Being a support worker is a rewarding and meaningful profession that allows you to make a real difference in the lives of individuals who require assistance. To excel in this role, it is essential to have the right skills, mindset and approach. In this article, we’ll explore practical strategies and principles that can help you to become a truly exceptional support worker.
1. Develop Empathy and Active Listening Skills
Empathy forms the foundation of effective support work. Take the time to understand and relate to your client, their experiences, emotions and the challenges they face daily. Be fully present when working, focus on their verbal and non-verbal cues and show genuine interest and understanding.
2. Embrace Person-Centred Care
Recognise that each individual is unique, with their own strengths, preferences and goals. Adopt a person-centred approach by tailoring your support to their specific needs and aspirations. Involve them in decision-making as much as possible, respect their choices and empower them to take an active role in shaping their own lives.
3. Build Trust and Rapport
Establishing trust is crucial for a successful support worker-client relationship. Be reliable, maintain confidentiality at all times, adhere to the NDIS Code of Conduct and demonstrate integrity. Most of all, create a safe and completely non-judgmental environment where your client feels comfortable expressing their thoughts, concerns and aspirations. It can be difficult not to judge another person’s ideas and way of living. If you find judgmental thoughts arising, actively contemplate where those judgements are coming from and find a way to overcome them. Remember that you don’t have the same life experiences, up bringing and physical and mental challenges as your client.
4. Know your Client's Goals
Do you know your client’s plan goals? If not, you can ask your client or their support coordinator (if they have one). The NDIS creates goals for your client to work towards and expects progress in these goals at each plan review. Ensure you include notes on goal progress in your progress and/or shift notes as support coordinators and allied health professionals (therapists, etc) may read your notes to report on progress.
Consider using our Individual Outcomes Policy and Individualised Plan which tracks the Participant's goals over a 12 month period making your report much easier.
5. Foster Independence and Skill-Building
Promote independence by encouraging your client to develop and enhance their skills and capabilities. Provide guidance, support and appropriate challenges to help them gain confidence and overcome obstacles. Celebrate their achievements!
6. Maintain Effective Communication and Collaboration
Open and effective communication is the backbone of quality support work. Maintain clear and respectful communication channels with family members, other support workers and allied health professionals. Collaborate and coordinate efforts to ensure holistic support and consistency in care strategies.
7. Continuously Learn and Improve
The field of support work is ever-evolving and ongoing learning is vital to stay current and provide the best possible care. Engage in professional development opportunities, look into online learning, join Facebook groups and seek guidance from experienced colleagues. Some websites that have some great short courses for support workers include:
National Disability Service https://www.nds.org.au/index.php/professional-development (large amount of courses)
LA Trobe University https://www.supportfordecisionmakingresource.com.au/ (free)
Food Safety Australia https://www.foodsafety.edu.au/safe-food-handling-course-2/
Etrainu courses https://etrainu.com/solution/disability
Aus Safety & Quality Commission https://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/our-work/infection-prevention-and-control/hand-hygiene-and-infection-prevention-and-control-elearning-modules
8. Care for Yourself and your Well-being
Support work can be emotionally and physically demanding, and burnout is quite common. To be at your mental and physical best when doing a shift you must prioritise self-care on shift and in your personal life. Take breaks when necessary, practice stress management techniques like sleep meditations, yoga and breathing techniques, get adequate sleep and maintain a balance between your work and your personal life.
Becoming a good support worker is a journey. It requires compassion towards your client and yourself, and a commitment to continuous growth in your learning.
By developing strong interpersonal skills, embracing person-centred care, and focusing on your own self-care, you can make a profound and positive impact on the lives of those you support and create a sustainable career.
Amanda Watterson
Image by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA