17 Sep 2025

How to Become a Disability Support Worker

Choosing to become a Disability Support Worker is a step toward a rewarding, purposeful career. Whether you’re a school leaver, a parent returning to work, or someone seeking a more meaningful job, this profession offers a direct pathway into Australia’s growing care sector.

Step 1: Understand the Role

Before diving into training, it's important to understand what a Disability Support Worker actually does. These professionals assist people with disabilities in day-to-day tasks, helping them lead fulfilling and independent lives. Tasks include personal care, mobility support, domestic help, transport, and companionship.

This is a hands-on, people-focused job that requires patience, empathy, and the ability to respond calmly in challenging situations.

Step 2: Choose the Right Qualification

To become job-ready, you’ll need a nationally recognised qualification. The standard entry-level course is the CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing and Disability).

This course equips you with essential knowledge and practical skills across both aged and disability support contexts. Even if you choose to specialise later, this dual focus gives you more job opportunities from the start.

Core units often include:

Work with diverse people
Follow safe work practices for direct client care
Provide individualised support
Support independence and well-being
Communicate and work in health or community services

You’ll also complete elective units that focus specifically on disability support.

Step 3: Complete Practical Placement

One of the most valuable parts of the course is vocational placement. You’ll work directly with clients under supervision, giving you:

Real-world experience
Networking opportunities
Confidence in applying your skills

Many students receive job offers from their placement providers before they even finish their course.

Step 4: Study Flexibly

Thanks to online learning platforms, you can study when and where it suits you. Most providers offer flexible online delivery with support from qualified trainers, discussion forums, and learning resources.

Some also offer hybrid models, blending online learning with face-to-face workshops and mentoring. This is ideal for learners who want structure alongside flexibility.

Step 5: Apply for Jobs

Once you’ve completed your training, you're ready to enter the workforce. Some common career pathways include:

Ages Care Worker
Disability Support Worker
Home Care Worker
Personal Care Assistant
Community Care Worker

Job platforms, care provider websites, and even your training institution can help connect you to current opportunities.

Step 7: Keep Growing Your Career

Many support workers choose to continue learning. After some time in the field, you might pursue:

Certificate IV in Disability
Diploma of Community Services
Allied health assistant roles
Nursing or aged care qualifications

This means you can build a long-term career in care, without starting from scratch.

Who Should Consider This Career?

This path suits:

People who have been informal carers (e.g., family caregivers)
School leavers not wanting to go to university
Career changers looking for purpose-driven work

What You Need to Get Started

A clear National Police Check
Working With Children Check (state-dependent)
Immunisation records (some employers require this)

No prior experience is necessary, just the right attitude and willingness to learn.

Your Future in Disability Support Starts Now. With a structured, accessible training path and growing job opportunities across the country, becoming a Disability Support Worker has never been more achievable, or more important.

Career Opportunities in Disability Support

Disability support offers strong long-term career potential. As a Disability Support Worker, you can build experience and move into roles such as:

NDIS Support Coordinator
Team Leader or Roster Manager
Case Manager or Client Advocate
Trainer and Assessor for community services
Allied Health Assistant (e.g., OT, physio, speech therapy)
Disability Housing or Day Program Coordinator

With further study and practical experience, many support workers carve out rewarding specialist careers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What training do I need to become a disability support worker?

Most employers prefer candidates who have completed the CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing and Disability). This course covers theory, practical skills, and hands-on work placement in real settings.

Do I need experience to start?

Not necessarily. You can begin training with little to no formal experience, especially if you already have personal or volunteer care experience. Trainers will support you as you learn the ropes.

Is there demand for support workers?

Yes. Demand for qualified disability support workers is increasing across Australia, especially under the NDIS. With an ageing population and growing need for inclusive services, job prospects remain high.

What’s the difference between aged care and disability support?

While both roles share some tasks, disability support often involves helping clients pursue goals related to independence, community access, learning, or employment. Aged care typically supports older people with daily living.

Can I work part-time or during school hours?

Yes. Many roles offer flexibility, including casual and shift-based work. This makes disability support a great choice for parents, students, or those transitioning careers.

Ready to start your career

Start your training today and begin a new career helping others live their best lives.

Looking for a career that can make a real difference to someone’s life? Our CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support is launching on the 22nd of September.