Support workers are the backbone of Australia’s disability, aged care, and community services sectors, providing essential assistance to some of society’s most vulnerable members. With the rollout of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and an ageing population, demand for qualified support workers has never been higher. The National Disability Insurance Agency reports continued growth in support worker opportunities across all Australian states and territories, making this an ideal time to enter this rewarding and meaningful career path.
Support Worker Resume Examples and How to Write
A support worker provides person-centred assistance to individuals with disabilities, elderly people, or those requiring community support, helping them maintain independence, participate in their communities, and achieve their personal goals. This comprehensive guide will help you create a standout support worker resume tailored specifically for Australia’s community services sector, complete with industry-specific examples and strategies that will help you secure interviews with leading disability and community service providers across the country.
Support Worker Resume (Text Version)
Disability Support Worker
Contact Information:
Phone: 0434 567 890
Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/rachelthompsonsupport
Location: Melbourne, VIC 3000
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Compassionate disability support worker with 4+ years of experience providing person-centred care across NDIS, aged care, and community support settings. Proven expertise in supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, and mental health conditions whilst promoting independence and community participation. Skilled in behaviour support, personal care assistance, and coordinating with multidisciplinary teams to achieve optimal client outcomes. Committed to upholding dignity, choice, and individual rights in all support interactions.
CORE COMPETENCIES
• Person-centred care and support planning
• NDIS plan implementation and coordination
• Behaviour support and positive behaviour strategies
• Personal care and daily living assistance
• Community access and social participation
• Medication administration and health monitoring
• Crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques
• Documentation and progress reporting
• Cultural sensitivity and inclusive practice
• Team collaboration and multidisciplinary coordination
TECHNICAL SKILLS
• NDIS participant portals and plan management
• Care planning software and client management systems
• Incident reporting and documentation platforms
• Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace
• Mobile care apps and shift management systems
• Basic first aid and emergency response procedures
• Assistive technology and adaptive equipment
• Transport and mobility assistance coordination
WORK EXPERIENCE
Senior Support Worker | Endeavour Foundation, Melbourne
January 2021 – Present
• Provide comprehensive support to 12+ adults with intellectual disabilities and autism in community residential settings
• Implement individualised support plans aligned with NDIS goals, achieving 95% goal attainment for supported participants
• Coordinate community access activities including shopping, recreational pursuits, and social engagement for groups of 4-6 participants
• Administer medications and monitor health conditions in compliance with organisational policies and regulatory requirements
• Mentor and train 5 new support workers in person-centred approaches and organisational procedures
• Facilitate family meetings and coordination with allied health professionals including occupational therapists and behaviour specialists
• Maintain detailed progress notes and incident reports, contributing to quality improvement and participant safety
• Support participants in developing independent living skills including cooking, cleaning, and money management
• Respond to challenging behaviours using positive behaviour support strategies, reducing incident rates by 30%
Disability Support Worker | Scope Australia, Geelong
March 2019 – December 2020
• Delivered in-home support services to 20+ children and adults with physical and intellectual disabilities
• Assisted with personal care tasks including showering, dressing, and mobility support with dignity and respect
• Coordinated transport to medical appointments, therapy sessions, and community activities
• Supported school-aged children with disabilities in educational settings and after-school programs
• Collaborated with families and carers to develop and adjust support strategies based on changing needs
• Participated in multidisciplinary team meetings and contributed to support plan reviews
• Maintained accurate records of support provided and participant progress using electronic documentation systems
• Demonstrated cultural competency when supporting participants from diverse backgrounds including Indigenous and CALD communities
Aged Care Support Worker | Blue Care, Brisbane
June 2017 – February 2019
• Provided home and community care services to 15+ elderly clients maintaining independence in their own homes
• Assisted with domestic tasks including cleaning, meal preparation, and grocery shopping
• Offered companionship and social support to reduce isolation and promote wellbeing
