How I Choose a Support Worker
Finding the right support worker is one of the most personal decisions you can make. Here’s how I do it.
Support workers are a big part of my life. I spend a lot of time with them, so finding the right people really matters, not just someone who can do the job, but someone I genuinely connect with. Over the years, I’ve developed a process that works for me, and I hope sharing it helps others who might be figuring this out too.
Where I Start Looking
I use a combination of platforms and personal networks to find support workers. My main go-to is Hireup, but I also go through the day program I attend, which has been a great way to connect with people already working in the disability space.
On Hireup, I either post a job and meet with people who apply, or I reach out to workers directly by private message. Sometimes workers reach out to me first, which I’m always grateful for. It really does work both ways.
What I love about Hireup is how accessible it is, I can do everything from my phone. Posting jobs, messaging workers, approving and adjusting shifts, it’s all in the app. For me, being able to manage my team independently and easily is really important.
That said, Hireup isn’t the only option out there. There are other platforms and organisations like Mabel, Travenger, CM Care, the CPA, and Up & Over, and it really depends on what’s available in your area and what works best for you. Some people also work with support workers on an ABN basis, which can work well if you have an established relationship and trust them. I use a mix of platforms to build my team, because different platforms have different workers available.
The Interview Process
Before anyone joins my team, I like to have an initial chat, either in person or via video call. I treat this like a proper interview, because it is one. Some things I ask about and look for:
- Who they are: their hobbies, interests, and a bit about their life. I want to get to know the person, not just their résumé.
- Their experience and qualifications: how long they’ve been a support worker and what kinds of situations they’ve worked in.
- Practical things: whether they can drive, whether they’re comfortable pushing my wheelchair or walker and assembling it, putting it in their car, and whether they’re reliable and punctual.
- Comfort in my home: I want someone who is relaxed around my family and my pets.
- My communication style and what support I need: I talk about what I do and don’t need, what I’m comfortable with, and what I’m not.
- Their questions for me: this tells me a lot about how they approach the role.
I also make sure to be upfront about what I appreciate: honest communication, people who are comfortable talking if something isn’t working, and workers who are clear about what kind of support they’re comfortable providing too.
The Trial Shift
After a good initial conversation, I like to set up a trial shift before bringing someone onto my regular team. It’s the best way to see how we work together in practice, whether there’s a natural ease between us, and whether they’re a good fit.
What I really look for is someone who can take initiative. Someone who gets to know me well enough to anticipate what I might need, rather than waiting to be told every step of the way. My needs can vary day to day – some days I need more support, some days less – and I really value people who can read where I’m at and meet me there. Someone who knows when to step in and when to step back.
Building My Team
I don’t rely on just one or two people. I try to build a bigger pool of workers I can call on regularly, so that if someone has to cancel, I can reach out and find cover. It gives me more flexibility and means I’m not left stuck.
I think about what kind of support I need on different days and who is available, and I plan my schedule around that. It takes a bit of work upfront, but having a solid team makes a real difference.
What Really Matters to Me
I’ve had support in some form my whole life; teacher’s aides at school, morning and afternoon help, family friends who could lend a hand. But when I left school and wanted more independence, I really started to build my own team on my own terms.
The most important thing to me is trust. I need to feel comfortable talking openly with my support workers, whether that’s about the support they’re providing, or things going on in my personal life that I might need help navigating. Setting clear expectations and boundaries from the beginning is something I always try to do.
Beyond the practical side of things, I’m looking for people I can build a real relationship with. Not just someone doing a job, but someone who feels like a friend. I tend to connect most with people around a similar age who have similar interests and can think outside the box. People who can stay calm, help me make decisions, and know me well enough to know what I’d be comfortable with.
Finding that kind of person takes time, but when you do it makes all the difference.
These are all the platforms and organisations I’ve used or come across that can help you find support. There are more out there too, so it’s always worth exploring what’s available in your area!
Here are the links below:
https://hireup.com.au/how-hireup-works/
https://mable.com.au/find-support/
https://cmcare.com.au/11-support/
Amy