According to the Australian Government’s Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) web report published in July 2022, nearly one in six Australians, around 4.4 million people had disability in 2018. Disability is any impairment of the body or mind that limits or restricts the persons activity and interaction with the environment around them.
Disability varies in type, severity and can occur at any time of life, with the risk increasing with age. The AIHW report also found that people with disability are more likely to report poor general health and higher levels psychological distress compared to people without disability. Modifiable risk factors and behaviours such as lack of exercise, smoking and poor diet are also reported at a higher rate. As a support worker, you must understand that each client is a unique individual and make every effort to meet and respect their needs, preferences, choices and beliefs.
Support workers need to find ways to empower, encourage and nurture the wellbeing of clients to maximise their skills and abilities to improve their quality of life. There has historically been a tendency to focus on what people who require support cannot do. The modern approach to support work is to focus on a person’s abilities and talents while acknowledging what is challenging or not possible. This is known as a person-centred approach and will underpin much of your day-to-day work with clients.
To ensure you stay within the appropriate scope of your disability support role, you can establish and uphold several boundaries:
- Roles and Responsibilities: Clearly understand your job description and the specific tasks you're assigned as a disability support worker. Focus on fulfilling these responsibilities rather than venturing into areas outside your expertise.
- Communication Limits: Limit your interactions to matters directly related to the individual's disability and support needs. Avoid offering advice or guidance on topics such as finances, relationships, or personal matters unrelated to your role.
- Confidentiality: Respect the confidentiality of the information you acquire about the individual's medical, personal, and sensitive details. Only share relevant information with authorised parties for the purpose of providing proper care.
- Professional Boundaries: Maintain a professional demeanor and avoid forming personal relationships beyond the scope of your role. Remember that you are there to provide support, not to become a friend or confidant.
- Physical Boundaries: Respect personal space and physical boundaries. Provide assistance only in ways that are appropriate and comfortable for the individual, and never engage in any physical interactions that could be perceived as inappropriate.
- Emotional Boundaries: Be empathetic and compassionate, but avoid becoming emotionally involved to an extent that it affects your objectivity and professional judgment.
- Referrals: If the individual requires advice or assistance beyond your scope, provide information about appropriate professionals or resources who can help, such as financial advisors, counselors, or medical experts.
- Conflict of Interest: Refrain from engaging in any activities or relationships that might create a conflict of interest, compromising your ability to provide unbiased support.
- Self-Care: Prioritise your own well-being to prevent burnout. Setting limits on your availability and seeking support when needed ensures you can provide the best care possible.
- Continuous Learning: Stay updated on the latest practices and developments in the field of the health and community services sector. You can do this by attending internal training at your organisation, subscribing to specific websites such as the NDIS, or other services such as Health Direct Australia or the Australian Human Rights Commission.
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The following information sheet from QLD Health provides information about building good boundaries in support work
Working in disability services offers a chance to make a positive impact on someone's life by helping them become more independent. If you're caring, enjoy working with people, and seek a dynamic job where each day is unique, a role in disability services could suit you.
This sector offers various roles, from entry-level positions to specialized support. The education and training needed can vary based on your goals. You might become a disability support worker, enhance clinical skills as an enrolled or registered nurse, or focus on coordinating support for individuals with disabilities.
The people you're helping might only need a bit of support in certain parts of their life, or they might need more help. There are different kinds of jobs that can assist people with disabilities in everyday life – like helping them access support, getting around, being part of the community, or managing medical needs.
Various types of job roles in disability can include:
Disability Support Worker/Personal Care Worker
- Disability support workers, often known as personal care workers, play a crucial role in assisting individuals with disabilities. They offer help either at the person's home or within the community, tailoring their support to individual needs. This could involve short daily visits, around-the-clock care, or accompanying individuals on errands. Their responsibilities range from basic daily tasks like cooking and cleaning to assisting with personal hygiene and organising social activities like outings. While formal qualifications aren't always mandatory, obtaining relevant credentials can enhance job prospects. Look for positions titled Disability Support Worker, Direct Care Worker, Lifestyle Support Worker, or Personal Care Assistant.
