What clients need to know about service agreements on Mable

Once you have connected with a support worker on Mable, and mutually agreed upon the rates, services and schedule, the next step is to accept the service agreement that the support worker sends you. But what is a service agreement and what all should it include?

What is a service agreement on Mable?

An agreement is a document that outlines the terms relating to the support services, the rates of that service and the schedule of the support agreed upon mutually by you and your support worker.

Your support worker will send you the agreement for you to review and accept. When they do so, you will receive a notification. To view the agreement and accept (or reject if you disagree with any of the terms in the agreement), login to your Mable account, go to your inbox and open the conversation with the support worker who has sent you the agreement.

It’s very important you message within the platform for your safety, and to ensure insurance coverage is provided.

The agreement must be accepted before the support worker can begin working. If an agreement has not been sent and accepted, the support worker is not covered by insurance for any work that they do.

What should a service agreement include?

An agreement should include:
  • Where the support services will occur
  • When the services will occur (time, days)
  • What types of support you will be receiving
  • The agreed hourly or flat rates for the support services, including rates for public holidays
  • What kind of activities the support worker will be helping you complete
  • Terms pertaining to minimum hours per support session, cancellation policy, policy on finishing early or late, etc.
  • Terms on when the agreement may be changed, updated or terminated and what happens in each case
  • Terms related to feedback and complaints and how they should be handled.

Note: If you’re receiving aged care services and need to cancel a session within 48 hours, your Support Worker may be entitled to charge the full amount for the booking. To avoid surprises, we recommend you make sure the cancellation terms are clearly agreed and documented in your service agreement.

What happens after I’ve accepted the service agreement?

Once you have made an agreement through the Mable platform, your support worker is immediately covered by a high-level suite of insurance policies for any support hours worked under the agreement. By agreeing to our terms and conditions as a user of Mable, you and your support worker will be covered by these policies. Please note that clients or support workers aren’t covered for work arranged or invoiced outside the Mable platform.

Keeping track of your support and payments

We let you keep track of every completed support session. On your Mable account, you can review all your received services by selecting ‘Support Hours’ on the left menu.

Here you can see the hours worked and specific support notes outlining these services. Your support worker will create these support notes and other details, and all you have to do is review and approve it within 24 hours for the timesheet to be invoiced and the support worker to receive payment.

How your support worker gets paid following a support session

After accepting the agreement, your support worker will start the support sessions. After the first support session, the support worker will submit a timesheet for your approval via the Mable platform. From here onwards, you need to follow a series of steps to view and approve your support worker’s hours, so that their payment can be processed.

FAQs

Every session booked and invoiced through Mable comes with insurance for support workers.

In order for this insurance cover to apply, you need to ensure:

  • You approve the agreement
  • Your support worker has logged their support following the support session
  • You have approved your support worker’s support notes hours.

As long as you follow the above processes, all sessions invoiced through Mable are automatically covered by insurance.

You will not be able to accept an agreement until you have completed your profile on Mable, including emergency contact information and payment details. This is to protect both clients and support workers.

How your NDIS funding can support social activities

Did you know that the NDIS can provide funding that can get you out and about, and enjoying activities in your community?

Social and Community Participation is a funded support category found under Core and Capacity Building in NDIS funding. Its purpose is to support people with disability to achieve independence through increased social and community participation. The NDIS recognises that people need community engagement, socialising and fun for their health and wellbeing. Living with disability may mean a person is not able to participate in these aspects of life without the funding the NDIS provides.

What is social and community participation?

As per the NDIA, social and community participation is about “meeting people with similar interests and joining in social and community activities.”

It can mean different things to different people. For some, this could be going to a local cafe, for others, joining a community sport team or craft class. It also includes getting work experience and volunteering.

Why is increased social and community participation important?

Social and community participation is important for a variety of reasons. It can help to:

  • Enhance quality of life
  • Promote inclusion
  • Build skills and independence
  • Improve mental health
  • Access new support networks
  • Provide opportunities for learning and growth
  • Empower and encourage
  • Achieve NDIS goals

How is Social and Community Participation categorised and priced under the NDIS?

Assistance with social and community participation is categorised under both Core and Capacity Building supports in the following ways

Core - 04 Assistance with Social, Economic and community Participation

The Core Supports funding can be used to book a support worker to assist NDIS participants to participate in community, social and employment activities. These supports can be provided in a range of environments, such as in the community, or in a centre.

Capacity Building - 09 Increased Social and Community Participation

The Capacity Building funding can be used for development programs to help build skills for independent community participation, such as social interaction skills, navigation skills and communication skills.

For more information on pricing for social and community participation support, please refer to the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits.

Increased social and community participation examples

There are many ways you can engage in social and community participation, no matter your age, interests or goals. The social and community activities funded by the NDIS must be deemed as a ‘reasonable and necessary’ to help you meet your goals as outlined in your NDIS plan.

Social and community participation activities for children

  • Sports and physical activities: Attending adapted sports camps, receiving coaching for sports like swimming or horseback riding, or participating in dance or martial arts classes with additional support.
  • Learning and development: Taking music lessons, attending museum visits, participating in science experiments, or joining workshops on art, writing, or spelling.
  • Social interaction: Support to organise playdates with friends to encourage social participation.

Discover how 7-year-old Josh is learning to participate in social activities thanks to support accessed through Mable.

Social and community participation activities for adults

  • Learning and cultural exploration: Going to the library, a museum, an art gallery or an expo
  • Social connection and fun: Participating in cooking classes or food tasting events, attending a speed dating event, playing trivia, board games, or video games at a pub, cafe, or similar venue. Going to the movies, a concert, the theatre, or a music festival with someone who shares your tastes. Joining a social club (book club, collectors’ club, debating club, storytelling club, karaoke club)
  • Physical activity and wellbeing: Water-related activities (kayaking, canoeing, fishing, sailing, yabbying) or joining a sports club.
  • Skill development and creativity: Attending workshops for model aeroplane-making, origami, bonsai, woodworking, and pottery.

Read how Jacob used NDIS-funded support to start a business and is now learning a language and getting shopping tips from a qualified chef, all through Mable.

Social and community participation activities for older adults

  • Learning and staying connected: Taking lessons in internet security, mobile phone usage, or pet grooming. Joining a book club or social group to play cards, chess, or Scrabble on a weekly basis. Attending workshops on potting plants, pickling, making pasta, and arranging flowers
  • Social interaction and leisure: Visiting a cat cuddle café or dog rescue service. Participating in lawn bowls, bocce, croquet as part of a local club. Going to the markets or setting up your own stall at a market to sell your creations. Attending art shows, author talks, and fashion parades
  • Creative expression and skill development: Learning to do stand-up comedy and dance, singing, or acting lessons.

Book a support worker on Mable for assistance with social and community participation

Social support and community participation means different things to different people. One of the biggest benefits of booking support workers through Mable is that you can find support workers who share your interests. Mable client Angela, for example, booked support worker Damien, with whom she shared an interest in animation. Another client, Penny, booked support worker Rachel, who shares her love for hiking.

On Mable, you can build a team of support workers, who can support you in different ways to work towards the goals in your NDIS plan.

Through Mable, you can increase your social and community participation with:

  • Choice and flexibility: You have choice and control over who supports you, when you receive support and how much you pay for the support. You can also choose a support worker who has shared interests. This can make social activities more enjoyable and promote long-term connections.
  • Qualified support & expertise: You are safeguarded, thanks to our strict verification processes and suite of insurance arranged on behalf of support workers. Our network of independent support workers includes workers with experience facilitating social activities for people with disabilities. They can help to navigate social settings and overcome participation barriers.

Connect with an independent support worker in your area today.

FAQs

The NDIS will need to understand what kind of support you need because of your disability and the barriers that prevent you from participating in social and recreational activities. Your plan will need to include a goal that you want to achieve by taking part in these activities.

Mable Compass: If your NDIS plan feels more like a puzzle, we'll help you solve it.

Free consultation

Support worker interviews: questions and tips

While many people feel a bit nervous about interviewing for a job, it’s worth thinking of it as an opportunity to ‘sell’ just how right you are for the role. Take your chance to make a great impression. Read on for support worker interview tips and questions.

When engaging a support worker, the stakes are always high. Use the interview to demonstrate your:

  • Understanding of the importance of professional boundaries
  • Commitment to listening to needs and wants, and in return communicating freely
  • Patience: life rarely goes to plan, and human beings are emotional creatures – you need to show that you’re willing to roll with the punches
  • Absolute reliability: you need to be on time always, plan well and follow through on your commitments.

Before the interview

As an independent support worker on Mable, clients may often respond via messaging or call to your interest in their job posts, or seek you out through the platform, to engage you as their support worker.

Download and install the Mable Mobile App so you can be notified promptly at all times. It’s a good idea to respond to their message through the platform, even if the job post doesn’t suit you in some way. When responding to a client via Mable, you should keep your messages as clear, grammatically correct and legible as possible. This will help prevent any miscommunications between you and your potential client.

The next step would likely be a meet and greet with them. A meet and greet, aside from being an opportunity for the client to interview you, is also one to see evidence of your qualifications, skills and become familiar with you.

Support worker interview tips

To get the best from your interview during your meet and greet, be sure to:

  • Carry your documents demonstrating your experience, skills and qualifications
  • Listen carefully
  • Answer and ask questions with sensitivity and enthusiasm
  • Be 100% honest about who you are, your experience and your capabilities.

If you’re asked to ‘tell me about yourself’ in a support worker interview, keep your answer short and sweet – share a bit of personal information, detail on your support worker experience, why you do what you do, and what brought you to this particular role. Highlight the key strengths and attributes your interviewer needs to hear.

Support worker interview questions

Whether you’re a personal, aged care, disability or mental health support worker, there are some common interview questions and answers to practice:

How would you describe the role of a support worker?

This is where you show that you understand the role of a support worker, particularly in relation to your specific client-group. For example, if you’re applying to be an aged care support worker, you’ll want to demonstrate that you know how the aged care sector operates, and what the job might include. If this is a new area of work, you will need to have done your homework.

Why are you the best person for this support worker role?

Show the added extras you bring to the table – the personal and professional experiences that show you really ‘get’ what the role demands, and the ways you can exceed expectations. Share a story about a time you demonstrated the skills/attributes you’re talking about, rather than just saying you have them.

Tell me about a challenging experience and how you dealt with it?

This shows how you react under pressure, and when things don’t go to plan. It’s a way to demonstrate your problem-solving skills, cool head, resilience and flexibility. You’ll also want to offer reassurance that you followed proper processes and communicated appropriately. For example, if you’re a disability support worker, you will want to point to risk management strategies, an understanding of your duty of care and adherence to reporting requirements – all while maintaining your commitment to upholding individual autonomy.

How do you assess a client’s needs?

Talk about the way you gather comprehensive information about the person you support, from them and their circle of family and carers. It’s important to show that your process is inclusive, rather than assuming you ‘know best’.

After the interview

Once you’ve completed the meet and greet successfully, the next step is to get the agreement in place. Once you and your client have decided to start working together, and you are comfortable that you have a shared understanding of what’s involved in the job, clearly set out the details within your Mable agreement. Find out why having an agreement is necessary before you start providing support to clients on Mable.

FAQs

To become an independent support worker on Mable, you will need:

Read this detailed guide on becoming a support worker on Mable. For more information, explore our frequently asked questions.

  1. How would you describe the role of a support worker?
  2. What would you bring to this position?
  3. Tell me about a challenging experience and how you dealt with it?
  4. How do you assess your client’s needs?
  5. What are your strengths?
  6. What are your weaknesses?
  7. What makes you the best person for this job?
  8. Why do you want this support worker role?
  9. What are your expectations of this role?
  10. Why are you leaving/did you leave your last job?

Answer all questions with honesty and transparency. A great, long-term relationship rests on a solid bond and absolute trust. Make sure you’re very clear on expectations (theirs and yours), abilities and your commitment.

Expect to share some personal detail about who you are, to demonstrate your values and your personality. Your interviewer will need to be assured that you understand what the role entails, and have the skills and disposition to deliver quality support.

When caring for someone with a disability, you need to exhibit a clear commitment to choice and control, absolute respect for the person, as well as the various skills and experience relevant to their individual needs.

Focus on your passion for the role and for supporting others, as well as the impact you believe you can deliver. While things like flexibility are a bonus, they shouldn’t be your only reason for becoming a support worker.

Ask some more questions about the person you’d like to support – to show interest to the interviewer, but also to ensure compatibility with the role. If you hate fishing with a passion, probably best not work with an obsessive angler!

Difference between a carer and support worker

Support workers and carers play an important role in helping people with aged care support needs or disability support needs. Together, they help to reduce emotional and physical strain on the person and improve their overall health and wellbeing.

The roles of a support worker and carer, however, differ in some key ways.

Carers, their role and responsibilities

Carers Australia defines a ‘carer’ as a person who provides unpaid care and support to family members and friends who have a disability, mental illness, chronic condition, terminal illness, an alcohol or other drug issue or who are frail aged. An unpaid carer might be a partner, family member, friend or neighbour and the arrangement may be temporary or permanent.

A carer’s role differs greatly depending on the person’s needs. They are usually responsible for the management of medications, and also provide emotional and social support. Caring may also involve help with organising and attending appointments, banking and dealing with emergencies.

Carers don’t necessarily live with the person they are caring for and they aren’t always the main source of care and support.

Support workers

Support workers are professionals who are engaged by people who need support to do tasks they may need assistance with. Support workers are paid, formal supports.

While the specifics of the role depend on the client, independent support workers on Mable may focus on tasks that alleviate physical discomfort and promote social connectedness, independence, emotional wellbeing and general health.

Support workers may provide:

  • Social support
  • Help around the home
  • Work and study assistance
  • Personal care
  • Independent living support
  • Travel support.

Being a support worker can be a highly rewarding yet demanding career. A passion and dedication to maximising the quality of life of those receiving your support is essential. Personal qualities like respect, honesty, flexibility and communication skills give support workers a well-rounded base to connect with clients.

Learn more about what support workers do and how you can become a support worker.

FAQs

Care and support have different meanings, but the concepts are linked.

To care for someone means making sure they live comfortably by doing things for them they may not be able to do themselves. This can include helping them with their daily tasks such as health care, personal care, eating and drinking and personal safety, to ensure an adequate and appropriate standard of wellbeing.

To support someone means to help them succeed to live a more independent and fulfilling life by providing them with the skills and tools they need to do so. Support is intended to empower people to take more control over things in their lives, both large and small.

To become an independent support worker on Mable, you will need:

Read this detailed guide on becoming a support worker on Mable. For more information, explore our frequently asked questions.

Working as an independent support worker on Mable offers many benefits. On Mable, you get to choose the hours you work, choose the clients you work with, choose how much you charge for your services. Importantly, you have the opportunity to create long-term relationships with the clients you connect with through Mable.

How do support workers find clients?

When you register as an independent support worker on Mable, you have access to all the benefits and safeguards you need to start providing support. The first step to doing that is, of course, to start connecting with clients. Start off by creating a great profile on the platform for yourself; it is the best way to attract clients in your local area. This includes:
  • Writing a good (concise) bio
  • Ensuring you have a photo to go along with your profile
  • Clearly specifying your skills, qualifications, experience, hobbies and interests (clients on Mable very often seek support workers that have interests similar to their own, such as playing the guitar)
  • Adding any relevant information that a client might find useful, such as your preferred hours, services you offer, immunisation status, whether you have a valid driver’s licence, language you are fluent in, etc.

Building your client base

Talk about your work

A great starting point for building your customer base is to let past or current clients know that you’re on the lookout for new opportunities as a sole trader and that they can find you on Mable. Word of mouth is an incredible marketing tool. Connect with family and friends, neighbours and community members, as well, and let them know that you’re working as an independent support worker on Mable. Be sure to give them reasons to recommend you, by talking knowledgeably and enthusiastically about your area of work, your values and your goals.

