“When my support worker has a good day, I have a good day”. - Quote by an anonymous person with disability.
This statement shows the profound impact support workers have on the lives of people with disability. Each time a support worker is on shift, they are supporting a person with their life, helping them to live it in the way that they want, to be involved in their community, to live independently, to learn new skills and achieve their goals.
So what is directly required in the role of a support worker?
Tasks can involve helping somebody in their home to cook, clean, budget and shop, it could be helping them with personal care like showering, getting dressed, eating or it could be helping people get in the community, like to go to the movies, the gym, the shops or a café.
We have people who also coach and mentor local people with social skills and finding work. We also have group-based programs where people can assist with art, music, drama, swimming, budgeting – all sorts of programs and activities.
Many of these things may sound simple — living independently, being involved in the community and having relationships, but when we think about it, it is these simple things, the ability to self-determine these simple things in our life that make it meaningful, purposeful and fulfilling. A support worker, every shift, is helping to make these things possible for the person they support.
It is this purpose and meaning in the work that is most often cited by our support workers as being the major benefit of working in the role. It is the feeling that they are doing a job that truly matters, a job that is making a difference in another person's life.
It is perhaps a startling fact that according to the Huffington Post, close to 25% of Australians report that they are unhappy with their current employment.
Research by Forbes shows that work fulfilment ranks as the number one indicator as to whether or not people enjoy and remain engaged in their work.
Don’t get us wrong, we understand that many things are important including good pay and financial security, recognition for good work, a supportive environment, opportunity for career progression and flexibility. Luckily, we believe that being a support worker for Community Living Australia can deliver all of these things as well as purpose, fulfilment and meaning.
Don’t just take our word for it, below we have included some excerpts of testimonials provided by a variety of our support workers.
Sue, a support worker who has been with us for over four years who has previously worked in cleaning, hospitality and bartending, states, “it’s the most rewarding job I have ever had” and “I get a kick out of helping clients be involved in the community”.
Lachlan just bought a house and used to be a factory worker, but what he loves about the role of being a support worker is “receiving feedback from parents that I have helped their child reach a key milestone through my work”.
Helen, a member of our team recently got married and loves the variety that the job brings, stating, “I love knowing that I am making a difference in peoples lives and I love the variety that every day brings.”
If you are interested in joining the team and in beginning a career working in a job that matters, please click on the ‘apply now’ button below.
We cannot wait for you to join the team, and to start doing a job that matters.
