How to become a support worker

Empower individuals by enhancing daily independence and providing compassionate care across diverse settings.

Support workers play an essential role in fostering independence and increasing quality of life for individuals and families. They can assist with everyday tasks like household duties, life admin, and personal care while offering emotional and physical support. It's a career driven by compassion, patience, and a commitment to making a real difference. If you have a big heart and a genuine desire to help others, support work can be an incredibly rewarding career path.

Becoming a support worker

Although no formal qualification is legally required to work as a support worker, the training provided by studying can be beneficial. Many employers may also prefer candidates with a relevant qualification.

Apply to a support worker course

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Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing and Disability)

Co-designed with industry, aged care residents, people with disabilities and carers, you’ll attain the skills to provide expert individual support in aged care and disability settings through a combination of face-to-face training and work placement hours.

Diploma of Community Services

Build essential skills to provide everything from day-to-day support for individuals all the way through to the implementation of specific community-based programs.

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Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs

You will study the complex and interconnected nature of addiction, dependence and substance use, and the relationship this has with mental health conditions so you can provide a range of services and interventions for clients with AOD and other complex care needs.

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What does a support worker do?

What are the daily tasks and duties of a support worker?

The specific tasks, duties and responsibilities of a support worker vary depending on your specialisation. However, in general this may include:

Assisting with personal care (e.g. bathing, dressing, grooming)
Helping with household chores (e.g. cleaning, cooking, laundry)
Managing medication schedules and reminders
Supporting mobility and transportation needs
Assisting with life administration (e.g. appointments, shopping)
Providing companionship and emotional support
Facilitating social activities and community participation
Monitoring and reporting changes in client's conditions
Collaborating with other healthcare professionals
Encouraging and promoting independence and self-care skills.

What skills does a successful support worker need?

Hard skills include understanding first aid and managing medications, as well as proficiency in household management tasks like cooking and cleaning. Organisational skills are vital for managing schedules, appointments, and documentation. On the softer side, support workers must possess strong communication skills to interact effectively with clients, families, and other professionals. Empathy and patience are crucial for building trust and providing emotional support.

Where do support workers work?

Many support workers work directly in clients' homes, providing personalised, one-on-one care that helps individuals maintain independence in a familiar environment. Others are employed in residential care facilities, where they assist residents with daily activities and provide companionship. Hospitals and clinics may also employ support workers to aid patients with non-medical needs. Additionally, community centres and rehabilitation facilities often utilise their skills to support group activities and therapy sessions. Each of these settings requires support workers to adapt their approach to suit different environments and client needs.

How much do support workers earn?

The median weekly earnings for a support worker in Australia is $1,688 per week*.

^{*Source: www.jobsandskills.gov.au 2023}

Learn more about your social work study options

Whether you're a Year 12 student weighing up your options or thinking about switching careers, RMIT's education courses provide a comprehensive and industry-focused education that can help you succeed as a support worker in Australia.

Explore RMIT's social work courses

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

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