Distribute your business cards

Through your Mable account, you can download a digital copy of your print-ready personalised business cards and flyers (at no charge). Once your profile is approved, all you need to do is log into your Mable account, click ‘account’ and you will see an option to download your ‘business cards and flyers.’ Distribute copies of your business card, and encourage them to share with anyone who might be looking for aged care or disability support.

Tap into your local support worker network

You can also join the Mable Support Workers Facebook group (for approved support workers only) to share information, ask questions and find opportunities to ‘buddy’ up with other independent workers. It’s also worth getting to know other support workers in your local area — if a client’s needs don’t quite mesh with their skills or preferred hours, they may be happy to refer you to them. Make sure you return the favour, when you can.

Ask for testimonials

Ask your happy Mable clients for a testimonial that you can share via your profile. The more the testimonials, the higher your credibility as a support worker on Mable.

Mable Last Minute

A great way to find new clients on Mable, Mable Last Minute enables customers to find and connect with Independent Support Workers for a session between 4-48 hours away. It could be that their regular support worker became unavailable for a shift or the customer may have been invited to a last minute event or had a medical appointment brought forward.

Last Minute jobs may be once-offs, but can easily result in gaining a new, ongoing client.

Start building your business on Mable today.

FAQs

Clients registered on Mable submit job posts on the platform seeking support. If you’re an approved independent support worker on Mable, all you have to do is log into your Mable account and click the ‘Search’ tab under ‘Jobs’ on your profile. Here, you can start off by choosing where you would like to work, what kind of support you want to provide and what days you are available.

Your client base can snowball rapidly, as your visibility and reputation grows. As always, the key is making sure that how you present yourself online and in person, is consistent with the reputation you have or want as a support worker. Here are some key tips on building a great client base on Mable.

What makes a good support worker?

Being a support worker can be a highly rewarding, yet demanding career. Every day you’re making a profound impact and positive difference to someone’s life. The skills of a support worker are crucial for the person under your care.

Effective communication, superior interpersonal skills, flexibility, adaptability and a high level of compassion and empathy are all good skills to have as a support worker.

These qualities of a support worker will strengthen your connection with clients, so you can build strong, long-term relationships and earn their trust. If you are attentive to their needs and understand what they want, they will feel seen and heard. Sometimes, it’s the little things that can go a long way to foster a good relationship – the subtle skills of a support worker, like making eye contact and using positive body language, to signify you’re acknowledging them.

People regularly change jobs and careers. Have you ever thought about what transferable skills you bring as a support worker? You’ll be surprised at how many you already have. Perhaps you’ve already worked in people-facing industries where you’ve developed relevant attributes such as being an active listener.

Qualities of a support worker you’ve forged from past experiences may not just come from an office environment or place of employment. Through volunteering, raising a family or a hobby, you will have gained personal attributes to help you transition to develop the skills of a support worker.

What qualities make a good support worker?

Empathy

Being empathic means understanding someone’s needs, expectations, and frustrations. When people feel heard and their emotions recognised, they develop higher levels of reassurance and trust. Mastering disability support worker skills will improve your ability to connect with people on a deeper level and build meaningful relationships.

For example, imagine your client feels overwhelmed because they are in a busy café with lots of people. By telling them you understand they don’t like being there because of the noise and crowds and moving somewhere quieter, you are demonstrating the fundamental qualities of a support worker. This simple acknowledgement, where you validate the client’s emotion, is often one of the skills of a support worker that comes naturally.

Reliability

Never underestimate the importance of being reliable. Reliability means being on time, at the right address and ready to start work when you’re expected. Your clients may have an appointment, an event, commitments or a schedule where they need your help. Being reliable is one of the most sought-after skills as a support worker.

This trait strengthens the bond with others because you’re doing what you promised you’d do. If you consider what transferable skill you bring as a support worker that people value, reliability ranks highly because it demonstrates dependability.

For a client, you are crucial to their life and are upholding an important role. This steadfast reliability coupled with the compassionate and attentive skills of a support worker, demonstrate a high level of dedication. These qualities of a support worker underpin the core of trust.

For instance, if you promise a client you’ll go swimming together and then fail to show up, it means they miss out on your companionship and opportunity for physical activity. As you gain skills as a support worker, you’ll see how reliability nurtures better relationships.

Understanding and applying disability support worker skills results in effective, compassionate care.

Being trustworthy

Being trustworthy is one of the qualities of a support worker who fosters a sense of security and respect with people who rely upon you. Trust is very important to a client, and while it can take a little while to earn, it’s fundamental to cultivating positive relationships.

Being a trusted support worker also extends to being relied upon to uphold client confidentiality. Clients have a right to privacy and need to know their personal information will not be shared with others. Respecting this right and maintaining discretion reflects integrity, which are much-valued skills of a support worker.

For example, if your client has an important medical appointment at a health centre they’ve never been to before, they may become worried in advance about getting there on time and finding their way around. However, if they have trust in you and you’ve shown all-encompassing qualities of a support worker, you’re providing much-needed reassurance.

Patience

Disability support worker skills include a deep understanding of the value of patience. The patience you practise in everyday life, such as waiting calmly in long lines and listening attentively to others, is a transferable skill you bring as a support worker. Patience will help you manage challenges dealing with someone’s individual needs. Finding solutions without developing stress or frustration is one of several skills of a support worker that lead to a better quality of care and a calmer environment.

Incorporate positive verbal and body language into any worker/client interaction. It reinforces openness. The skills of a support worker will evolve over time, and you will become both confident and competent in your interaction and communication.

People with disabilities often rely on visual cues. Smiling while maintaining a relaxed stance shows you are approachable. A gentle nodding of the head and an occasional gesture of warmth, such as touching someone’s arm can be comforting. Good eye contact helps to build connection and slow and gentle movement rather than sharp, sudden actions are far more soothing. You may already do this subconsciously, it’s a transferable skill you bring as a support worker that might come easy to you.

Mention their name in conversation and keep your language simple. Short sentences are easier for people to understand. If necessary, break things down step-by-step and repeat.

Being patient is a key element in helping a client get dressed. Through learned disability support worker skills, you’ll understand the benefits of encouraging them to get dressed themselves with minimal support. It may take some time. Offer them encouragement and ask them if they are comfortable and happy in the outfit. By showing patience, you are increasing that person’s confidence, boosting spirits and enhancing their emotional well-being. The skills of a support worker, including patience, are crucial in fostering such positive outcomes.

Positivity

Positivity is a valuable trait and one of the most critical skills of a support worker because it motivates clients and encourages them to achieve goals. A positive attitude is highly infectious, as it creates a ripple effect among others to boost morale, mood and energy.

Positive reframing, a technique that involves altering a person’s thoughts and beliefs, can help turn something a client may deem as a negative into something more positive and optimistic.

For instance, if a client is disappointed because they secured a low score in a ten-pin bowling game, this might lead them to believe they’re not good at sports activities. By emphasising that they did their best and by participating, they enjoyed a great social outing among friends. Emphasising the positives rather than focusing on any shortcomings reinforces core qualities of a support worker, ensuring clients feel valued, motivated and supported.

Active listening skills

Active listening means just that—paying attention, demonstrating you’re listening and reflecting, and then responding to what has been said. One of the most admirable skills of a support worker is the ability to listen without interrupting. It shows a greater level of respect to someone so they can express themselves the way they want.

Speak clearly and don’t rush, use words that can be easily understood. By adopting consistent and suitable communication you’ll make deeper connections with clients.

A transferable skill you bring as a support worker can be something as simple as active listening. It can greatly enhance your ability to engage with a client. For example, if a client tells you they enjoy a particular television show and they know all the characters, you can add this information into future conversations. It will mean the client feels heard and respected.

Becoming proficient in crucial disability support worker skills can leverage communication to improve relationships with clients.

Cultural competency

Australia is a country with a diverse and vibrant culture. Over a quarter of people living in Australia were born overseas. Many don’t speak English as their first language. For anyone working in care, embracing and respecting this diversity is crucial. The skills of a support worker extend beyond the basics, they must encompass the ability to engage with clients in a manner that acknowledges and respects their unique cultural backgrounds.