• Monitored client health and wellbeing, reporting changes to nursing staff and family members
• Supported clients with personal care tasks whilst maintaining privacy and dignity
• Coordinated with healthcare professionals including GPs, physiotherapists, and community nurses
• Completed comprehensive care documentation and contributed to care plan reviews
• Provided respite support for family carers during weekend and evening shifts
Community Volunteer | Meals on Wheels, Brisbane
September 2016 – May 2017
• Delivered nutritious meals to 30+ elderly and disabled community members twice weekly
• Provided welfare checks and social interaction to reduce social isolation
• Identified changes in client wellbeing and reported concerns to coordination team
• Maintained accurate delivery records and client interaction logs
• Demonstrated reliability and compassion in supporting vulnerable community members
EDUCATION
Certificate IV in Disability (CHC43115)
TAFE Queensland, South Bank Campus | Completed: February 2019
• Comprehensive training in person-centred approaches, behaviour support, and disability advocacy
• Practical placement: 200 hours across residential and community-based disability services
• Specialisation units: Complex needs support, positive behaviour strategies, community participation
Certificate III in Individual Support (CHC33015)
Australian Training Company | Completed: November 2017
• Foundation training in aged care, home and community care, and disability support
• Clinical placement: 120 hours in aged care residential facility
Senior Secondary Certificate (QCE)
Brisbane State High School | Completed: November 2015
CERTIFICATIONS & CLEARANCES
• NDIS Worker Screening Check – Queensland (Current, expires 2027)
• Working with Children Check (Blue Card) – Queensland (Current, expires 2026)
• Provide First Aid (HLTAID011) – Australian Red Cross (Current, expires 2025)
• Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (HLTAID009) – Current
• Manual Handling Training – WorkSafe Queensland (2023)
• Medication Administration Training – Registered Training Organisation (2022)
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
• Positive Behaviour Support Training – Behaviour Support Australia (2023)
• Autism Spectrum Disorder Support Strategies – Autism Spectrum Australia (2022)
• Mental Health First Aid – Mental Health First Aid Australia (2021)
• Cultural Competency in Disability Services – Institute for Community Inclusion (2020)
LANGUAGES
• English (Native)
• Italian (Conversational)
• Basic Auslan (Sign Language Level 1)
What is The Best Format for a Support Worker Resume?
The reverse chronological format is the most effective choice for support worker resumes in Australia’s community services sector. This format showcases your most recent and relevant care experience first, allowing employers to quickly assess your familiarity with support environments and person-centred care practices. Australian disability and community service providers particularly favour this format as it clearly demonstrates your progression through care roles and your commitment to supporting people with diverse needs.
Resume Parts and Formatting Guidelines:
Header: Include your full name, phone number, professional email address, LinkedIn profile, and location (city and state). Ensure all contact information reflects the highest level of professionalism appropriate for caring professions.
Summary: A compelling 3-4 sentence professional summary highlighting your care experience, support specialisations, and person-centred approach. This section should immediately convey your suitability for support work and commitment to client wellbeing.
Experience: List your work history in reverse chronological order, emphasising support worker, care assistant, and community service roles that demonstrate relevant skills for person-centred support provision.
Education: Include relevant qualifications such as Certificate III/IV in Individual Support, Disability, or Community Services, plus any additional training that demonstrates your commitment to professional care standards.
Other Sections: Certifications and clearances (essential for support work), technical skills, professional development, and languages that enhance your ability to support diverse client populations.
Technical Specifications:
Use clean, accessible fonts such as Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. Your name should be clearly displayed in 16-18pt font, section headings in 12-14pt, and body text in 10-12pt. Maintain consistent 1-inch margins and ensure adequate white space for easy reading. Always submit as a PDF unless specifically requested otherwise, as this preserves formatting across different care management systems and demonstrates attention to detail valued in support services.
What Experience Should Be on Your Support Worker Resume?
Your experience section should prioritise support work and care roles whilst highlighting transferable skills from customer service, hospitality, or volunteer work that demonstrate your people skills and commitment to helping others. Focus on achievements that show your positive impact on client outcomes, independence, and quality of life. Even if you lack formal support worker experience, emphasise any work involving helping others, working with vulnerable populations, or providing assistance that showcases your caring nature and reliability.
