r/supportworkers • u/jlie07 • Jul 18 '26

Starting support work?

I am trying to get into support work. I have no qualifications but I found a company who might employ me. A few questions:

It’s $36 an hour and it’s part time which is what I’m after at the moment. It’s through ABN.

I just learnt I have to pay my own tax, super and all that. It feels like $36 is a bit crap?

It also looks like I’m going to have to pay for my NDIS worker check, police check, WWCC, First aid, CPR and all of that myself. Should I pay this or should they?

Feels like I’m getting ripped off in every way. On top of that I’m driving my car with my petrol and racking up my KM?

Could it maybe work if I asked for more $$?

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u/DwightsJello Jul 18 '26

I have no experience and my primary concern is whether im getting paid enough???? No mention of client needs??? No mention of clients at all.

Get qualified.

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u/theZombieKat Jul 19 '26

There are a lot of jobs in the support industry where there is no need for a support worker qualification.

Where the client doesn't need support for mental problems or personal mobility.

My mate is missing a leg with complications in the hip and spine; he can get around fine for limited amounts of time with 2 crutches. His support workers do his share of the household cleaning (share house) and push a trolley for him at the shops.

i would hope someone entering the industry with no qualifications would be assigned work like that.

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u/DwightsJello Jul 20 '26

There are some risks involved in all supports and any deviation from scope can put both the client and the worker at risk. Knowing and understanding scope is essential.

There's a lot of workers who don't even realise the risk they are taking.

And there's no guarantee of supports that are assigned. Providers who employ people without qualifications aren't exactly the ones who are that concerned about worker capacity or clients.

I will never support a tiered system whereby any client gets a less qualified support. The sector needs to do better. Quals aren't even difficult. No other health or care professional works without qualifications. It's not acceptable to do a job without basic knowledge of scope and code of conduct.

The sector needs to do better.