Disability support worker skills incorporate demonstrating cultural competency. This includes understanding and accommodating dietary restrictions based on religious beliefs and being aware of the family hierarchy and traditions that influence care preferences.

Online resources can help you have a better understanding of someone’s cultural background. Free, online courses, including ones by The National Centre for Cultural Competence are open to anyone.

Problem solving skills

The skills of a support worker also extend to problem solving and being adaptable. Thinking quickly and clearly are natural disability support worker skills to navigate unexpected situations.

For instance, if a client becomes agitated while planting seeds in a garden because of the dirt, the ability to adapt and provide solutions is paramount. In this case, offering reassurance and suggesting other alternatives. Perhaps they’d be more comfortable picking flowers or fruit. You’ve likely adopted this flexible approach in past experiences and it’s a transferable skill you bring as a support worker to tackle challenging situations.

Teamwork and collaboration

It’s good practice to be a team player and to master the art of collaboration – great teamwork skills of a support worker mean you can easily work alongside other care professionals.

A client often relies on a network of therapists, health professionals and other care workers for continuity of support. By harnessing the disability support worker skills of collaboration and cooperation, everyone is working towards shared goals. These fundamental qualities of a support worker and a willingness to work and collaborate with others will enhance a client’s care.

For example, if multiple health professionals are involved in a person’s care, they should be aware of each person’s role and how each contributes to the client’s overall health and well-being.

This coordination, the gathering and sharing of information, will have positive benefits for your client. You can help support them with their goals with daily activities and feedback information to other health professionals as to how they’re doing.

Self-care

Being a support worker is incredibly rewarding and fulfilling. However, it comes with its own sets of demands and stresses.

The skills of a support worker are not just about managing the needs of people, but also about maintaining your own well-being. Implementing self-care strategies is an important aspect of disability support worker skills that can help prevent burnout to manage stress successfully.

As such, ensure you have a robust support network who you can talk to outside of work and share experiences and receive encouragement. Allow yourself time to relax and unwind. Engaging in nature and practising breathing exercises can go a long way to reducing tension and stress. In addition, incorporating physical activity into your day can lift your mood, boost self-esteem and improve sleep.

If you integrate these self-care practices into your routine, you uphold the essential skills and qualities of a support worker to remain resilient and offer the highest level of care.

What else makes a good support worker?

Qualifications

While formal qualifications aren’t always necessary to become a support worker, many general skills of a support worker are acquired through everyday life, such as basic first-aid knowledge or the ability to assist someone with mobility issues. Disability support worker skills often develop in a natural, organic way.

Some advanced support worker roles may require additional skills. For instance, individuals with disabilities use assistive technology, so strong IT, software and computer knowledge can be beneficial.

Specialised qualifications can open more doors to other opportunities, and to participate in advanced support work. Recognised qualifications such as those offered by NDIS in Aged Care, Disabilities and Individual Support will give you recognised credentials to enhance the existing qualities of a support worker.

Pursuing a nursing or allied health therapy degree demonstrates an advanced study level so you can offer more complex caregiving needs and pursue career advancement. Recognised qualifications on top of the skills of a support worker could make you more employable.

Although you don’t need a formal qualification to work as a support worker, it is a role that needs certain qualities and some basic skills you can draw on, such as being able to assess individual care needs, provide physical care, have basic life support skills, etc.

If you work as an independent support worker through Mable, you can provide social support and domestic assistance, as these don’t require you to have formal qualifications, and are highly demanded by clients on the Mable platform. For more complex support, you will require a relevant vocational qualification.

Learn more about the qualifications you can gain to become a support worker, whether it’s in aged care or disability.

Experience and volunteering

It’s true you don’t need to have vast experience to be a support worker. For many people, disability support worker skills can be easily and quickly acquired. Most people have some skills to provide this support, often brought to the role through past experiences. It’s easy to overlook a basic transferable skill you bring as a support worker, but we acquire them in everyday life through other interactions.

Most not-for-profit, disability and aged care organisations rely on volunteers. If you are thinking of pursuing a career in this area and appreciate the varied qualities of a support worker, volunteering is an excellent way of gaining experience and understanding the diverse nature of the job.

It’s an opportunity to improve your abilities, allowing you to recognise your own individual strengths and specific disability support worker skills that may be required.

Volunteering in aged care or disability centres, will go a long way to develop your potential to acquire the skills of a support worker. You will also build new connections to enhance job prospects.

GoVolunteer is a national database of volunteering opportunities set up by Volunteering Australia, and is a great resource to find relevant volunteer positions.

Registering on Mable to become an independent support worker can be a step forward in the right direction. Mable allows you to provide various services such as cleaning, gardening, personal care, social and community participation as well as assisting clients develop their skills, abilities and confidence. Some of these services don’t need you to have experience making it an accessible option for newcomers looking to learn more about care roles and qualities of a support worker.

FAQs

Support workers provide support to people with disabilities and can work in people’s homes, in specialised care settings or in hospitals on a full time, part time or casual basis, depending on the needs of the client. Aged care and disability support workers also provide support with implementing nursing, personal care, speech therapy, psychology, physiotherapy and occupational therapy services.

Learn more about what a disability support worker does.

To become an independent support worker on Mable, you will need:

Read this detailed guide on becoming a support worker on Mable. For more information, explore our frequently asked questions.

How much experience do you need to become a support worker?

Support workers play a key role in ensuring people receive the assistance they need over their lifetime and their work can make a significant difference to the quality of someone’s life.

If you want to become a support worker with no experience, that’s okay! On Mable, independent support workers don’t need formal qualifications to work as a social support and domestic assistance support worker.

What does a support worker do?

Support workers provide support to people with disabilities and/or older Australians, or anyone that needs assistance with day-to-day tasks. They can work in people’s homes, in specialised care settings or in hospitals on a full time, part time or casual basis, depending on the needs of the client.

The duties of a support worker can range from meal preparation to administering medication and specialised services, depending on your level of experience and qualifications.

If you’re a support worker with no experience or qualifications, you can provide domestic assistance and social support, such as:

  • Meal preparation
  • Household chores
  • Gardening
  • Going shopping
  • Supporting someone to meet their friends
  • Companionship

Learn more about tasks that support workers do.

Is support worker experience needed?

No, to register as an independent support worker on the Mable platform, you do not need support worker experience.

However, having experience can improve your ability to offer better support for potential clients.

It’s also helpful to learn what other support workers with similar skills, qualifications and experience are setting as their indicative rates to give you an idea of how much to charge.

There are many ways you can gain more hands-on experience as a support worker. These include:

  • Volunteering at aged care or disability services
  • Contacting local organisations
  • Participating in community events

What qualifications do you need to be a support worker?

It is possible to work as an aged care or disability support worker without formal qualifications. However, your qualifications can impact the type of support you can provide.

To perform more complex support tasks, such as personal care services, nursing services, or allied health services, there are certain qualifications you must have. Learn more about support worker qualifications and requirements.

Support your professional development

It’s important to engage in regular professional development to enhance your skills and further your learning. If you have no support worker experience or qualifications, it’s easy to get started with tools such as online learning.

One of the benefits of being an independent support worker on Mable is access to the Mable Learning Hub. On the Mable Learning Hub there are over 170 free courses available on demand to assist you in your journey of being a support worker and to help with your professional development.

Support workers on Mable can also gain industry qualifications through our accredited training partners around Australia. If eligible, government funding or Mable discounts may be available. Mable support hours can be used towards some accredited training courses.

How to become an independent support worker on Mable

Whether you’re new or an experienced support worker, aged care or disability support worker, we are happy to welcome you to the Mable community.

Support workers who register on Mable are self-employed, independent contractors who are not employed by Mable.

Regardless of your level of support worker experience or qualification, in order to sign up and create a support worker account on Mable, you will need the following:

Police checks have been replaced by the NDIS Worker Screening Check. This is a mandatory requirement for all support workers on Mable. New support workers signing up to Mable require an NDIS Worker Screening Check. Existing Mable support workers may use their existing checks until they are expired, at which time they must provide an NDIS Worker Screening Check.

