Australia’s disability support sector has experienced significant growth following the implementation of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), creating numerous opportunities across residential care, community support, day programs, and in-home assistance throughout all states and territories. From metropolitan NDIS providers to regional disability services, employers are actively seeking compassionate support workers who can deliver person-centred care while maintaining professional standards and promoting client independence. This comprehensive guide provides proven resume examples, industry-specific formatting advice, and strategic insights to position yourself as the dedicated support worker that Australian disability service providers need.
From opportunities on Seek to networking through LinkedIn and specialised platforms like Hireup, we’ll show you exactly how to present your support experience, interpersonal skills, and professional commitment in a format that resonates with Australian disability service employers and secures you that important interview. This free sample resume for a disability support worker has an accompanying sample disability support worker cover letter and sample disability support worker job advertisement to help you put together a winning job application.
Disability Support Worker Resume (Text Version)
Sarah Mitchell
Disability Support Worker
📧 [email protected]
📱 0412 345 678
📍 Melbourne, VIC
💼 linkedin.com/in/sarahmitchelldsw
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Compassionate Disability Support Worker with 4+ years of experience providing person-centred care and support to individuals with intellectual, physical, and psychosocial disabilities across community and residential settings. Proven track record of developing meaningful relationships with clients, implementing support plans that promote independence, and collaborating effectively with multidisciplinary teams. Strong foundation in NDIS frameworks, behaviour support strategies, and trauma-informed care approaches. Seeking to contribute expertise and genuine passion for disability advocacy to support client goals and enhance quality of life.
CORE COMPETENCIES
- Person-Centred Care & Support Planning
- NDIS Knowledge & Implementation
- Behaviour Support & De-escalation
- Personal Care & Daily Living Support
- Communication & Relationship Building
- Risk Assessment & Safety Management
- Documentation & Report Writing
- Team Collaboration & Professional Development
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Senior Disability Support Worker | Enable Me Community Services, Melbourne | March 2022 – Present
- Provide comprehensive support to 12 clients with varying disability types including autism, intellectual disability, and acquired brain injury
- Implement individualised support plans in collaboration with clients, families, and allied health professionals to achieve NDIS goals
- Mentor and train 3 new support workers on person-centred approaches, documentation requirements, and safety procedures
- Facilitate community access activities for groups of 4-6 clients, promoting social inclusion and skill development
- Maintain detailed progress notes and incident reports, contributing to 98% compliance rate in service audits
- Collaborate with occupational therapists, speech pathologists, and behaviour specialists to ensure holistic care delivery
Disability Support Worker | Lifestyle Solutions Group, Melbourne | June 2020 – February 2022
- Delivered high-quality support services to 15+ clients in community and residential settings across Melbourne’s eastern suburbs
- Assisted clients with personal care, meal preparation, household tasks, and community participation activities
- Implemented positive behaviour support strategies for clients with complex needs, resulting in 60% reduction in challenging behaviours
- Coordinated transport and accompanied clients to medical appointments, social activities, and employment programs
- Participated in regular case planning meetings and contributed valuable insights to support plan reviews
- Maintained medication administration competency and ensured accurate medication management for assigned clients
Support Worker | Yooralla Disability Services, Melbourne | January 2019 – May 2020
- Provided direct support to adults with intellectual disabilities in day program and community settings
- Supported clients in developing independent living skills including cooking, budgeting, and public transport use
- Facilitated recreational activities and life skills workshops for groups of 8-10 participants
- Completed comprehensive client progress reports and contributed to multidisciplinary team meetings
- Achieved 100% completion rate for mandatory training requirements including first aid, NDIS, and safeguarding
Casual Support Worker | Scope Australia, Melbourne | Part-time 2018-2019
- Provided respite and emergency support across various disability service programs
- Gained experience supporting clients with physical disabilities, cerebral palsy, and multiple disabilities
- Demonstrated flexibility and adaptability working across different service models and client groups
- Maintained professional boundaries while building rapport with clients and their families
EDUCATION
Certificate IV in Disability | RMIT University | 2018
Graduated with Distinction | Practical Placement: Brotherhood of St Laurence Disability Services
Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability) | TAFE Victoria | 2017
Merit Achievement | Specialisation: Community Participation and Social Inclusion
Bachelor of Social Work | Deakin University | Currently Enrolled – Expected 2025
Part-time study | Current GPA: 6.8/7.0
CERTIFICATIONS & TRAINING
- NDIS Worker Orientation Module – NDIS Commission, 2023
- Positive Behaviour Support Training – Behaviour Support Australia, 2023
- Mental Health First Aid – Mental Health First Aid Australia, 2022
- Medication Administration Training – Victorian Department of Health, 2022
- Senior First Aid & CPR – Red Cross Australia, 2023
- Working with Children Check – Valid until 2027
- NDIS Worker Screening Check – Valid until 2027
ACHIEVEMENTS & RECOGNITION
- Employee Excellence Award – Enable Me Community Services, 2023
- Client Choice Recognition – Lifestyle Solutions Group, 2021
- Outstanding Student Award – RMIT Certificate IV Disability Program, 2018
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS
- Member, Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW)
- Member, National Disability Services (NDS) – Individual Membership
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- Full, clean driving licence with own reliable vehicle
- Available for morning, afternoon, evening, and weekend shifts
- Comfortable supporting clients with complex care needs
- Conversational Italian and basic Auslan (Australian Sign Language)
What is The Best Format for a Disability Support Worker Resume?
