Disability Support

Can I use Support Network to directly message support workers for an interview?

Yes, you can directly message care professionals on the Support Network platform to arrange an in-person interview at a time that suits you. Our messaging system is designed to make connecting with potential support workers easy and convenient, giving you direct access to ask questions, discuss specific needs, and ensure they’re the right fit for you or your loved one. Once you’ve found someone you’re interested in, simply send them a message to introduce yourself and arrange a time for a more in-depth chat or interview. All of the support workers on our platform have Police Checks, Working with Children checks and other relevant qualifications for providing disability care in Australia, but you may also want to ask them about their skills and experience in providing disability care.

What if I can’t find someone I like in my area?

If you can’t find exactly the person you need, you can always create your own job ad, which will be sent to all of the support workers and disability support providers on our database.

To get started, create a profile, select ‘post a job’ from your dashboard, and fill in the necessary details, such as your location (postcode or suburb), weekly care hours that you require, preferred days for care, preferences regarding gender of the care worker, and any specific support services you require. Once your ad is approved, it will be shared with support workers in our network. You’ll be notified when applicants respond, allowing you to reach out to them directly if you choose. The more details you provide, the better your chances of finding a great match.

I already have a support worker. Can I hire and pay them through Support Network?

Yes, you can! You can invite anyone to join your care team through Support Network: a support worker, therapist, nurse, neighbour or friend.

When you sign up, we will ask you who you would like to invite. Once you provide their contact details, and we will send them an email on your behalf, inviting them to join Support Network as an independent disability home care services provider. We will also explain to them how our platform works, manage their approval and take care of the payment process so they can join your personal care team as soon as possible.

Is Support Network suitable for people with NDIS plans?

Yes, if you have access to government funding through an NDIS plan, you can hire independent support workers on the Support Network platform through your plan.

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provides an option that enables you to manage your own care plan, which means you can choose your own independent support workers and have more control over your care team, instead of having everything organised and provided to you by a care provider. The advantage of this option is that you have more control over your care, pay less in administration fees, and can hire your own support workers to provide support that is suited to your needs and your schedule.

To give Support Network a try, all you need to do is register for free and start searching our database of support workers and care professionals. It’s a great way to hire an NDIS support worker who meets your needs, makes a positive impact on your daily life, and help you reach your goals.

What do I do if I need help using the platform?

Our friendly team is available to help with any problems you may have. To speak to someone about your particular issues, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

What is an independent support worker?

An independent support worker is a professional who provides support services directly to people with disability without being affiliated with a disability agency. They can be approved to provide services through the NDIS, or not NDIS approved.

As they don’t work for disability support companies, independent support workers have more flexibility in terms of services offered, rates, and how supports are delivered. They can assist with a wide range of tasks based on participants’ individual needs, such as personal care, household tasks, social activities, and community engagement.

What services does an independent support worker provide?

An independent support worker provides a range of services to help NDIS participants meet their daily needs, improve quality of life, and achieve their goals. These services typically include:

• Personal Care – assisting with activities like bathing, dressing, grooming, and hygiene
• Daily life assistance – helping with cleaning, cooking, shopping, and other household tasks to maintain a safe and comfortable home environment
• Community Access – supporting participants in attending activities and events in the broader community, appointments, or outings to promote independence and connection
• Transport – providing transport to appointments, school, work, or social activities if needed for people with complex disabilities
• Daily life skills – assisting people with developmental disabilities with tasks like budgeting, meal preparation, or learning daily living skills to help build independence
• Companionship – offering social support and companionship, which can be valuable for emotional well-being
• Mental health and behavioural support – practical assistance for people with mental health conditions, positive behaviour support, assistance with challenging behaviours

What is a self-managed NDIS plan?

Self-managing your NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) plan means that you, or someone you trust, are responsible for managing the funding and services in your plan. This approach gives you more control over how your funds are spent and allows you to choose your own support workers to provide disability home care services.

When self-managing your NDIS plan, you look after invoices, pay providers directly, and submit claims through the NDIS portal for reimbursement, although you can get assistance with this by hiring a plan manager and support coordinator through your plan. This option requires a bit more work and organisation, but for those who want full autonomy rather than having choices made by disability support agencies, it can be very empowering. 

How do I choose the right disability worker?

Hiring your own support worker can seem daunting at first, especially if you’ve only had experience accessing care through disability support organisations. It’s an important decision that can significantly impact your or your loved one’s experience of independent living. Here are some key steps to guide you:

• Start by listing tasks, skills, and qualities you’re looking for in a support worker. Consider any personal preferences, such as experience with certain disabilities, language spoken, or availability during specific days or hours.
• Check whether the support worker has relevant experience in providing support to individuals with disability or training in areas that matter to you, such as personal care, community engagement, community services, or therapy support. 
• A support worker's personality and values should match yours. Look for someone who is empathetic, patient, communicates well and has a holistic approach, as these traits can make the experience more enjoyable and supportive.
• A meeting or interview is a great way to ask questions, discuss expectations, and observe if they have a compassionate approach, or a client-centered approach. This can give you insights into how comfortable you feel with them and how well they understand your needs.
• Consider starting with a short-term trial to see how the arrangement works. This allows you to assess the support worker’s skills, communication, and overall fit before making a longer-term commitment.

Do you need a worker who specialises in disability health care? Or someone who provides community support services for disability clients? Prefer to hire independent support workers rather than going through an Australian disability services & support organisation?

Support Network is here to help. Our easy-to-use platform helps you find, hire and manage independent care professionals in Australian communities who provide services to people with disability. Sign up for free and start searching our database of high quality support workers who provide services in your suburb. You can also post your own job ad with your unique needs, to help you find the right match for your needs. Once you hire someone, we make it easy to look after invoicing, payments and paperwork, which means less hassle without giving up choice and control.