If you’ve set up your account correctly, it will be submitted for approval to our team.

If you’re planning on providing personal care, nursing or other allied health services read more about the qualifications you will need to provide support.

Learn more about getting started as a support worker on Mable to start providing support today.

FAQs

Support workers can be employed directly by an agency or disability support organisation or can be self-employed as independent support workers. Independent support workers are their own boss (a sole trader). That means you can choose your clients, the services you provide (where appropriate), and the hours you work. Plus, you have the flexibility to charge different rates for different services or experiences provided.

Through Mable, independent support workers are connected directly with the people who need their services.

If you have a passion for making a positive difference to the lives of people with a disability and helping people to achieve their full potential, you might make a great support worker. Learn more about what makes a good support worker.

You can join Mable as an independent support worker by completing minimum requirements as stated above and start providing support.

You can register on Mable as a disability support worker.

NDIS disability support workers provide a range of services to support clients, so the qualifications you need really depend on the area in which you are interested in specialising.

In general, there are no certifications or education requirements for disability support workers, however you do need skills to provide this support. There are several certifications that are valuable to have, such as Certificate III in Individual Support and/or a Certificate IV in Disability. To work with children, you’ll need a Working with Children Check, NDIS Worker Screening Check and First Aid Certificate.

The NDIA also has worker training modules designed to support disability support workers to better support people with disability. You also need to comply with the NDIS Code of Conduct which helps providers and workers respect and uphold your right to safe and quality supports and services.

Please note, the NDIS Worker Screening Check has replaced police checks as a mandatory requirement for support workers on Mable.

What are the duties of a support worker?

A support worker is a professional who is responsible for the wellbeing of people living with different physical abilities and mental health needs. Your role is to support clients to live their lives more independently, and to support them to reach their potential by providing both physical and emotional support.

As each person has unique needs, the duties of a support worker can vary significantly from person to person.

In this guide, we’ll explore what aged care and disability support workers do, what skills you need to become one, and how you can join Mable as an independent support worker.

Support worker duties

Support workers can work in people’s homes, in specialised care settings, or in hospitals on a full time, part time or casual basis, depending on the needs of the client and the support worker’s preference. They may work independently or as part of a team.

Support workers may have multiple clients, each with their own health, personal care, emotional support, and/or companionship needs. Different clients may require different duties. Some clients may require 24/7 care, while others may only require assistance with basic daily living such as budgeting, grocery shopping or attending appointments.

On a day-to-day basis, support worker duties could include helping with:

  • Meal preparation
  • Household chores
  • Administering medication
  • Accessing community facilities
  • Going shopping
  • Supporting someone to meet their friends
  • Visiting the doctors
  • Support someone to find a job
  • Providing general emotional support.

Support workers can also be engaged to provide social support, such as helping their clients enjoy their hobbies and interests, get involved in community groups, or encouraging them to learn a new skill such as cooking or painting.

Learn more about what aged care or disability support workers do.

Different services a support worker can offer

Independent support workers who register on Mable are able to offer different kinds of support services:

  • Social support (companionship, help around the house, etc.)
  • Domestic support (laundry, gardening, etc.)
  • Personal care (showering, toileting, manual transfer, etc.)
  • Nursing services (wound care, diabetes care, catheter care, etc.)
  • Speech therapy
  • Occupational therapy
  • Physiotherapy
  • Psychology support services.

It’s also possible that some of these services — if required — can be delivered virtually.

Support worker skills and qualifications

Skills

Although you don’t need a formal qualification to work as a support worker, it is a role that needs certain qualities and some basic skills you can draw on, such as being able to assess individual care needs, provide physical care, having basic life support skills, etc.

Similarly, there are some skills that are very important for support workers to possess:

  • Communication: Strong communication is essential to good support work. You will need to communicate openly and efficiently with your clients, their caregivers, your colleagues and other professionals.
  • Emotional intelligence: Emotional intelligence enables support workers to empathise with clients, which is crucial in understanding the needs and feelings of those they support. Emotional intelligence also improves communication, and helps with conflict management.
  • Adaptability: Support work often involves unpredictable situations. It’s important that support workers are adaptable, flexible and responsive. Adaptability also helps support workers with problem solving, and encourages continuous learning.
  • Resilience: Support work can be challenging. Resilience helps support workers maintain their wellbeing in the face of difficult situations. Resilient support workers can provide consistent and reliable support to their clients, and can contribute to a positive outlook and attitude.
  • Time management: Effective time management helps support workers to prioritise tasks, work efficiently and be more reliable.

Support workers have a duty of care to anyone who might reasonably be affected by their activities, requiring them to act in a way that does not expose others to an unreasonable risk of harm – physical, psychological or financial.

Qualifications

Depending on the support you want to provide, you may or may not need qualifications, but in order to provide any kind of support, you certainly need an understanding of the role, the right outlook and basic skills you can draw upon.

For instance, to provide social support and domestic assistance through Mable, you don’t need to have prior experience or any formal qualifications. However, to provide more complex supports (such as nursing), you do.

Register as an independent support worker on Mable

You can also register on Mable to become an independent support worker to provide various services such as cleaning, gardening, personal care, social and community participation as well as assisting clients to develop their skills, abilities and confidence.

Mable support worker benefits

There are many benefits to working as a support worker. You have flexibility to run your own small business by choosing who you work with, the hours you work, what you charge for your services and importantly, you have the opportunity to create meaningful relationships with your clients.

Through being a support worker on the Mable platform, Other benefits include access to free self-directed training on the Mable Learning Hub, and for bookings made through Mable, a suite of insurances are arranged on your behalf.

Find out more about the benefits of joining Mable as a support worker.

What do I need to become a support worker with Mable?

To join Mable and create a support worker account, you will need the following:

  • An Australian Business Number (ABN)
  • A profile photo
  • A brief bio for your profile
  • An NDIS Worker Screening Check, applied and conducted through your state authority (from July 2025, the NDIS Worker Screening Check has replaced police checks as a mandatory requirement for support workers signing up to Mable)
  • An NDIS Worker Screening Check, applied and conducted through your state authority (from July 2025, the NDIS Worker Screening Check has replaced police checks as a mandatory requirement for support workers signing up to Mable)

Police checks have been replaced by the NDIS Worker Screening Check. This is a mandatory requirement for all support workers on Mable. New support workers signing up to Mable require an NDIS Worker Screening Check. Existing Mable support workers may use their existing checks until they are expired, at which time they must provide an NDIS Worker Screening Check.

If you’ve set up your account correctly, it will be submitted for approval to our team.

Once approved, you will need to set up your profile before you begin providing support. Your support worker profile contains information about who you are, what services you offer, your preferred hours, qualifications and more. A complete profile helps you find and attract more jobs, so it’s important that it is complete and up to date.

Watch our video on how to get started as a support worker on Mable.

If you’re planning on providing Personal Care, Nursing or other Allied Health Services read more about the qualifications you will need.

FAQs

It depends on what services you plan to offer. You don’t need qualifications for social support and domestic assistance. Qualifications are required for personal care, nursing and allied health professional services.

If you have a passion for making a positive difference to the lives of people with a disability and helping people to achieve their full potential, you might make a great support worker. Learn more about what makes a good support worker.

You can join Mable as an independent support worker by completing minimum requirements as stated above and start providing support.

It depends on the support service you want to provide. Social support and domestic assistance don’t require you to have experience or educational qualifications, but more complex support services may. Learn more about the experience needed to become a support worker.

Do you need qualifications to be a support worker?

As a support worker on Mable, you have the freedom to choose your hours, choose where you work and choose what services you offer.

The services you offer have an impact on the qualifications you will need. Some require no qualifications, while others require accredited training.

In this guide we will explore the support worker qualifications needed to offer certain services, and what’s required for all people who provide support on the Mable platform.

Understanding the role of a support worker

The role of a support worker differs from client to client, depending on their needs. Support worker duties can range from meal preparation and household chores, to supporting someone to meet their friends and helping a client find a job.