Support Coordinators
- Support coordinators oversee and organise the various forms of assistance required by individuals with disabilities. They aid in implementing National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) plans, particularly for complex cases or those needing help with understanding the plans. This involves explaining NDIS procedures, identifying suitable services, and managing individual budgets. Support coordinators also handle issues related to service delivery, making their role vital for ensuring effective execution of support plans.
Case Managers
- Case managers assist individuals with disabilities by optimising their access to services. They operate across diverse areas such as healthcare, education, and welfare, either within service providers or independently. For instance, a healthcare case manager collaborates closely with medical professionals. They regularly review cases, stay updated on developments, and ensure services are utilised optimally.
Enrolled Nurses & Registered Nurses
- Both Enrolled Nurses (ENs) and Registered Nurses (RNs) provide essential healthcare assistance to individuals with disabilities who have specific needs. They offer care in different settings, including Supported Accommodation and respite centers. ENs provide fundamental nursing care under RN supervision, while RNs have more autonomy and can perform tasks like administering medication without constant doctor supervision. RNs also manage care coordination, including medication oversight and supervising ENs and other healthcare staff.
Specialist Support
- Specialist support roles cater to individuals' specific requirements, offering specialized assistance in distinct areas. These roles, such as speech pathologists, dietitians, and occupational therapists, depend on the worker's specialized training and expertise. Usually requiring university-level education, these professionals provide vital services addressing unique needs. Employment opportunities encompass disability support organizations, community or mental health services, private practice, and hospitals.
Note
This information is relevant to Australia, where job titles, qualifications, and roles can differ based on location and regulations.
As a support worker, you will need a thorough understanding of support practices, the legislation support workers must follow and common concepts, attitudes, stereotypes, and risks that impact people requiring support. This knowledge will provide a foundation for you to interact respectfully and ethically with your clients, understand the prejudice and risks they face, and maximise their abilities and self-esteem.
You will also be a part of a team and receive regular direct or occasional indirect supervision. Remember to keep a copy of your job description and refer to it, especially while you're still learning your role, particularly in the first 12 months, or when your responsibilities expand. Don't hesitate to ask your supervisor for clarification.
If you suspect that a client requires expertise beyond what you can provide, such as a medication review, assistance with physical therapy, mental health support, investigation of a health condition, or professional help with assistive devices or communication, make sure to refer them to the appropriate health professional. These professionals may be within your organisation or external, depending on your workplace. Acknowledging that you're not an expert in everything will earn you respect from your clients, their families, and caregivers.
Make sure to obtain consent from your client, their family, or caregiver before making a referral. Remember to document the referral and store it in your client's file according to your workplace's procedures for safeguarding private information.
Job role requirements
There are a variety of skills that will be required in the role of a Disability Support Worker and although organisations will vary, there are a few common skills and abilities that are needed in the sector.
These can include:
Patience
Individuals with disabilities often require more time to communicate, perform tasks, and express their needs. Patience is essential in building trust, understanding their pace, and providing effective assistance.
Communication
Effective communication is vital for understanding the needs and preferences of clients. Clear communication helps establish rapport, ensures clients understand instructions, and allows you to advocate for their needs to other team members.
Empathy
Empathy enables you to put yourself in the client's shoes, understanding their feelings, fears, and aspirations. This helps create a supportive and trusting relationship, promoting their well-being and emotional comfort.
Organisational Skills
Disability support workers manage various tasks and responsibilities throughout the day. Strong organisational skills are crucial for keeping track of appointments, medications, tasks, and ensuring that clients receive consistent care.
These skills collectively contribute to creating a compassionate and effective support environment that enhances the quality of life for individuals with disabilities.
Some of your duties may involve:
- Monitoring the physical and mental health of clients through regular assessments, which include tasks like administering medications, measuring blood pressure, and aiding with personal hygiene.