Key elements to include:
- Client types supported and care environments experienced
- Person-centred approaches and individualised support provision
- NDIS plan implementation and goal achievement
- Behaviour support and crisis management experience
- Team collaboration and multidisciplinary coordination
- Professional development and specialised training completed
Disability Support Worker | Life Without Barriers, Perth
February 2020 – Present
• Provide person-centred support to 18+ adults with complex disabilities including cerebral palsy, acquired brain injury, and intellectual disabilities
• Implement NDIS support plans achieving 92% goal attainment across capacity building and community participation outcomes
• Facilitate community access activities including employment support, recreational programs, and independent living skill development
• Apply positive behaviour support strategies reducing challenging incidents by 40% and improving participant wellbeing
• Coordinate with allied health professionals including physiotherapists, speech pathologists, and occupational therapists
• Mentor new support workers and contribute to quality improvement initiatives across the organisation
• Maintain comprehensive documentation and progress reporting in compliance with NDIS and organisational standards
• Support participants from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds with sensitivity and respect for cultural values
• Assist with personal care tasks including showering, dressing, and medication support whilst maintaining dignity and privacy
Support Worker | Care Company
2020 – Present
• Looked after disabled people
• Helped with daily tasks
• Took clients to activities
• Wrote reports sometimes
• Worked with other staff
Entry-Level Support Worker Resume Samples [Experience]
For entry-level positions, focus on volunteer work, care placements during training, customer service experience, or any roles involving helping others. Emphasise your natural empathy, reliability, and eagerness to learn support work practices, whilst highlighting any exposure to care environments or vulnerable populations.
Student Placement | Afford Support, Adelaide
August 2023 – November 2023
• Completed 200-hour supervised placement supporting adults with intellectual disabilities in community residential setting
• Assisted with daily living activities including meal preparation, personal care, and household tasks under mentor guidance
• Participated in community access activities including shopping excursions, recreational outings, and social programs
• Observed and practiced positive behaviour support techniques with guidance from experienced support workers
• Gained hands-on experience with NDIS planning processes and goal-focused support provision
• Demonstrated cultural sensitivity when supporting participants from diverse backgrounds
• Completed detailed learning reflections and contributed to participant progress documentation
Volunteer Support | Anglicare SA
March 2022 – July 2023
• Provided companionship and practical support to 6 elderly community members through home visiting program
• Assisted with light domestic tasks, grocery shopping, and transport to medical appointments
• Offered emotional support and social interaction to reduce isolation and improve mental wellbeing
• Participated in volunteer training programs covering active listening, boundary setting, and crisis response
• Maintained accurate volunteer logs and reported client welfare concerns through appropriate channels
• Demonstrated reliability and commitment through consistent weekly visits over 16-month period
Student
2023
• Did placement at care place
• Helped people with stuff
• Learned about support work
• Talked to clients
How to Write the Education Section for your Support Worker Resume
The education section is crucial for support workers in Australia, as most positions require specific qualifications such as Certificate III or IV in Individual Support, Disability, or Community Services. Employers need to verify that you meet mandatory training requirements and understand person-centred care principles, legislative frameworks, and professional boundaries. Include relevant coursework, practical placements, and any additional training that demonstrates your commitment to providing high-quality support services.
Support Worker Resume Example [Education]
Certificate IV in Disability (CHC43115)
Box Hill Institute, Melbourne | Completed: July 2022
• Comprehensive training in person-centred approaches, complex needs support, and disability advocacy
• Completed 240 hours of supervised practical experience across residential and community-based settings
• Specialisation units: Positive behaviour support, assistive technology, and community participation
• Achieved competency in all core units including dignity of risk, rights-based practice, and professional boundaries
Certificate III in Individual Support (CHC33015)
TAFE NSW, Ultimo Campus | Completed: March 2020
• Foundation training in aged care, disability support, and home and community care
• Clinical placement: 120 hours in disability residential service and aged care facility
Higher School Certificate (HSC)
Sydney Girls High School | Completed: November 2018
• Relevant subjects: Community and Family Studies (Band 5), Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (Band 4)
How to Write the Skills Section for your Support Worker Resume
The skills section of your support worker resume should showcase both technical competencies specific to support services and interpersonal skills that demonstrate your ability to provide person-centred care with empathy and professionalism. Aim for 14-18 skills total, balancing hard skills that show your technical capabilities with soft skills that highlight your caring approach and communication abilities. Modern support work requires familiarity with various care technologies and strict adherence to privacy and safety protocols.