Services a support worker on Mable can offer include:

  • Social support
  • Domestic support
  • Personal care
  • Nursing services
  • Speech therapy
  • Occupational therapy
  • Physiotherapy
  • Psychology support services.

Depending on the support you want to provide, you may or may not need certain qualifications.

Disability support worker qualifications

On Mable, independent support workers don’t need formal qualifications to work as a social support and domestic assistance support worker.

However, if you want to offer more complex support, you will require a relevant qualification.

To gain disability support worker qualifications, you can:

  • Complete a vocational qualification in disability or community services. This may be a Certificate III in Individual Support (CHC33015) specialising in disability or a Certificate IV in Disability (CHC43115).
  • Ensure you have up-to-date immunisations (as required)
  • Complete certifications and checks such as a First Aid Certificate, Working with Children Check, and NDIS Worker Screening Check.

Police checks have been replaced by the NDIS Worker Screening Check. This is a mandatory requirement for all support workers on Mable. New support workers signing up to Mable require an NDIS Worker Screening Check. Existing Mable support workers may use their existing checks until they are expired, at which time they must provide an NDIS Worker Screening Check.

Aged care support worker qualifications

For those wanting to become aged care support workers, there are options to suit all study goals.

Aged care support courses and qualifications may include:

  • Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing, Home & Community)
  • Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing & Disability)
  • Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing)
  • Dual Certificate III in Individual Support & Certificate IV in Ageing Support

In addition to the above, an aged care support worker may also require a Cert III Individual Support in Aged Care (Community Services, Disability Work or similar).

Compulsory requirements

Despite not needing formal support worker qualifications in order to provide social or domestic support on Mable, there are some compulsory requirements that all support workers on the platform must complete before providing any level of care.

These include:

Additional requirements

Before providing support on Mable, you may also be asked to ensure you have:

  • A First Aid Certificate
  • A NDIS Worker Screening Check
  • Up-to-date immunisations (as required)

Working requirements may include:

  • Completed NDIS orientation module
  • Smart phone.

Personal care support worker qualifications and requirements

If you would like to offer personal care services on Mable, you will need to have the following:

You must have one of the below qualifications or two years of professional personal care experience in the last five years (with two professional referees who can verify two or more years of professional personal care experience) to be a personal carer on Mable.

  • Cert III or IV in Aged Care – with two professional referees in the last five years
  • Cert III or IV in Disabilities – with two professional referees in the last five years
  • Cert III or IV in Individual Support – with two professional referees in the last five years
  • Cert III or IV in Home and Community Care – with two professional referees in the last five years
  • Nursing Qualification – you must provide a nursing degree or diploma obtained in Australia plus two professional referees in the last five years. Nursing qualifications outside of Australia accepted by Mable must be attained in NZ, Philippines, USA, Canada, UK, an EU member country, Singapore, Hong Kong, and the UAE, plus you must provide two professional referees in the last five years. Please note, these qualifications cannot be used for nursing services or assisting with medication on Mable.

Nursing services qualifications and requirements

If you would like to offer nursing services, you must have at least one year of experience in nursing as confirmed by 12 months of registration with the Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency (AHPRA) (cannot be confirmed only by reference) to be a nurse on Mable.

If a nurse has less than one year of AHPRA registration, they cannot offer nursing services but can still offer personal care on Mable.

Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency (AHPRA) registration

Current nursing registration with Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency (AHPRA) that has been active for at least 12 months prior as an RN (Registered Nurse) or EN (Enrolled Nurse) only.

Expand your skills

One of the benefits of being an independent support worker on Mable is the Mable Learning Hub.

Through the Learning Hub, you can access 170+ free courses available on demand, so you can expand your industry knowledge and grow professionally.Training providers include reputable organisations such as La Trobe University, Cerebral Palsy Alliance, and Dementia Australia.

In addition to the Mable Learning Hub, you can gain industry qualifications through our accredited training partners around Australia. If eligible, government funding or Mable discounts may be available. Mable support hours can be used towards some accredited training courses.

How Mable safeguards clients

Multiple safeguards are in place to offer safety, protection and peace of mind for our Mable community.

These include:

Verification and reviews

All independent support workers must complete a verification process including qualifications, references, and NDIS Worker Screening Check. Every session booked and invoiced through Mable comes with insurance for support workers, and all support workers have their own unique profile with their personal ratings and reviews.

Sector training and compliance

170+ on demand free courses available to independent support workers through the Mable Learning Hub and accredited training opportunities to upskill. We abide by all compliance regulations.

Local support

We have a dedicated Australia-based Trust and Safety team to deal with issues and complaints confidentially and respectfully.

Secure online platform

We’re ISO 27001 certified, which is internationally recognised and independently verified.

Becoming a support worker on Mable is a rewarding experience that can have a positive impact on people’s lives.

Learn more about getting started as a support worker on Mable to start providing support today.

FAQs

It depends on what type of support work you are providing. Tasks and duties of a support worker may include:

  • Assisting with domestic duties such as shopping, menu planning, cooking, washing and cleaning
  • Helping with outings, social activities and other daily routines
  • Providing companionship and support to assist clients to develop their existing skills, abilities and confidence.

Find out more about what aged care or disability support workers do.

As an independent support worker signed up on Mable, there’s a range of services you can offer. Find out more about these on the website.

If you have a passion for making a positive difference to the lives of people with a disability and helping people to achieve their full potential, you might make a great support worker. Learn more about what makes a good support worker.

You can join Mable as an independent support worker by completing minimum requirements as stated above and start providing support.

No, you don’t need a university degree to be a support worker. However, qualifications and additional certificates are required for some types of support work, as mentioned in the article above.

It depends on the support service you want to provide. Social support and domestic assistance don’t require you to have experience or educational qualifications, but more complex support services may. Learn more about the experience needed to become a support worker.

Working as an independent support worker on Mable offers many benefits. On Mable, you get to choose the hours you work, choose the clients you work with, choose how much you charge for your services. Importantly, you have the opportunity to create long-term relationships with the clients you connect with through Mable.

What does a care or disability support worker do?

Support workers provide support to people that helps them live their lives more independently. Support can look different from person to person, depending on their individual needs.

In this guide, we’ll explore what aged care and disability support workers do, what skills you need to become one, and how you can join Mable as an Independent Support Worker.

What does a disability support worker do?

NDIS disability support workers play a key role in ensuring people receive the support they need. Support worker duties can make a significant difference to the quality of someone’s life.

NDIS disability support workers may help clients with:

  • Daily personal care to support independent living such as bathing, eating and grooming
  • Achieving work or study goals
  • Transport to enable participation in community, social, economic and daily life activities
  • Household tasks including cooking, cleaning and washing laundry to maintain a client’s home environment
  • Companionship and social support such as learning a new skill or support to be involved in the community.

Specialised services can also be provided by NDIS support workers. These include:

  • Nursing services
  • Speech therapy
  • Occupational therapy
  • Physiotherapy
  • Psychology support services

It is important to note that depending on the type of support you wish to provide, you may or may not need certain qualifications. Relevant qualifications and/or experience are required to undertake personal care duties.

Read our guide to support worker duties for more information.

What does an aged care support worker do?

Aged care support workers help older people with everyday living, including cooking and cleaning, and health care. As people age, they may find it more difficult to complete tasks they earlier could. Aged care support workers can assist with these tasks, and in turn help older Australians stay independent and in their own homes for longer.

A carer’s role differs greatly depending on the person’s needs. In-home care for older clients can range from social support (assisting them to participate in the community, accompanying them for a coffee or a movie) to domestic assistance to nursing care.

Roles and responsibilities of workers in aged care:

  • Helping around the home
  • Providing personal care (for example, help with showering and dressing)
  • Assisting with travel and transport
  • Helping with meal preparation
  • Providing in-home nursing
  • Providing dementia support
  • Providing overnight support
  • Providing post-hospital support
  • Assisting with community participation
  • Providing respite for carers.

Find out more about what in-home aged care support can look like.

