals
•  assist the individual to contribute to and participate in the community
•  assist the individual to develop relationships with others

 


Management and Leadership Roles:

Management and other leadership positions are available for qualified disability support workers. A frontline supervisor is responsible for:

  • ensuring services for individuals are person centred
  • ensuring day-to-day services run smoothly
  • supervision of staff, including coaching and mentoring
  • handling administration and financial requirements
  • developing networks with the community

 


Specialist Roles:

Some agencies also need disability support workers for special roles.  For example, employment consultants or case managers are responsible for:

  • finding and supervising community based work opportunities for assigned individuals
  • career exploration with the individual, investigating and locating potential employment
  • securing paid employment opportunities
  • providing employment training and follow up

 


Senior managers:

Senior managers such as program co-ordinators, play a significant role in program and service areas. They usually work in large organizations, reporting to executive directors or chief executive officers. Program co-ordinators:

  • supervise daily operations
  • lead and direct staff
  • develop and manage support services
  • develop and monitor budgets
  • do administrative work

 


Executive Directors:

Executive directors provide overall leadership and management to the agency. They are responsible for:

  • ensuring the mission and vision of the agency is fulfilled
  • ensuring the agency provides quality support services
  • monitoring financial accountability
  • administering policies and procedures
  • carrying out the agency’s Strategic Plan

 

Disability Support Work