25 Sep 2025
What Makes a Great Support Worker?
Support workers are everyday heroes. They help older Australians stay independent, empower people with disability, and provide practical and emotional care when it matters most. While support worker skills can be learned, great carers also share a few key personality traits. Below, we unpack what employers look for, why these qualities matter, and the simplest path to building them.
What does a Support Worker do?
Support workers assist clients with daily living, everything from personal care and meal prep to social outings and medication reminders. Roles span aged care homes, disability day programs, community outreach and private residences.
Why do traits matter as much as skills?
High-trust role. Clients rely on carers for safety, dignity and companionship, so soft skills are critical.
Sector in shortage. Aged and Disabled Carers already employ 367 000+ people with annual growth of 35 400 jobs (May 2025). Employers compete for workers who bring both competence and compassion.
Quality of life impact. The right attitude can turn routine tasks into empowering experiences for the people you support.
Ten essential Support Worker skills & traits
|
# |
Trait or Skill |
Why It Matters |
Everyday Example |
|
1 |
Empathy |
Builds trust and reduces client anxiety. |
Listening to a client’s story before starting care. |
|
2 |
Clear communication |
Prevents misunderstandings; supports choice. |
Using simple, respectful language and visual aids. |
|
3 |
Patience |
Allows clients to move at their own pace. |
Waiting calmly while someone practices walking with a frame. |
|
4 |
Reliability |
Consistency is crucial for vulnerable people. |
Arriving on time and following care plans exactly. |
|
5 |
Adaptability |
Needs can change daily. |
Switching activities when a client feels tired. |
|
6 |
Problem-solving |
Promotes safety and independence. |
Adjusting a wheelchair route when a lift is out of order. |
|
7 |
Physical & emotional resilience |
Reduces burnout and injuries. |
Using correct manual-handling techniques and debriefing after tough shifts. |
|
8 |
Respect & dignity |
Upholds human rights. |
Offering private space for personal care tasks. |
|
9 |
Cultural competence |
Australia’s client base is diverse. |
Preparing meals that meet cultural dietary needs. |
|
10 |
Professional boundaries |
Protects both worker and client. |
Politely declining a friend request on social media. |
Tip: Don’t worry if you don’t tick every box yet. Training plus real-world experience will help you grow these support worker skills quickly.
How to develop these Support Worker skills
Study the right qualification. A CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing and Disability) covers personal care, communication, safe work practices and placement hours.
Seek varied placements. Try aged care, disability and home-and-community settings to broaden your skill set.
Find a mentor. Shadow an experienced worker who models best practice.
Use reflective journals. Write two sentences after each shift: what went well and what you’ll improve tomorrow.
Upskill regularly. Short courses in dementia care, mental health first aid or Auslan keep your toolkit fresh.
Career outlook & pay
Job growth: Health Care & Social Assistance will add ≈ 950 000 jobs nationally by 2034 with over one-quarter in care roles (Jun 2025).
Skill shortage: Support workers feature on the 2024 Occupation Shortage List.
Average salary: Australian support workers earn $65 000–$85 000 full-time (SEEK, Aug 2025) higher with overtime or specialised skills.
Take the next step
Ready to turn compassion into a career? Discover our CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing and Disability). Call 1300 616 197 or enquire online to learn how Foundation Education (RTO 22557) can help you build in-demand support worker skills and make a real difference.
Frequently asked questions
What does a support worker do?
Support workers assist clients with daily living, personal care, therapy exercises and community participation to improve quality of life.
How long does it take to get qualified?
Most learners complete a Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing and Disability) in up to 12 months, including 120 hours of supervised placement.
Are support workers in demand?
Yes, employment for aged and disability carers is growing steadily, with thousands of new roles each year and ongoing shortages nationwide.
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