What skills do I need to be an aged care or NDIS disability support worker?

Being a support worker can be a highly rewarding yet demanding career. A passion and dedication to maximising the quality of life of those receiving your support is essential. Personal qualities like respect, honesty, flexibility and communication skills give support workers a well-rounded base to connect with clients.

It also helps to be patient and have an understanding, supportive and caring nature – empathy goes a long way!

The NDIS Workforce Capability Framework is a great resource for disability support workers.

Qualifications

You do not need qualifications to provide social support and domestic assistance. However, if you want to provide more complex care, you may need certain qualifications and experience.

Qualifications can range from certificates and vocational qualifications to diplomas and university degrees.

Read our guide to support worker qualifications and requirements for more information.

Working on Mable as an aged care or disability support worker

You can work as an independent support worker on Mable by registering on the platform.

In order to begin providing support, there are minimum requirements you need to complete, such as an NDIS Worker Screening Check, reference checks, and, depending on the care you wish to provide, qualifications.

Learn more about onboarding requirements on the Mable website.

Police checks have been replaced by the NDIS Worker Screening Check. This is a mandatory requirement for all support workers on Mable. New support workers signing up to Mable require an NDIS Worker Screening Check. Existing Mable support workers may use their existing checks until they are expired, at which time they must provide an NDIS Worker Screening Check.

Why become an independent support worker on Mable?

Flexibility

Working as an independent support worker on Mable is a rewarding experience. The flexibility it provides allows you to live your kind of independence, all while making an impact on other people’s lives.

As you are an independent sole trader running your own business, you get to:

Read how providing support through Mable has given former social worker Kate more flexibility in her life.

Benefits

Being an independent support worker on Mable also unlocks a range of benefits. These include:
  • Mable Learning Hub: Access 170+ free courses available on demand, so you can expand your industry knowledge and grow professionally.
  • Insurance: Every session booked on Mable comes with insurance to cover the support worker’s actions while providing your care.
  • Mable Tax Benefits: Receive tax advice and exclusive discounts on your tax return and quarterly BAS filing with our partner YOUtax.
  • Mable Wellbeing Platform: Access free and confidential counselling 24/7 through the our Wellbeing Platform.
Find out more about the benefits of joining Mable as a support worker.

What do I need to become a support worker on Mable?

To join Mable and create a support worker account, you will need the following:

If you’ve set up your account correctly, it will be submitted for approval to our team.

Get started as a support worker on Mable today!

FAQs

Being a support worker can come with challenges. Your day is likely to be busy and you will need to be able to think on your feet. It takes patience, an eagerness to learn and help and the ability to show empathy and resilience to be a good support worker. It can also be hugely rewarding and there are plenty of opportunities to work flexibly and with strong teams.

When you’re operating your small business on Mable as an independent support worker, you’ll have flexibility in the amount of hours you work in a day and how many clients you support. Workers can choose to work full time or part time hours, offering a range of services.

Support workers provide support to people with disabilities and can work in people’s homes, in specialised care settings or in hospitals on a full time, part time or casual basis, depending on the needs of the client.

They can provide a range of support services including social support, domestic support, personal care, and support with implementing nursing services, speech therapy, psychology, physiotherapy, and occupational therapy.

Learn more about what disability support workers do.

You can register on Mable as a disability support worker.

NDIS disability support workers provide a range of services to support clients, so the qualifications you need really depend on the area in which you are interested in specialising.

In general, there are no certifications or education requirements for disability support workers, however you do need skills to provide this support. There are several certifications that are valuable to have, such as Certificate III in Individual Support and/or a Certificate IV in Disability. To work with children, you’ll need a Working with Children Check, NDIS Worker Screening Check and First Aid Certificate.

The NDIA also has worker training modules designed to support disability support workers to better support people with disability. You also need to comply with the NDIS Code of Conduct which helps providers and workers respect and uphold your right to safe and quality supports and services.

Please note, the NDIS Worker Screening Check has replaced police checks as a mandatory requirement for support workers on Mable.

For more information or to register as an independent support worker with Mable, visit the Mable website.

How do I become an aged care worker or disability support worker?

As per the NDIS Commission, an NDIS disability support worker is anyone engaged to provide support and services to people with disability. An aged care support worker provides support to older people for daily activities and personal tasks, such as meal preparation, personal care, cleaning services, and even social support. An aged care worker can work in their client’s home or a residential care facility.

Learn more about what aged care and disability support workers do.

NDIS support worker job description

They can provide a range of support services including assistance with domestic duties, community participation as well as providing companionship and assisting clients to develop their skills, abilities and confidence.

Learn more about responsibilities of disability support workers.

Aged care support worker job description

Aged care support workers provide services to older clients that include providing personal care (for eg. help with showering and dressing), travel support, meal preparation, community participation, etc.

Learn more about what aged care support workers do.

How do I become an aged care or disability support worker in Australia?

If you have a passion for making a positive difference to the lives of people with a disability and helping people to achieve their full potential, you might make a great support worker.

It is possible to work as a support worker without formal qualifications. However, being a support worker requires substantial skill. It is important to have the right outlook, an understanding of the role and some basic skills to draw on.

You can work as an independent support worker through Mable by registering on the platform. To join Mable, there are minimum requirements you need to complete, such as an NDIS Worker Screening Check, reference checks, and qualifications if providing certain services. Learn more about requirements on the Mable website.

As an independent support worker working through Mable, you have flexibility to run your own small business by choosing who you work with, the hours you work, what you charge for your services and importantly, you have the opportunity to create meaningful relationships with your clients.

Other benefits include access to free self-directed training on the Mable Learning Hub, and for bookings made through Mable, a suite of insurances are arranged on your behalf. Find out more about the benefits of joining Mable as a support worker.

Being a support worker can be a highly rewarding yet challenging career choice. To be a good support worker, a passion and dedication to maximising the quality of life of those receiving your support is essential. Personal qualities like respect, honesty, flexibility and communication skills give support workers a well-rounded base to connect with clients.

If you want to provide more complex supports, such as personal care, you may require a relevant vocational qualification such as a Certificate III in Individual Support (CHC33015).

Learn more about skills required to become an aged care or disability support worker.

What do I need to become a support worker with Mable?

To join Mable and create a support worker account, you will need the following:

If you’ve set up your account correctly, it will be submitted for approval to our team.

If you’re planning on providing Personal Care, Nursing or other Allied Health Services read more about the qualifications you will need.

Police checks have been replaced by the NDIS Worker Screening Check. This is a mandatory requirement for all support workers on Mable. New support workers signing up to Mable require an NDIS Worker Screening Check. Existing Mable support workers may use their existing checks until they are expired, at which time they must provide an NDIS Worker Screening Check.

FAQs

Not every job will require you to have prior experience as a disability support worker. If you don’t have any, you can add to your profile by completing certifications or by volunteering. Some jobs may prioritise willingness to work with people with disability over experience. On Mable, you can provide support services without needing prior experience, as long as you complete the minimum requirements for joining the platform.

Working as an independent support worker on Mable offers many benefits. On Mable, you get to choose the hours you work, choose the clients you work with, choose how much you charge for your services. Importantly, you have the opportunity to create long-term relationships with the clients you connect with through Mable.

Using Mable to find aged care and NDIS support workers

Mable is an online platform that brings together people seeking paid disability and aged care support with people offering paid disability and aged care support.

You can register on Mable to find, book and manage support for yourself or a person with disability – either by paying privately, or by using available government funding options, such as the NDIS or home care packages.

With Mable, you can search for independent support workers in your local community, view the person’s profile, then choose the person or people who share your interests and suit your needs best. You can message, call or meet the person when deciding who is right for you. Find out how to build your support team.

You can also post jobs or bring your existing support team to Mable. The support worker will need to set up their own Mable account and once they’re verified and approved, you’ll be able to hire them through the platform.

Benefits of using Mable

Choice and control

Since the introduction of the NDIS, many people with disability and their families have had the opportunity to exercise real choice and control over who provides the support they are seeking for the very first time. Mable enables that choice and control. You are now able to design your own support framework, choose who you want to engage, decide the what, when, where and how of that support.