The reverse chronological format is the most effective choice for Disability Support Worker resumes in Australia’s disability services sector. This format clearly demonstrates your progression through different support roles and shows how your skills in person-centred care, client relationship building, and professional competencies have developed over time, which is exactly what disability service providers and NDIS organisations want to see when evaluating potential support staff.
Resume Structure:
Header: Include your full name, professional title (Disability Support Worker, Support Worker, etc.), phone number, email address, city and state, and LinkedIn profile if you have one. Australian disability service employers need to quickly contact potential candidates and discuss availability.
Summary: A compelling 3-4 line overview highlighting your support experience, key achievements, and the specific value you bring to client care and service delivery. This section should immediately communicate your commitment to person-centred support and professional approach.
Experience: List your disability support experience in reverse chronological order, focusing on achievements that demonstrate your ability to build relationships with clients, implement support plans effectively, and contribute to positive outcomes. Include specific details about client groups served, support types provided, and measurable impacts.
Education: Include your disability-related qualifications, certificates, and any relevant training. Australian disability service providers highly value formal qualifications in disability, community services, or related fields that demonstrate your professional preparation.
Other Sections: Consider adding certifications (essential for compliance), professional memberships, or additional training that demonstrates your commitment to ongoing professional development in disability support.
Formatting Specifications: Use professional, easy-to-read fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. Set heading fonts to 14-16pt and body text to 10-12pt. Maintain consistent 0.5-1 inch margins with adequate white space for professional presentation. Always submit your resume as a PDF to ensure formatting remains consistent across different systems used by Australian disability service providers.
What Experience Should Be on Your Disability Support Worker Resume?
Your experience section should showcase your ability to provide compassionate, professional support while demonstrating your understanding of person-centred approaches and your contribution to positive client outcomes. Australian disability service providers particularly value support workers who can prove their effectiveness through examples of relationship building, successful support plan implementation, professional collaboration, and commitment to client empowerment and independence.
Focus on achievements that highlight your interpersonal skills, professional competencies, and positive impact on clients’ lives. Include details about the types of disabilities you’ve supported, service settings you’ve worked in, and specific contributions you’ve made to client progress or service improvement. Quantify your impact where appropriate using client numbers served, training completed, compliance rates achieved, or recognition received.
Correct Example:
Disability Support Worker | Achieve Australia | 2021-2023
- Provided person-centred support to 18 clients with intellectual and physical disabilities across community and residential settings
- Implemented individualised support plans resulting in 85% of clients achieving at least one major NDIS goal within 12-month period
- Facilitated social inclusion activities for groups of 6-8 clients, increasing community participation by 40% over 18 months
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary team including occupational therapists and psychologists to deliver holistic support
- Maintained detailed documentation and progress notes, contributing to successful NDIS plan reviews for 95% of assigned clients
- Completed advanced behaviour support training and successfully implemented strategies reducing incidents by 50%
Incorrect Example:
Disability Support Worker | Achieve Australia | 2021-2023
- Worked with people with disabilities
- Helped clients with daily activities
- Attended team meetings
- Completed paperwork and reports
Entry-Level Disability Support Worker Resume Samples [Experience]
For entry-level positions, focus on relevant training placements, volunteer work, internships, or transferable experience from healthcare, education, or community service roles that demonstrate your commitment to supporting others and your ability to build positive relationships.