Support Worker Resume Skills (Hard Skills)
- NDIS plan implementation and coordination
- Person-centred support planning and goal setting
- Medication administration and health monitoring
- Manual handling and mobility assistance techniques
- First aid and emergency response procedures
- Behaviour support plan implementation
- Care documentation and progress reporting
- Assistive technology and adaptive equipment use
- Personal care assistance and hygiene support
- Community access and transport coordination
- Incident reporting and risk assessment
- Basic computer skills and care management software
Support Worker Resume Skills (Soft Skills)
- Empathy and compassionate communication
- Cultural sensitivity and inclusive practice
- Active listening and emotional support
- Patience and resilience in challenging situations
- Professional boundaries and ethical practice
- Advocacy and rights-based approach
- Team collaboration and multidisciplinary coordination
- Flexibility and adaptability to changing needs
- Problem-solving and creative thinking
- Stress management and self-care practices
- Conflict resolution and de-escalation techniques
- Reliability and trustworthiness
How to pick the best Support Worker skills:
- Review support worker job descriptions to identify the most commonly requested competencies and specialised skills
- Include only skills you can confidently demonstrate through training, experience, or practical application in care settings
- Balance technical care skills with interpersonal abilities that show you can provide person-centred, dignified support
- Prioritise skills that demonstrate your understanding of disability rights, person-centred approaches, and professional boundaries
- Consider including specialised skills that differentiate you, such as specific disability knowledge, cultural competencies, or additional languages
- Update your skills section regularly to reflect new training, certifications, or specialisations you’ve developed through experience
Support Worker Resume Examples [Skills]
• Person-Centred Care: Implemented individualised support plans for 25+ participants, achieving 95% goal attainment in independence and community participation
• Behaviour Support: Applied positive behaviour strategies reducing challenging incidents by 35% whilst promoting participant dignity and choice
• NDIS Coordination: Managed plan implementation for participants with budgets ranging from $15,000-$150,000 annually
• Cultural Competency: Provided culturally sensitive support to Indigenous, CALD, and LGBTI+ participants using trauma-informed approaches
• Crisis Management: Responded to emergency situations including medical events and behavioural crises, maintaining participant safety and wellbeing
• Professional Development: Completed 40+ hours of specialised training in autism support, mental health, and complex care needs over past 2 years
Should I Add Bonus Sections to My Support Worker Resume?
Additional sections can significantly strengthen your support worker resume, particularly in Australia’s competitive community services market where employers value well-rounded professionals who demonstrate ongoing commitment to person-centred care and professional development. These sections allow you to showcase qualifications, experiences, and personal attributes that differentiate you from other candidates and highlight your dedication to supporting people with diverse needs. However, only include sections that add genuine value and are relevant to support work.
Valuable bonus sections include:
Certifications and Clearances: Essential for support work, including NDIS Worker Screening, Working with Children Check, first aid, and specialised training certificates.
Professional Development: Ongoing training in areas like positive behaviour support, autism awareness, mental health, or cultural competency that demonstrates your commitment to excellence.
Languages: Particularly valuable in Australia’s multicultural community for supporting clients from diverse backgrounds.
Volunteer Experience: Community service activities that demonstrate your commitment to helping others and understanding of social justice issues.
Awards and Recognition: Any acknowledgments for excellence in care, community service, or professional achievement that validates your capabilities.
Professional Associations: Membership in organisations that demonstrate your engagement with professional standards and ongoing learning.