Safeguarding

All of the people offering support services on Mable have to meet stringent criteria, including police, reference and certain qualification checks before their profiles are visible on the platform. Every Independent Support Worker has an ABN and the benefit of comprehensive insurances (provided by Mable) for added peace of mind. Mable also has a ‘ratings and review’ feature that allows you to see how many ‘stars’ a person has received and you can read reviews about the services and support they offer. Learn more about safeguards offered by Mable.

Pricing that works

Workers and clients agree on rates before support is delivered on Mable.

What support and services can I access using Mable?

The types of support that you might need over time will vary. On Mable, you can search for specific types of services by support category, or you can post an advertisement/job post detailing exactly who and what you are seeking.

The types of supports you might find on Mable

  • Social Support: to get out and about and live a great life
  • Domestic assistance: housekeeping assistance to help keep the home in top form
  • Therapy: occupational therapy, psychology, physio, speech therapy
  • Nursing services: registered nurses, enrolled nurse
  • Personal care: to attend to you personal needs
  • Independent living: supporting all that it takes to keep life moving along
  • Travel: support to get from A to B.

Find more about the types of support you can find through Mable.

Register on Mable and start your search

Once you have set up a profile, there are two main ways that you can utilise the benefits that Mable offers:

  • You can search for and engage support from independent support workers already on the Mable platform
  • You can bring someone you have found elsewhere, to Mable. They just have to go through the appropriate screening process prior to being able to offer services via Mable.

Using the ‘search’ option. What/who are you looking for?

Before you start your search, think about the type of person you are seeking and also be really clear about what it is you are going to be asking this person to do.

Once you are viewing a profile, the types of things you should be looking for are:

Who are they? It’s always interesting to see how people describe themselves and what they include in their profile description by way of explaining who they are, what they have done and the things they are interested in.

Safeguards: what checks have been done and what training has the person undertaken? Do they have qualifications that you think are important? For example, if the person is offering to provide ‘personal care’, Mable requires a minimum Certificate 111 or Certificate IV in Disability or similar, before they can provide the service. If offering ‘social and community support’ only, no formal qualification is required by Mable.

Badges: Mable provides an easy way to view some important aspects about the person i.e. non-smokers, pet friendly, LGBTQIA+ friendly, etc.

Services offered: this is where the independent support worker details what services they are offering via Mable.

Indicative rates: The support person states what their hourly rates are for weekdays, weekends, and overnight. They may also provide their Public Holidays rates. ‘Indicative’ means that they are a suggested rate, which can be negotiated.

Areas of expertise: What is the person identifying as an area of expertise?

Work and education history: here you can see what they have done before in their working life and what level of education they have.

How do I know what is a reasonable hourly rate to pay?

Each independent support worker on Mable will advertise their ‘indicative rate’. This is the rate they are ‘suggesting’ per hour of support provided. It is called indicative, as it is a guide to the rate, not a set-in-stone rate and is negotiable. Learn more about indicative rates.

The rate you agree to should be based on their experience, their skill base, their qualifications (if needed), their level of expertise in the area you are seeking etc. It is a negotiation, so be prepared to discuss it at the meet and greet. Bear in mind that they are a sole trader and therefore responsible for their own tax, super, etc, so they will factor that into their hourly rate.

It may be that if you are requiring a higher level of support or expertise or responsibility than is usual, it may be appropriate that you offer a slightly higher hourly rate.

Meet and Greet

Most of the support people on Mable provide the first hour of service free to enable a ‘meet and greet’. This is a great opportunity to meet in person and discuss all the requirements of the job and get a good feel for the person. Learn more about preparing for this meeting.

How do I enter into an agreement?

After you have discussed and agreed hourly rates, the type of support you are seeking and when they are needed, the independent support worker will send you an Agreement which outlines all of these details. The Agreement must be accepted before the support person can begin working. If an Agreement has not been sent and accepted, the support person is not covered by insurance for any work that they do. This practice is discouraged as it opens both sides of the equation to risk.

You will receive an email notification when your support person has sent you an Agreement. To view and accept the Agreement, log in to Mable, go to your inbox and open the conversation with the person who has sent you the Agreement. An Agreement can also be rejected. For example, if the times agreed upon are incorrect. It is also possible to alter an existing Agreement. The independent support worker can do this from their end as agreed and they will then send it to you to accept.

Do I pay for travel time?

It is anticipated that the agreed hourly rate is inclusive of any travel time that will be incurred once the support person is at work. It is not expected that time travelling to and from your home will be included in the work hours. If, however, you negotiate a trip away from home that might include substantial travel time, distance and petrol, then it would only be fair to come to some sort of agreement as to how those additional hours will be paid for and how the use of the independent support worker’s private vehicle might be compensated, i.e. out of the NDIS travel allowance received by the person being supported, or paid for privately if necessary.

If you are going to be driven in the independent support worker’s private vehicle at any time, make sure that the driver has a current drivers licence and is driving a registered vehicle which has full comprehensive car insurance. It’s okay to ask to see their driver’s licence and registration papers. Or you can check the licence plate online in NSW at Services NSW.

Resolving disputes with support workers

Open and honest feedback is an important part of maintaining quality of support. On the Mable site, you can rate your experience of the support worker you have engaged via Mable through a 5-star rating system, or by submitting a review, or both. This is done through the ‘Provide Feedback’ button under ‘My Support Workers’. Your feedback can be anonymous if you prefer.

This feedback then forms part of the support person’s profile, helping others to make an informed choice, whilst promoting the great work carried out by individuals.

Should you ever have a serious concern about a support person or the service you are receiving, please discuss this immediately with family members, your chosen representative or by making a call to the Mable team on 1300 736 573. Alternatively, you can also choose to make an anonymous call to the Health Care Complaints Commission on 1800 043 159.

Learn more about resolving disputes and managing challenges within a support team.

Can I use Mable if I’m self-managed?

Yes, you can! This is one of the main reasons Mable exists, so that you can exercise ‘choice and control’ as a self manager.

You can join Mable and start engaging paid support people. You can message them directly or you can Post a Job (advertise your vacant position).

Once you have found someone you would like to engage with, or you have had the independent support worker you wish to work with register with Mable, it is just a matter of providing a copy of the page in the NDIS plan that confirms the plan can be self managed. Learn more about self-managing an NDIS plan.

Can I use Mable if I have a Plan Manager?

Yes, you can still use Mable! Join and search for the support that’s right for you. Once you’ve found someone, or again, you have brought someone to Mable that you wish to engage, you’ll need to confirm your funding source. The Plan Manager will then need to email Mable advising they will pay invoices on your behalf. It’ll take a day or two to verify your account and then you are good to go.

Can I use Mable if my NDIS funding is agency-managed/NDIA-managed?

This shouldn’t stop you from finding and booking your team through Mable. You will need to discuss this with the NDIS registered disability service provider that you are linked to. If they are happy for you to use Mable, you can ask them to get in touch to confirm this and you can go ahead using Mable.

I’ve booked a support worker – what’s next?

  1. The independent support workers will submit their Support Session via the Support Worker app.
  2. You will receive an email from Mable directing you to view and approve the Support Session, and services if applicable. If you don't approve within 24 hours, it is automatically approved and processed.
  3. You will then receive an invoice each week providing you with all the relevant information.
  4. You claim the amount on the invoice from the NDIS portal.
  5. Once the funds are received into your bank account, you can then pay Mable, which in turn, pays the support worker.

Note: It is important to be aware of the fact that Mable pays the paid support people on receipt of the funds from you. If you fall behind in your payments, you may end up with very disgruntled support people, so it’s important that you set up a system that supports your payment of invoices in a timely manner.

Sign up to Mable

I want to find support:

For myself, a client or on behalf of a friend or family member.

I want to provide support:

As a support worker, nurse, allied health professional, gardener or cleaner.

Sign up to Mable

I want to find support:

For myself, a client or on behalf of a friend or family member.

I want to provide support:

As a support worker, nurse, allied health professional, gardener or cleaner.