- Creating a secure environment for clients by vigilantly observing their surroundings for potential risks, such as fire hazards and obstacles that could cause falls.
- Offering assistance and encouragement to individuals with disabilities in their residences or other settings, enabling them to maintain their independence.
- Supporting individuals in carrying out essential daily activities like getting dressed, bathing, grooming, brushing teeth, taking medications, and using the restroom.
- Helping clients to manage various everyday tasks, including cooking, cleaning, shopping, and handling finances.
- Collaborating with other healthcare professionals to ensure coordinated care plans for clients.
- Organising a variety of social activities like arts and crafts, games, and outings for clients who are unable to go outside.
- Providing both emotional and social support to clients. Identifying needs and devising strategies to enhance the quality of life for individuals dealing with disabilities or mental health challenges.
Other considerations as a disability support worker include additional skills or qualifications that may be required in an organisation, such as:
The NDIS Worker Screening Check (Yellow Card) which evaluates whether an individual employed or aspiring to work with individuals with disabilities presents a potential risk to them. This assessment establishes whether a person is approved or prohibited from undertaking specific roles involving individuals with disabilities.
The NDIS Worker Orientation Module which is an engaging online course that outlines the responsibilities of workers according to the NDIS Code of Conduct, focusing on the viewpoint of NDIS participants. It was created through collaboration with the sector, including NDIS providers and individuals with disabilities.
Generally, depending on the requirements of the organisation you may also be required to hold:
- First Aid Certificate
- Manual Handling
- Driver's license
- and have up to date vaccinations.
Read
Access the following job descriptions for a Disability Support Worker and identify the commonalities between each.
Able Australia: Disability and Community Support Worker
CareCareers: Disability Support Worker
Gateway Health: Disability Support Worker
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Philosophies and Concepts
Social Model of Disability
The social model of disability is a perspective that focuses on the societal barriers and structures that contribute to the limitations and challenges faced by individuals with disabilities. Instead of viewing disability as solely a medical condition, this model highlights how society's attitudes, policies, and physical environments can create barriers that hinder full participation and inclusion for people with disabilities. The social model shifts the responsibility from the individual to the broader society, emphasizing the need to remove these barriers to create a more accessible and inclusive environment for all.
Person-Centred Approaches:
Person-centred approaches revolve around tailoring support and care to the individual's preferences, needs, and aspirations. It recognizes that each person is unique and deserving of respect, autonomy, and choice. In this approach, individuals with disabilities are active participants in decisions about their care and support, fostering their sense of control and dignity. Person-centred approaches empower individuals to voice their desires and concerns, enabling them to actively shape their own lives and experiences.
Contemporary View on Disability Support
The contemporary view on disability support embraces a holistic and person-centred approach. It emphasizes the dignity, rights, and well-being of individuals with disabilities, with a focus on promoting their autonomy, independence, and active participation in society. Unlike older perspectives that may have focused solely on deficits, the contemporary view prioritizes the individual's strengths, preferences, and goals. It encourages an environment that nurtures social inclusion, accessibility, and the removal of barriers that hinder participation.
Difference between Care and Support
While the terms "care" and "support" are often used interchangeably, they carry distinct meanings. Care typically involves meeting an individual's medical, physical, and personal needs, such as assistance with healthcare and personal hygiene. Support, on the other hand, encompasses a broader spectrum of services, including aid with daily activities, emotional well-being, social engagement, and fostering independence. Care addresses immediate necessities, whereas support focuses on holistic well-being and the overall quality of life.
Empowerment of the Person Receiving Support
Empowerment in disability support involves enabling the person receiving support to make informed decisions, exercise autonomy, and actively participate in shaping their care and life choices. This philosophy recognizes their expertise regarding their own needs and preferences. Empowerment involves providing information, fostering self-determination, and promoting autonomy and independence throughout their journey. It enhances their sense of control, self-worth, and engagement in decision-making.