Support Worker Resume Examples [Other Sections]
• NDIS Worker Screening Check – Victoria (Current, expires 2027)
• Working with Children Check – Victoria (Current, expires 2026)
• Provide First Aid (HLTAID011) – St John Ambulance (Current, expires 2025)
• Mental Health First Aid – Mental Health First Aid Australia (2023)
• Positive Behaviour Support Certificate – Behaviour Support Australia (2023)
• Manual Handling Training – WorkSafe Victoria (2022)
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
• Autism Spectrum Disorder Support Strategies – Aspect Training (2024)
• Trauma-Informed Care Approaches – Australian Childhood Foundation (2023)
• LGBTI+ Inclusive Practice – Equality Australia (2022)
• Indigenous Cultural Competency – Institute for Urban Indigenous Health (2021)
LANGUAGES
• English (Native)
• Greek (Fluent)
• Auslan (Basic Level 1)
VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE
• Disability Advocacy Volunteer – People with Disability Australia (2022-Present)
• Community Garden Coordinator – Accessible Community Gardens (2021-2023)
• Peer Support Volunteer – Beyond Blue (2020-2022)
• Watching TV and movies
• Going out with friends
• Shopping and social media
• Sleeping in on weekends
RANDOM ACTIVITIES
• Good at helping family members
• Like working with people sometimes
• Can lift heavy things
Tip: You can include meaningful activities that demonstrate relevant skills (such as coaching adaptive sports showing understanding of disability support), community involvement that showcases social justice awareness, caring responsibilities that demonstrate natural empathy and patience, and additional qualifications like grief counselling or family violence training that enhance your support capabilities.
How to write a Support Worker Resume Objective or Resume Summary
A compelling professional summary serves as your person-centred care commitment statement, providing hiring managers and service coordinators with a concise overview of your support experience, care philosophy, and dedication to empowering people to achieve their goals in 3-4 impactful sentences. For support workers, your summary should immediately establish your understanding of person-centred approaches, experience with diverse populations, and commitment to upholding individual rights and dignity. This section is crucial as it often determines whether busy care managers continue reading your application.
Key elements to include:
- Years of support work or relevant care experience
- Client populations supported and care settings experienced
- Person-centred philosophy and support approach
- Notable achievements in client outcomes or service delivery
- Professional qualifications and specialised training
Support Worker Resume Summary Examples
Dedicated disability support worker with 6+ years of experience providing person-centred care across NDIS, residential, and community-based settings. Proven expertise in supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, and complex care needs whilst promoting independence, choice, and community participation. Skilled in positive behaviour support, crisis intervention, and multidisciplinary team collaboration. Hold Certificate IV in Disability with current NDIS Worker Screening and commitment to upholding human rights and dignity in all support interactions.
I am a support worker looking for a job helping people with disabilities. I have some experience working with different people and I think I am good at caring for others. I want to find a place where I can use my skills and help people who need support.
For entry-level positions, focus on an objective statement that emphasises your passion for support work, relevant training, and transferable skills from volunteer work or other caring experiences.
Entry-Level Support Worker Resume Summary Examples
Recent Certificate IV in Disability graduate with 200+ hours of supervised placement experience and 2 years of volunteer work supporting elderly and disabled community members. Demonstrated ability to provide compassionate, person-centred support whilst maintaining professional boundaries and respecting individual choice. Strong foundation in positive behaviour support, cultural competency, and NDIS principles gained through comprehensive training and practical application. Eager to begin support work career whilst contributing empathy, reliability, and commitment to empowering people to achieve their personal goals.
New graduate looking for first support worker job. I studied disability support and did some volunteer work. I think I would be good at helping people because I care about others and I’m a patient person who wants to make a difference.
How to Update Your LinkedIn Profile When Updating Your Support Worker Resume
LinkedIn is increasingly important for support workers in Australia, with many disability service providers and community organisations using the platform to identify passionate candidates who demonstrate genuine commitment to person-centred care. When updating your support worker resume, it’s essential to align your LinkedIn profile with the same values-based messaging and care focus. Many service managers cross-reference candidates’ resumes with their LinkedIn profiles to assess professional consistency and authenticity of commitment to supporting people with disabilities.
Your LinkedIn profile offers valuable opportunity to showcase your passion for social justice, share insights about disability rights and inclusion, and connect with other support professionals across Australia’s community services sector. Use this platform to demonstrate your understanding of person-centred approaches and commitment to ongoing professional development in support work.
LinkedIn Headline Optimisation for Support Workers
Your LinkedIn headline should immediately communicate your support specialisation, person-centred approach, and commitment to empowerment. Include relevant skills and your location to improve discoverability by disability service providers and community organisations searching for qualified support staff.
