How to become an NDIS support worker in Australia

Support workers help people with disability live the life they choose. The work can be rewarding and flexible. This guide covers the main steps to start, and what the rules say.

Two main ways to work

Most people start in one of two ways.

As an employee or contractor of a provider. A company hires you and handles things like rosters, insurance and finding clients. This is often the easiest way to start. You learn on the job and have a team behind you.

As a sole trader. You work for yourself, usually with an ABN. You find your own clients, set your own terms and send invoices. You get more control, but you also carry more risk and paperwork.

Some people do both. See ABN and insurance for sole trader support workers for the business side.

What the rules say about qualifications

There is no single national qualification that every NDIS support worker must hold. The Commission does not require set training for unregistered providers. But there are rules about conduct, checks and safety.

Many employers ask for a relevant certificate, such as in disability or community services, or proven experience. Some roles need extra training, such as medication, manual handling, or behaviour support. Always read the job ad and ask.

If you work for a registered provider, they must follow the Practice Standards. That includes making sure staff are competent for the work they do.

Checks and training you may need

Here are the usual items. Which ones you need depends on who you work for and what you do.

• NDIS Worker Screening Check. Required for key personnel and risk-assessed roles with registered providers. Optional for unregistered work unless the participant or employer asks. Read NDIS Worker Screening Check explained.
• NDIS Worker Orientation Module. A free online course, about 90 minutes. Registered providers must include it in worker induction. Read the NDIS Worker Orientation Module.
• Working With Children Check. Needed in many places if you will work with people under 18. Rules differ by state and territory.
• First aid and CPR. Many employers and participants expect this.
• Driver licence and vehicle insurance. Needed if you will drive clients.
• Identity and right to work. Employers will ask for ID.

Learn the NDIS Code of Conduct

The NDIS Code of Conduct applies to everyone paid from an NDIS plan. That includes unregistered providers, sole traders and self-employed support workers. It covers things like respecting people's choices, privacy, safe support and honesty.

Breaking the Code can have serious consequences, including a ban. Read our NDIS Code of Conduct in plain English.

Steps to get started

1. Decide how you want to work. Employee, contractor or sole trader.
2. Get your checks. Apply for an NDIS Worker Screening Check and do the orientation module.
3. Build skills. Look at courses and short training that match the supports you want to offer.
4. Sort your business basics. If you work for yourself, get an ABN and think about insurance.
5. Apply for roles or find clients. Use job boards, provider websites, or your network.
6. Meet participants first. A short meeting helps both sides know if it is a good fit.
7. Get it in writing. Use a service agreement that sets out what you will do, when and how you will be paid.

Finding work safely

Be careful with job offers and clients. A few tips:

• Never pay money to get a job or a client.
• Be wary of anyone who asks you to put in fake hours or shifts. That is fraud.
• Do not accept or offer gifts, payments or favours to win work. See red flags: NDIS scams and inducements.
• Check whether the organisation is registered. See how to check if an NDIS provider is registered.

Being a good support worker

Skills matter as much as paperwork. Good support workers:

• listen first and ask how the person likes things done
• respect choices, even when they differ from yours
• keep information private
• turn up on time and communicate clearly
• say when something is outside their skills

You can also build a track record by being open about who you are. On Goodo, a Verified support worker badge shows we checked your identity, screening and training on a certain date. It is not a job guarantee or an endorsement. See how Goodo verifies people.

Questions to ask a possible employer

If you are applying to work for a provider, you can ask questions too. Good employers like it.

• Are you registered with the NDIS Commission?
• What training and support do new workers get?
• Will I have a mentor or a buddy at first?
• How are shifts and travel time paid?
• What happens if a client cancels at the last minute?
• How do you support workers who feel unsafe or unsure?
• Will I be an employee or a contractor?

The last question matters. Employees and contractors have different rights and duties. Fair Work and tax rules apply, so get advice if you are unsure. Read the contract before you sign. Ask for a copy.

Looking after yourself

Support work can be tiring. Plan breaks, ask for supervision and speak up if something feels wrong. You are allowed to say a task is outside your skills or comfort.

About this guide

Goodo is independent. We are not part of, or endorsed by, the NDIA or the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. This is general information, not advice. Rules change, so check ndis.gov.au or call the NDIS on 1800 800 110 about your own situation.