This role has a low level of AI exposure. Core skills such as adaptability, social intelligence, and complex physical tasks remain beyond the capabilities of current AI.
Explore all careersHow do I become a Disability Support Worker?
Get qualified to work as a Disability Support Worker with a course recognised across Australia. Speak to a training provider to learn more.
Related career opportunities
Browse occupations related to Disability Support Worker
Common questions
In Australia, a full time disability support worker generally earns $1,500 per week ($78,000 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience you can expect a potentially higher salary than people who are new to the industry.
Courses.com.au Team
Aged and disability support worker jobs have grown strongly in recent times and are expected to continue to do so. As of May 2019, there were approximately 177,000 aged and disabled carer jobs in Australia. Within five years, that number could potentially jump up to 222,000. Some reports indicate the possibility of about 35,800 job openings per year for the next five years.
Source: The Labour Market Information Portal - 2019 Occupational Projections and Australian Government Job Outlook
Courses.com.au Team
Although different positions and roles have different requirements, many disability support workers need a qualification in individual support to secure a job. A Certificate III in Individual Support can take 6-12 months to complete and usually requires 120 hours of work placement. Another option is a Certificate III in Individual Support with a specialisation in Aged and Disability Support. This can also take 6-12 months to complete and has a 120-hour work placement component. The exact duration of these learning pathways depends on several factors, including whether you opt for online, on campus or blended study modes and if you study full or part time.
Courses.com.au Team
Further reading
What can you do with a Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability)?
22nd September 2020
What can you do with a Certificate IV in Disability?
12th November 2020All disability support worker courses
- CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability)
- CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing and Disability)
- CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing)
- CHC43121 Certificate IV in Disability Support
- HLT41120 Certificate IV in Health Care
- CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support
- HLTAID011 Provide First Aid
- PSP40818 Certificate IV in Auslan
- HLTHPS010 Interpret and Use Information About Nutrition and Diet
- PSP60922 Advanced Diploma of Interpreting (Spoken Language)
- HLTINFCOV001 Comply with infection prevention and control policies and procedures
- CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing, Home and Community)
- 22469VIC Course in Introduction to the National Disability Insurance Scheme
- CHC33015 Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing and Disability)
- HLT64121 Advanced Diploma of Nursing (Aged Care and Individual Support Work)
- CHCSS00125 Entry to Certificate IV in Disability Support Skill Set
- Bachelor of Human and Community Services
- 11077NAT Certificate I in Deaf Gain Education
- CHCSS00128 High Support and Complex Care - Disability Support
- 10735NAT Course in Disability First Aid
- CHCCCS010 Maintain a High Standard of Service
- 22529VIC Course in Performing Allied Health Tasks and Supporting People with Disability
- 10994NAT Course in Recognising and Responding to Sexual Violence
- CHC32015 Certificate III in Community Services (First Point of Contact)
- CHCSS00123 Dementia Support
- CHCSS00114 Entry into Care Roles Skill Set
- 22558VIC Course In Supporting People With Disability To Use Medications
- CHCMHS001 Work with People with Mental Health Issues
- PUAFER005 Operate as Part of an Emergency Control Organisation
- CHC32015 & CHC52021 Certificate III in Community Services & Diploma of Community Services
Disability Support Worker careers
Disability Support Workers help those in need live their everyday lives. This hands-on assistance can take many forms, as these professionals aid aged and disabled patients and clients in an effort to help them live as freely as possible. Duties can include travelling with them to classes and other community programs, running errands, carrying out home-based duties such as cooking, cleaning and personal hygiene and providing overall companionship. The position requires strong personal and communication skills.
The needs and wants of patients and clients will often determine the daily professional obligations of a disability support worker. Sometimes workers will have multiple clients to visit at regularly scheduled times throughout the week. Other times disability support workers will live with those they aid. Because of this, hours and location of work can vary.
