What Does an Individual Support Worker Do?

If you’ve ever thought about working in a meaningful, people-focused role where every day is different, a career as an individual support worker could be your perfect fit. With Australia’s ageing population and the continued growth of the NDIS, support workers are more in demand than ever before.

Whether you’re just starting your career, looking for a career change, or want to make a real difference in your community, becoming an individual support worker opens the door to a wide range of opportunities. In this blog, we’ll walk you through what the role involves, what a typical day might look like, and how you can get started with the Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing and Disability) at AIWT.

What Is an Individual Support Worker?

An individual support worker provides care and assistance to people who need extra support due to age, disability, or chronic illness. The work is focused on helping people live as independently and comfortably as possible – whether that’s in their own homes, in residential care, or within a community setting.

Individual Support workers assist with daily tasks such as:

Personal care (e.g. showering, dressing, grooming)
Meal preparation
Medication reminders
Transport to appointments
Social support and companionship
Household duties
Mobility and physical assistance

Support workers also play a key role in promoting mental and emotional wellbeing by building trusting relationships and encouraging participation in community life.

Where Can You Work?

Once you complete your cert 3 individual support, you’ll have the skills to work across a variety of settings, including:

Aged care facilities
Disability support services
Home and community care
Group homes and respite centres
Rehabilitation and transition services

You may also choose to specialise in either Ageing, Disability, or Home and Community settings, depending on your passion and career goals.

Individual Support Blog - What Does an Individual Support Worker Do?

A Day in the Life of an Individual Support Worker

Every day is different in this role, but here’s a general idea of what your day might look like:

Morning: You might visit a client in their home to help with showering and breakfast. You assist them in getting ready for their day and support with any medications they need.

Midday: You drive another client to a doctor’s appointment or help them do their grocery shopping. You may support someone with meal prep or encourage them to participate in a social outing.

Afternoon: You check in with a client at a residential facility, help with some cleaning or laundry tasks, and spend time chatting over a cup of tea to provide companionship.

Every task, no matter how small, contributes to a person’s quality of life and that’s what makes this career so rewarding.

The Qualities of a Great Support Worker

While practical training is essential, being an effective individual support worker also requires a personal touch. Employers value support workers who are:

Compassionate and empathetic
Patient and calm under pressure
Respectful and non-judgemental
Good communicators
Reliable and trustworthy
Adaptable to changing client needs

If this sounds like you, then you’re already on the right path!

How Do You Become a Support Worker?

To work in this field, you’ll need a nationally recognised qualification like the CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing and Disability).

This individual support course covers everything from personal care skills and infection control to working legally and ethically in a support environment. It also includes hands-on work placement, so you graduate job-ready with real experience under your belt.

At AIWT, we offer:

A 6-month standard course
A 6-week fast-track option for those wanting to enter the workforce sooner

Both are delivered by industry-experienced trainers who genuinely care about your success.

Explore Your Future in Individual Support

A career in individual support is more than just a job – it’s a way to make a real, lasting difference in people’s lives. If you’re ready to start a career that’s meaningful, flexible, and in high demand, the Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing and Disability) could be your perfect first step.

To find out more about the Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing and Disability) at AIWT call +61 8 9249 9688 or email futurestudents@aiwt.edu.au TODAY to find out if this is the right course for you.

Learn more and apply today. Your future in care starts here at AIWT.