Social Role Valorisation and the Right to Live as One Chooses
Social Role Valorisation emphasizes the importance of meaningful roles for individuals and challenges devaluation and stigmatization. It aligns with the idea that every individual, including those with disabilities, has the right to live their life as they choose. This philosophy promotes social inclusion, autonomy, and the recognition of the unique value each person brings to their community.
Trauma-Informed Practice
Trauma-informed practice acknowledges the prevalence of trauma in the lives of individuals, including those with disabilities, and emphasizes creating safe and supportive environments. It recognizes the potential impact of past trauma on a person's well-being and behaviors. This approach involves fostering trust, safety, and empowerment in interactions, while also promoting healing and resilience.
Social and Emotional Wellbeing Frameworks
Social and emotional wellbeing frameworks in disability support focus on the broader aspects of well-being beyond just physical health. These frameworks consider emotional, psychological, and social dimensions of well-being, recognizing the interconnectedness of these factors. They aim to enhance individuals' quality of life by promoting positive mental health, strong social connections, and a sense of purpose.
Reporting lines and delegations when working under supervision
When working as a disability support worker, understanding reporting lines, delegations, and working under supervision is essential for maintaining effective communication, accountability, and ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals with disabilities.
Reporting Lines
Reporting lines refer to the structured hierarchy within an organization that outlines how information, updates, and concerns should flow from one level to another. As a disability support worker, you are likely part of a team or organisation that provides support services to individuals with disabilities. Understanding your reporting lines involves knowing to whom you report, who reports to you (if applicable), and the process for sharing information up and down the hierarchy. This ensures that important information reaches the right people, enabling effective coordination and decision-making.
Delegations
Delegations involve assigning specific tasks, responsibilities, and authority to individuals within an organisation. Disability support workers may be delegated certain tasks or duties based on their skills, qualifications, and training. These tasks could include administering medication, assisting with personal care, or implementing specific support plans. It's important to understand your delegated tasks, follow proper protocols, and communicate any challenges or concerns to your supervisor or higher authority.
Working Under Supervision
Working under supervision means that you are performing your duties and responsibilities under the guidance and oversight of a more experienced or qualified individual. This could be a senior support worker, a supervisor, a registered nurse, or another relevant professional. Supervision ensures that you follow best practices, adhere to protocols, and make informed decisions while providing support to individuals with disabilities. It also offers an opportunity for learning and development as you receive feedback and guidance from your supervisor.
By having an understanding of reporting lines, delegations, and working under supervision you will ensure that you are maintaining professionalism, providing quality of care, and promoting the safety and well-being of individuals with disabilities. It helps create a structured and organised environment in which the support team can effectively collaborate and provide the best possible assistance to those in need.
Delegation and supervision requirements by health professionals
In certain disability-related health supports, a registered nurse might provide training and delegate important tasks to a support worker or an enrolled nurse. This trained individual would offer the required support based on their competence in the task. This practice is known as 'delegation and supervision of care,' allowing registered nurses to assign nursing tasks to the most suitable qualified individual.
Certain tasks related to disability-related health support can be assigned by a registered nurse to another trained worker. This entails a support worker or enrolled nurse completing the task instead of a registered nurse. In cases where family members, friends, or carers cannot fulfill these tasks, funding will be provided for a support worker or enrolled nurse to deliver the necessary disability-related health support to the individual.
Tasks are delegated by identifying:
- the types of tasks that need to be provided
- identifying the most appropriate person to provide the care
- the individuals needs
- the complexity of the tasks required
- the risks
The registered nurse will decide if the task can be delegated or not as they will be the person responsible for the care that is provided to the individual. A registered nurse can’t delegate a task if your health needs are inconsistent or likely to change. Also, some tasks can’t be delegated and will need to be done by a registered nurse.
When a registered nurse delegates a task, they retain responsibility for the tasks being provided. Before a registered nurse can delegate a task to someone else, they must make sure the person is trained and competent to do that task and they must also be available for direct and indirect supervision of the person doing the task.