Correct Example:
Trainee Support Worker | CARA Inc. | 2023-Present
- Completing structured traineeship program while providing direct support to adults with autism and intellectual disabilities
- Shadow experienced support workers to learn person-centred approaches, documentation requirements, and safety procedures
- Assist with daily living support including personal care, meal preparation, and community access for 6 regular clients
- Participate in weekly supervision sessions and actively engage in reflective practice to develop professional skills
- Achieved 98% attendance rate and successfully completed all mandatory training modules within required timeframes
- Received positive feedback from clients and families for respectful, patient, and encouraging approach to support
Incorrect Example:
Trainee Support Worker | CARA Inc. | 2023-Present
- Learning about disability support work
- Working with clients and staff
- Attending training sessions
- Helping people with disabilities
How to Write the Education Section for Your Disability Support Worker Resume
The education section is crucial for Disability Support Workers in Australia, where formal qualifications demonstrate your professional preparation and understanding of person-centred support principles, legal requirements, and ethical frameworks essential for quality disability services. Australian disability service providers typically require or strongly prefer candidates with relevant qualifications from recognised training organisations, as these programs provide essential knowledge about disability types, support strategies, and compliance requirements.
Include your qualification level, specialisation area, institution name, and completion year or expected completion date. For recent graduates or current students, consider adding relevant coursework, practical placements, or academic achievements that directly relate to disability support competencies. Additional qualifications in areas like mental health, behaviour support, or allied health can significantly strengthen your candidacy in Australia’s competitive disability services market.
Disability Support Worker Resume Example [Education]
EDUCATION
Certificate IV in Disability | Open Colleges Australia | 2022
Graduated with Distinction | Specialisation: Community Participation and Individualised Support
Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability) | TAFE NSW | 2021
Merit Achievement | Practical Placement: Ability Links NSW
Diploma of Community Services | Upskilled (RTO) | Currently Enrolled – Expected 2024
Part-time study to enhance case management and advocacy skills
How to Write the Skills Section for Your Disability Support Worker Resume
The skills section is essential for Disability Support Worker resumes as it demonstrates your competencies in person-centred care, professional support delivery, and your readiness to contribute effectively to client outcomes from the start of employment. Australian disability service providers scan this section to quickly assess whether you possess the specific interpersonal skills, technical knowledge, and professional capabilities required for their service delivery model. Aim to include 10-15 relevant skills, balancing direct support abilities with essential compliance, communication, and professional development skills.
Prioritise skills mentioned in job descriptions and focus on those most commonly required in Australian disability services. Include a mix of interpersonal competencies, technical support skills, compliance knowledge, and professional abilities that demonstrate your comprehensive readiness for disability support work.
Disability Support Worker Resume Skills (Hard Skills)
- NDIS Framework Knowledge & Implementation
- Person-Centred Planning & Support
- Behaviour Support & Intervention Strategies
- Personal Care & Activities of Daily Living
- Medication Administration & Management
- Risk Assessment & Safety Planning
- Documentation & Report Writing
- Manual Handling & Mobility Assistance
- Communication Aids & Assistive Technology
- First Aid & Emergency Response
- Case Note Writing & Progress Monitoring
- Trauma-Informed Care Approaches
Disability Support Worker Resume Skills (Soft Skills)
- Empathy & Compassion
- Active Listening & Communication
- Patience & Understanding
- Cultural Sensitivity & Awareness
- Professional Boundaries & Ethics
- Teamwork & Collaboration
- Flexibility & Adaptability
- Problem Solving & Critical Thinking
- Advocacy & Rights-Based Approach
- Reliability & Consistency
- Emotional Resilience & Self-Care
- Respect for Dignity & Choice
How to Pick the Best Disability Support Worker Skills:
- Review job descriptions carefully and identify specific competencies, certifications, or approaches mentioned – these should be your priority inclusions
- Research the organisation’s service model and client groups to align your skills with their specific support requirements and values
- Balance technical support skills with interpersonal abilities that demonstrate your capacity for relationship building and person-centred care
- Include skills you can confidently discuss and provide examples of during interviews or practical assessments
- Prioritise NDIS knowledge and compliance skills, which are essential in Australia’s current disability services landscape
- Consider specialised skills relevant to specific client groups or support types that might differentiate you from other candidates
Disability Support Worker Resume Examples [Skills]
Correct Example:
- Person-Centred Planning: Collaborated with 15 clients to develop and implement individualised support plans, achieving 90% of agreed goals
- Behaviour Support: Successfully implemented positive behaviour support strategies for 5 clients with complex needs, reducing incidents by 65%
- NDIS Implementation: Supported 20+ clients through NDIS plan reviews, ensuring goals alignment and optimal funding utilisation
- Team Collaboration: Worked effectively with multidisciplinary teams including OTs, psychologists, and families to deliver holistic support
Should I Add Bonus Sections to My Disability Support Worker Resume?