• “Disability Support Worker | Person-Centred Care Advocate | NDIS & Community Support Specialist | Melbourne”
• “Support Worker | 5+ Years Empowering People with Disabilities | Autism & Complex Needs Expert | Brisbane”
• “Community Support Professional | Rights-Based Practice | Seeking Sydney NDIS Opportunities”
• “Support worker looking for work”
• “Helping disabled people”
• “Care worker seeking employment”
LinkedIn Summary vs Resume Summary: Key Differences
Your LinkedIn summary can be longer and more personal than your resume summary, allowing for 4-5 paragraphs that tell your complete story in support work. Use first-person language and discuss your journey into support work, what motivates you about empowering others, and your vision for inclusive communities. Include specific examples of meaningful support relationships you’ve facilitated and your approach to upholding dignity and choice in all interactions.
For Australian support workers, consider mentioning your understanding of the NDIS, experience with Australia’s diverse communities, or familiarity with disability rights frameworks that enhance your ability to provide quality support services.
Showcasing Support Worker Experience on LinkedIn
LinkedIn allows you to expand significantly on your resume bullet points, providing space to discuss the meaningful aspects of your support relationships and the positive impact of person-centred care. Use the media upload feature to showcase certificates, professional development completions, or examples of community inclusion activities you’ve facilitated (maintaining appropriate client confidentiality). Add project sections to highlight specific initiatives you’ve contributed to, such as accessibility improvements or community inclusion programs.
Consider including professional development content such as photos of training workshops you’ve attended, certificates from disability-specific courses, or articles about inclusive practices you’ve shared. Always ensure any content maintains strict client confidentiality and reflects professional support work standards.
LinkedIn Skills and Endorsements for Support Workers
Focus on person-centred support skills, listing 15-20 relevant competencies including disability support, behaviour management, community inclusion, and cultural competency. Actively seek endorsements from colleagues, supervisors, and other support professionals in your network. Consider completing LinkedIn Learning courses related to disability support, mental health, or inclusive practices to demonstrate ongoing professional development.
Regularly update your skills to reflect new specialisations, training completions, or support methodologies you’ve mastered through experience and professional development activities.
LinkedIn Profile Tips for Australian Support Workers
Optimise your profile for Australia’s community services sector by joining relevant LinkedIn groups such as “Australian Disability Support Workers,” “NDIS Professionals Network,” or state-based community service networks. Follow major disability service providers, advocacy organisations, and community service leaders to stay informed about sector trends and opportunities.
Share content related to disability rights, person-centred care, inclusion practices, or insights from professional development activities. Engage thoughtfully with posts from disability advocates, service providers, and community organisations to increase your visibility within the professional community. Always maintain the highest professional standards and focus on content that demonstrates your commitment to empowerment, inclusion, and social justice whilst maintaining appropriate client confidentiality.
Creating an outstanding support worker resume is your gateway to joining Australia’s essential community services workforce and making a meaningful difference in people’s lives. Remember that your resume represents not just your care capabilities, but your commitment to upholding human rights, promoting independence, and creating inclusive communities where everyone can participate and thrive.
After perfecting your resume, complement it with a values-based cover letter that demonstrates your understanding of person-centred approaches, your alignment with the organisation’s mission, and how your support philosophy can contribute to empowering the people they serve. Your cover letter provides valuable space to showcase your genuine passion for support work and understanding of disability rights principles.
Ready to begin or advance your career in community support? Start exploring opportunities on disability-focused platforms like Seek.com.au, disability service provider websites, and LinkedIn Jobs. Many NDIS providers and community organisations also advertise positions through their own websites and local networks. Remember to tailor your resume for each application, highlighting experience and values most relevant to the specific client population and support philosophy.
For ongoing professional development and networking, consider joining professional associations, attending disability sector conferences, or pursuing additional qualifications through institutions like TAFE NSW or specialised community services training providers. The support work community values continuous learning, reflective practice, and commitment to person-centred excellence, making ongoing development essential for career advancement and effective support provision in Australia’s evolving disability and community services landscape.