Supervisory Practice
A Supervisor who is a Registered Nurse leads a group of enrolled nurses or other workers providing support to people with disability within a hospital or clinic, ensuring that all activities are effective and meet requirements. Additionally, they bear the responsibility for the day-to-day administration of nurses, including tasks like assessment, growth, and the allocation of shifts and patients. Beyond overseeing and confirming the smooth operations within their domain, they also need to liaise and collaborate with doctors and even patients' families. The obligations of a Nurse Supervisor are demanding; thus, they need to be proactive and highly skilled in communication.
Supervision constitutes one of several supportive activities for professional development within support practices. These activities assist enrolled nurses and support staff working in disability to uphold their knowledge, skills, and expertise in their professional capacities.
Benefits of supervision can include:
- Skill Enhancement: Supervision aids in refining and advancing your skills, contributing to your effectiveness in assisting individuals with disabilities.
- Confidence Boost: Regular supervision bolsters your confidence by providing guidance and addressing any concerns, making you feel more competent in your role.
- Problem Solving: Supervisors help you navigate challenges and find solutions, enhancing your ability to handle various situations that may arise.
- Personal Growth: Through supervision, you can develop a deeper understanding of your strengths and areas for improvement, fostering personal and professional growth.
- Reflective Practice: Supervision encourages self-reflection, allowing you to analyze your actions and experiences, leading to better decision-making and learning from your experiences.
- Client-Centered Care: Supervision aids in tailoring your support to meet the specific needs of each individual with a disability, promoting a higher level of care.
- Emotional Support: It provides a space to discuss any emotional or challenging aspects of your role, helping you manage stress and prevent burnout.
- Consistency and Quality: Regular supervision ensures that your support aligns with best practices and maintains a high standard of care.
- Learning Opportunities: Supervisors can offer insights, resources, and training opportunities that contribute to your ongoing professional development.
- Team Collaboration: Supervision encourages communication between support workers, fostering a sense of unity and shared learning within the team.
Watch
This video provides some excellent information about how effective supervision improves the quality of care and outcomes for people in a support setting.
Gaining clarity from your supervisor is vital for performing your job well. Clear communication and understanding your tasks are essential for success. Seeking guidance not only improves your performance but also creates a positive work atmosphere. Getting accurate information helps you align with the organisation's goals and handle challenges better. So, staying connected with your supervisor is key for professional growth.
Having discussions about your job requirements with your supervisor as a disability support worker holds significant importance for various reasons:
Engaging in discussions about your job requirements with your supervisor as a disability support worker holds significant importance for various reasons:
| Reason | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Clarity | Having open conversations with your supervisor provides a clear understanding of your role, responsibilities, and expectations. This clarity is crucial to ensure you deliver the right level of support to clients while meeting the organisation's goals. |
| Alignment | Conversations about your job requirements help ensure your actions align with the organisation's mission, values, and policies. This alignment is vital for maintaining consistency and delivering services that correspond with the organisation's objectives. |
| Client Safety and Well-being | Your supervisor can guide you in adhering to proper protocols, procedures, and safety measures when assisting clients with disabilities. This ensures the safety and well-being of both you and the clients. |
| Skill Development | Your supervisor can identify areas where you might need further training or development. Discussing your job requirements allows you to identify opportunities for growth and improvement, leading to enhanced service delivery. |
| Feedback and Support | Regular communication with your supervisor enables you to receive constructive feedback on your performance. This feedback helps refine your skills and adjust your approach to better cater to clients' needs. |
| Problem-solving | When encountering challenges or complex situations while supporting clients, conversing with your supervisor can lead to collaborative problem-solving. Your supervisor's experience and guidance are invaluable in finding effective solutions. |
| Resource Allocation | Your supervisor can assist you in prioritising tasks and allocating resources efficiently. This ensures you make optimal use of your time and resources to provide top-notch support to clients. |
| Team Collaboration | Effective communication with your supervisor nurtures a collaborative atmosphere within the team. It facilitates the sharing of insights, best practices, and coordination efforts, resulting in a comprehensive support system for clients. |
Read
The following link from the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission provides information about the importance of supporting and confirming expectations on the supports that are to be delivered by a support worker and the importance of a supervisor and support worker relationship.
