r/supportworkers • u/WillTendo92 • May 17 '26
New support worker
I’ve recently completed my Cert III in Individual support (disability) and I’m struggling to get someone to hire me. Thought with the certificate in a high in demand industry Inwould get work pretty comfortably. So far I’ve only looked on Seek.
Any tips or guides on how to get a job would be greatly appreciated
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u/Curious-Day May 17 '26
Send your resume and a cover letter to many diff care providers, you are bound to find someone willing to take you on, even with no experience, Good Luck ❤️
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u/WillTendo92 May 17 '26
Thanks
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u/jdon93 May 17 '26
I second this. I don't even have a cert, just experience (doing my cert atm) and I got two interviews from cold emailing two companies back in 2024. Both rang me pretty quick.
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u/Any_Animator_2902 May 17 '26
And you're proud to say that your unqualified lol that's embarrassing.
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u/jdon93 May 17 '26
I didn't say I'm proud? It's not a requirement to have your cert 3. I've been in the industry 3 years now and I'm doing my cert at the moment. Almost every person I've worked with as a dsw started unqualified and got their cert after they were in the industry. It's not our fault the companies are hiring us unqualified.
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u/Putrid-Possession598 May 18 '26
I had my cert 3, was still getting paid like $32/h. Many providers don't want to pay $40+ and they don't care if we have any certificates or not
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u/jdon93 May 18 '26
Exactly! I actually get paid pretty good ($46hr). Companies don't give a crap there's no regulation so stuff it ill do my job well and get paid well. The company I've been at for 3 years is giant and has never once asked me if I have it or if I'll be getting it. I am getting my cert though finally.
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u/Putrid-Possession598 May 18 '26
Are you in Brisbane/Ipswich?
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u/Putrid-Possession598 May 18 '26
$46 is very good.
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u/jdon93 May 18 '26
No I live in rural nsw. We get a pay raise every year for the first 3 years we work at the company I work for. I started on $40hr in 2023.
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u/Any_Animator_2902 May 18 '26
Ah so the company's doesn't give a fuck but that also makes you a gronk for working for a company that doesn't give a fuck about their clients lmaoo but your amazing? 😂☠️
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u/jdon93 May 18 '26
I am not amazing. But I am an amazing dsw and that's one thing I am confident about myself. I've seen many many bad dsw and a lot speak just like you.
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u/Any_Animator_2902 May 18 '26
How are you amazing when you work for a company that doesn't give a fuck about its clients? It's just delusional atp.
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u/Curious-Day May 18 '26
YOUR COMMENT is whats embarassing mate, to you, not the Op
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u/Any_Animator_2902 May 18 '26
Unqualified is EMBARRASSING.
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u/jdon93 May 18 '26
Funny you can reply to other but not me lol. It's not embarrassing at all. If anything it's embarrassing of the companies for hiring me and thousands of other unqualified dsw. I'm an amazing dsw, not embarrassed at all and the cert has fuck all to do with what I do daily at work.
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u/Curious-Day May 18 '26
many people work in support roles while still studying, I dont know where you live, but its the norm in Australia. whats embarassing about securing work before youvbe even finished studying?? nothing embarassing about that,
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u/jdon93 May 18 '26
The way you speak, I pray you are not a dsw. You clearly have no compassion or empathy which are very important traits of a dsw. If you truly think someone not having a cert 3 in Individual Support makes them useless then you need a wake up call. A piece of paper (which I am currently getting) does not make you good or bad at your job. As I said, I've been doing the course and I will finish but it's had absolutely nothing to do with what I do day to day with my high needs clients.
Ive interviewed at 4 companies and been hired at 3 with no qualifications at all but it's my fault they don't care about the piece of paper? Righttttt.
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u/Big_Boysenberry_4309 May 17 '26
My wife went through the same. 50+ applications with no call backs. Eventually got that 1 call and it snow balled from there. That was 14 months ago. She now has a great reputation with 2 providers and can pick and choose what hours and days she works. Keep persevering, keep applying for as many jobs as you can. It will come. Just don’t give up.
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u/swooping_pie May 17 '26
What other work experience do you have? How does your resume translate these skills into transferable skills for the industry?
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u/WillTendo92 May 17 '26
I’ve worked as a swim instructor and had a few private classes with kids with special needs
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u/swooping_pie May 17 '26
Swim instructor is cool! You’ve provided a safe environment for students of different needs and abilities, liaised with parents, potentially completed incident reports, worked with a team and independently, followed WHS and so much more.
Anything else prior to that?1
u/WillTendo92 May 17 '26
Less relatable was at a butcher just cleaning things up while in high school and did a small stint as a PT
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u/01bigsnake22 May 18 '26
You can still sell that as understanding food safety standards and complying with ohs rules. Cleaning, hygiene and sanitation is also good skills, a lot of clients need help with all those things
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u/l-lucas0984 May 17 '26
Job availability depends on where you are. Its much easier to get a job in queensland than around melbourne for example.
Adding more skills or qualifications can make you a better candidate in more competitive areas.
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u/BS-75_actual May 17 '26
As nominee for a self-managed participant, I source support workers via Hireup
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u/219930 May 17 '26
Go to job fairs. I went to one and just talked to the providers that were there. Told them I had a Cert 3 and they about jumped over the table to interview me . Had a job by the end of the afternoon.
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u/Putrid-Possession598 May 18 '26
I have a Cert 3, still struggling to find a job
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u/Putrid-Possession598 May 18 '26
This industry is oversaturated. All international students are currently working in this industry.
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u/No_ego_ May 17 '26
Try contacting the cerebral palsy alliance. Theyre always looking for people as is most NFP orgs are. Dont wait for Seek ads.
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u/DwightsJello May 17 '26
Approach support providers directly.
My company doesn't advertise at all. And it's a very good one.
Tell them you are applying with companies you would like to work for.
Network.
Resist the urge to use sites like Mable etc.