Additional sections can significantly strengthen your Disability Support Worker resume by demonstrating your commitment to professional development and showcasing attributes that make you an exceptional support worker. However, only include sections that add genuine value and are relevant to the specific disability support role you’re targeting.
Resume Licences & Certifications: Professional certifications are highly valued for Disability Support Workers in Australia. Include mandatory checks like Working with Children Check and NDIS Worker Screening, plus relevant training certifications from recognised providers like Mental Health First Aid, Positive Behaviour Support, or specialised disability-related training.
Languages on a Resume: In Australia’s multicultural society, additional languages can be extremely valuable for disability support work, particularly when supporting clients and families from diverse cultural backgrounds or working in areas with significant migrant populations.
Professional Associations: Membership in organisations like the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW), National Disability Services (NDS), or other relevant professional bodies demonstrates your commitment to maintaining professional standards and staying current with best practices.
Conferences: Attending disability services conferences, training workshops, or professional development events shows your dedication to learning and staying informed about emerging approaches and sector developments.
Resume Volunteer Work: Volunteer experience with disability organisations, community groups, or advocacy bodies can demonstrate your genuine commitment to disability rights and inclusion beyond paid employment.
Awards and Honours: Recognition for exceptional client service, professional development achievements, or contributions to service improvement that highlight your dedication and competence.
Disability Support Worker Resume Examples [Other Sections]
Correct Example:
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
- Certifications: NDIS Worker Screening Check (2027), Mental Health First Aid (2023), Positive Behaviour Support Training
- Professional Associations: Member, Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW)
- Languages: English (Native), Arabic (Fluent), Basic Auslan (Australian Sign Language)
- Volunteer Work: Weekend respite support volunteer for Carers Australia, providing 8 hours monthly support
- Awards: Client Choice Excellence Award 2022, Outstanding Achievement in Disability Studies
Incorrect Example:
OTHER INFORMATION
- Hobbies: Reading, helping people, community activities
- References available upon request
- Good communication and people skills
- Passionate about working with disabled people
Tip: You can also include relevant personal experiences (where appropriate) such as caring for family members with disabilities, advocacy work you’ve undertaken, disability awareness campaigns you’ve supported, or additional training you’ve completed in related areas like dementia care or mental health support.
How to Write a Disability Support Worker Resume Objective or Resume Summary
Your professional summary is vital for Disability Support Worker resumes as it immediately communicates your passion for person-centred support, professional competencies, and genuine commitment to empowering people with disabilities. This 3-4 line section should highlight your most relevant experience, key achievements, and the specific value you bring to disability service delivery and client outcomes.
Focus on achievements that demonstrate your ability to build meaningful relationships with clients, implement effective support strategies, and contribute to positive life outcomes. Include your experience level, types of disabilities you’ve supported, and 1-2 specific examples that showcase your impact on client wellbeing or service improvement. Tailor this section to match the requirements mentioned in Australian job postings, emphasising qualities like empathy, professionalism, and commitment to rights-based approaches that are highly valued in the local disability services sector.
- Lead with your experience level and current position in disability support
- Include specific examples of your impact on client outcomes or service delivery
- Mention types of disabilities or service settings you have experience with
- Highlight key qualities like person-centred approach, professional development, or team collaboration
- End with your commitment to supporting client choice, dignity, and independence
Disability Support Worker Resume Summary Examples
Correct Example:
Dedicated Disability Support Worker with 5+ years of experience providing person-centred support to individuals with intellectual, physical, and psychosocial disabilities across community and residential settings. Proven track record of implementing individualised support plans that have enabled 90% of clients to achieve key NDIS goals while maintaining dignity and choice. Strong expertise in positive behaviour support, trauma-informed care, and collaborative teamwork with multidisciplinary professionals. Committed to empowering clients to live independently and participate fully in their communities while upholding the highest standards of professional care and advocacy.
Incorrect Example:
Caring support worker looking for new opportunities to help people with disabilities. Good with people and have experience working in disability services. Reliable and hardworking with passion for making a difference.
For entry-level candidates or those transitioning into disability support work, a resume objective can be more appropriate, focusing on your motivation for entering the field and relevant transferable skills rather than extensive direct experience.
Entry-Level Disability Support Worker Resume Summary Examples
Correct Example:
Compassionate recent Certificate IV Disability graduate with strong foundation in person-centred support principles and 6 months of practical placement experience supporting adults with intellectual disabilities. Demonstrated ability to build positive relationships while maintaining professional boundaries and implementing support plans under supervision. Completed comprehensive training in NDIS frameworks, behaviour support, and trauma-informed care approaches. Eager to contribute empathy, fresh perspectives, and commitment to continuous learning to support client choice, dignity, and community participation in a dynamic disability service team.