In the role of a disability support worker, it is important to recognise tasks that fall outside the scope of your assigned responsibilities. When encountering such tasks, your responsibility is to identify them and then refer them to the appropriate person within the organisation. This process involves adhering to the established reporting policies and procedures set by the organisation.
By promptly identifying and referring tasks that are beyond your job role's scope, you contribute to maintaining efficiency and ensuring that tasks are handled by individuals with the necessary expertise and authority to address them effectively. Following organisational reporting policies and procedures is crucial in this process.
These guidelines provide a structured approach to directing tasks to the right individuals or departments. By adhering to these protocols, you help ensure that tasks are properly managed, resolved, and allocated to the appropriate resources within the organisation. This practice safeguards the well-being of clients and maintains a streamlined workflow, ultimately contributing to the overall quality of care and support provided in the disability support role.
Tasks that may fall outside the scope of your role can vary and depend on an organisations policies and procedures, however, they may include:
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Medical Procedures: Performing medical procedures that require specialised training, such as administering injections, changing medical devices, or providing complex wound care.
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Legal or Financial Advice: Offering legal or financial advice to clients, as this requires expertise in those fields that disability support workers usually do not possess.
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Diagnosis or Treatment Planning: Diagnosing medical conditions or developing treatment plans, which are responsibilities of healthcare professionals like doctors and nurses.
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Psychotherapy or Counseling: Providing in-depth psychotherapy or counseling for mental health issues, as this requires specialised training and qualifications.
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Complex Behavioral Interventions: Implementing complex behavioral interventions or therapies without proper training and guidance from experts.
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Medication Prescription: Prescribing medications or adjusting medication dosages, which should be done by licensed medical professionals.
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Legal Advocacy: Representing clients in legal matters or advocating for their legal rights, tasks best handled by legal professionals.
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Financial Management: Making major financial decisions on behalf of clients without proper authorisation and expertise.
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Maintenance of Specialised Equipment: Repairing or maintaining specialised medical equipment without the necessary training.
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Emergency Medical Care: Providing emergency medical care beyond basic first aid, which should be done by qualified healthcare providers.
When faced with tasks that are outside of your role requirements as a disability support worker, it's important to follow the appropriate steps to ensure the well-being and proper care of the individuals you support. This generally includes reporting the situation to your immediate supervisor who will then provide you with guidance.
Understanding boundaries
Professional boundaries safeguard the delicate balance between a worker's authority and a client's vulnerability. Challenges can arise for support workers if these boundaries are not upheld, including:
- Developing excessive attachment or emotional involvement with a client.
- Exhibiting exceptional behavior that may compromise professional conduct.
- Becoming emotionally entangled or blurring the lines between work and personal life.
- Sharing the client's personal information, including unwarranted self-disclosure.
- Treating the client as a 'friend' or allowing the client to perceive the relationship that way.
Professional boundaries are intricate and occasionally contentious due to their connection to personal values, which evolve over time. While discussions about 'right' and 'wrong' and the application of 'common sense' are common, situations are not always straightforward. For instance, a support worker might feel obligated to accept a gift, even when the policy dictates that gifts cannot be received according to Mable's guidelines.
Maintaining appropriate relationships with vulnerable clients acknowledges our provision of personal services and the significant influence we hold over their lives.
In all interactions, boundaries are established. For workers, it's essential to identify when we might be crossing the invisible line that distinguishes a client from a worker, delineating our relationship as professional and functional.
Supporting clients with disabilities (physical, intellectual, mental health, or neurological) poses unique challenges for support workers. Your role might involve close involvement in clients' personal lives, including interactions with their friends and families. You might gain access to private or confidential information. Additionally, you might face situations where requests or expectations for services or support exceed your role as a support worker.
Watch
This video provides an insightful look at what happens when support workers may overstep their boundaries and the impacts it can have on people with disabilities.
Watch
This video provides a detailed understanding about the importance of keeping professional boundaries.