Incorrect Example:
New graduate looking for entry-level disability support position. Completed disability course and want to help people. Good communication skills and ready to start career helping disabled people.
How to Update Your LinkedIn Profile When Updating Your Disability Support Worker Resume
LinkedIn profile optimisation is increasingly important for Disability Support Workers in Australia, as many disability service providers, NDIS organisations, and recruitment agencies use the platform to identify qualified support workers and verify professional credentials. Your LinkedIn profile should complement your resume while leveraging the platform’s networking capabilities to connect with the disability services community and stay informed about sector developments and opportunities.
When updating your resume, simultaneously refresh your LinkedIn profile to ensure consistency across all professional touchpoints. Australian disability service employers often research candidates online, so alignment between your resume and LinkedIn presence reinforces your professionalism and commitment to the sector. LinkedIn also allows you to share insights about disability rights, person-centred approaches, and professional development that demonstrates your genuine engagement with the field.
LinkedIn Headline Optimisation for Disability Support Workers
Effective LinkedIn Headlines:
- “Experienced Disability Support Worker | NDIS Specialist | Empowering Independence & Community Participation”
- “Person-Centred Support Professional | Behaviour Support Expert | Advocating for Choice & Dignity”
- “Qualified Disability Support Worker | Mental Health First Aid Certified | Building Meaningful Client Relationships”
Ineffective LinkedIn Headlines:
- “Support Worker at Disability Service”
- “Caring Professional Looking for Opportunities”
- “Disability Worker | Good Communication Skills”
LinkedIn Summary vs Resume Summary: Key Differences
Your LinkedIn summary can be more personal and values-driven than your resume summary, allowing you to share your motivation for working in disability support and your philosophy about person-centred care. While your resume summary focuses on professional competencies and achievements, your LinkedIn summary can include your passion for disability rights, your approach to empowering clients, and your commitment to ongoing professional development.
Include details about your experience in Australian disability services and mention your understanding of NDIS frameworks, local service models, and cultural considerations relevant to Australian practice. This approach helps you connect with the Australian disability services community and demonstrates your familiarity with local sector requirements and values.
Showcasing Disability Support Worker Experience on LinkedIn
LinkedIn’s experience section allows for more detailed descriptions of your support work and the impact you’ve had on clients’ lives. Use this space to elaborate on the person-centred approaches you’ve implemented, the collaborative relationships you’ve built with families and professionals, and your contribution to service improvement initiatives. While maintaining client confidentiality, you can highlight your professional growth and the positive outcomes you’ve supported.
For each role, consider describing the service model, client demographics, and your specific contributions to provide context for disability services professionals reading your profile. This helps them understand the scope of your experience and the environments where you’ve demonstrated success.
LinkedIn Skills and Endorsements for Disability Support Workers
Focus on the most relevant skills for disability support roles when building your LinkedIn profile. Prioritise person-centred support competencies, NDIS knowledge, behaviour support skills, and professional capabilities that demonstrate your value as a support worker. Actively seek endorsements from supervisors, colleagues, allied health professionals, and training providers who can validate your professional approach and competencies.
Consider connecting with colleagues from your current and previous workplaces, classmates from your disability training, and professionals you meet through sector events or online communities focused on disability services.
LinkedIn Profile Tips for Australian Disability Support Workers
Optimise your LinkedIn presence for the Australian disability services market by connecting with local disability professionals, joining relevant groups like “NDIS Professionals Australia” or “Disability Support Workers Network,” and engaging with content from Australian disability organisations and advocacy groups. Share insights about person-centred approaches, comment thoughtfully on sector discussions, and post about professional development activities that demonstrate your ongoing commitment to quality support.
Set your location to your Australian city and ensure your profile indicates your eligibility to work in Australia. Use Australian spelling and terminology throughout your profile, and mention your familiarity with NDIS frameworks, Australian disability legislation, or local service approaches relevant to your experience and qualifications.
Creating an outstanding Disability Support Worker resume requires demonstrating both your professional competencies and genuine commitment to person-centred support in a format that resonates with Australian disability service providers. By following these guidelines and examples, you’ll be well-positioned to secure interviews for disability support roles across Australia’s diverse and growing disability services sector.
Remember to complement your resume with a tailored cover letter that shows your understanding of their specific service philosophy and client group. For additional resources on advancing your disability support career in Australia, explore training opportunities through NDIS resources and stay connected with sector developments through National Disability Services.
