Working as a support worker while studying at university can be an excellent opportunity to gain practical experience in a field related to your studies. Support workers assist people who require support due to physical or mental disabilities, and this work can be highly rewarding. In addition to gaining valuable experience, support work can provide a flexible schedule that can easily fit around your university studies. 

What is support work for people with disabilities

Support work for people with disabilities has a long history that dates back to the early 20th century when institutions were established to provide care for people with disabilities. However, over time, society's attitudes towards people with disabilities have evolved, leading to a shift towards community-based support systems. This shift has resulted in the development of various support work roles, including personal care assistants, disability support workers, and community support workers. These roles are designed to support people with disabilities in their daily lives, providing assistance with tasks such as personal care, household chores, and transportation. 

Support workers may also help individuals with disabilities to participate in social and recreational activities, access education and employment opportunities, and develop independent living skills. As a result of these efforts, many people with disabilities are now able to lead more fulfilling and independent lives, with support workers playing a vital role in helping them to achieve their goals.

What are the benefits for University Students

What previous Support Worker Of The Year Award winners have to say

Working at Ascend really helped me understand the disability health care industry, in particular the NDIS and all the systems at work to support people with various disabilities. It also allowed me to grow my professional skills, mostly confidence in myself and my communication style that has continued on as a new graduate therapist.

Without the opportunities I had at Ascend, especially in the role of a mentor, I would not have the confidence going into a role that is so heavily dependent on professionalism, communication skills, and knowledge on how NDIS works. I don’t think my private support work roles, would have prepared me as much as the training, experience and support I received at Ascend. From writing notes and emails, training staff, finding the ‘right fit’ support workers for participants, and working alongside allied professionals, I was really able to get real life experience that has made all the difference in my current role.

Career development and skills enhancement

Support workers have the opportunity to work closely with individuals with disabilities, providing them with the care and assistance they need to lead fulfilling lives. Through this work, individuals can develop a wide range of skills, such as communication, problem-solving, and empathy, which are valuable in any field, and often not taught at university. Support workers also have the chance to work in a variety of settings, from group homes to community programs, which can provide diverse experiences and opportunities for personal and professional growth that is often sought after by employers.

An additional benefit is that working as a support worker can lead to a better understanding of diversity and inclusion. First and foremost, support workers have the opportunity to develop meaningful relationships with individuals from different backgrounds and with unique needs. Through this experience, they can gain a deeper appreciation for diversity and learn how to provide support that is tailored to each person's specific requirements. 

Another thing is that working with individuals with disabilities can also broaden one's perspective on inclusivity and accessibility. Support workers are often responsible for creating and implementing strategies to ensure that individuals with disabilities have access to the same opportunities as everyone else. By doing so, they can help promote a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all. Overall, working as a support worker for people with disabilities can be a fulfilling and enriching experience that can help individuals develop a better understanding of diversity and inclusion.

Personal growth and self-discovery

Support workers are often responsible for helping individuals with disabilities navigate their daily lives, which can require a high level of understanding and compassion. Through this work, support workers can develop a deeper understanding of what it means to be empathetic and how to effectively communicate with individuals who may have different communication styles or needs. Additionally, working with people with disabilities can broaden one's perspective and challenge preconceived notions about disability and difference, leading to more inclusive and understanding attitudes towards all people. 

Another important thing is that working as a support worker can provide a sense of purpose and fulfilment, as you will be helping others improve their quality of life and achieve their goals. Overall, working as a support worker for people with disabilities can be a rewarding and enriching experience that can positively impact both the worker and the people they support.

Networking and job opportunities

Working as a support worker for people with disabilities can lead to excellent networking opportunities. As a support worker, you will interact with a variety of individuals and organisations, including healthcare professionals, social service agencies, and disability advocacy groups. These contacts can help you expand your professional network, learn about new job openings, and make valuable connections. Furthermore, working as a support worker allows you to develop meaningful relationships with your clients and their families, which can lead to positive word-of-mouth referrals and job recommendations.

In addition to networking opportunities, working as a support worker can provide valuable job experience and skills that can open doors to new career opportunities. As a support worker, you will learn how to provide person-centred care, work with individuals with different abilities, and communicate effectively with clients and their families. These skills are transferable and can be useful in a variety of industries, including healthcare, social work, education, and non-profit organisations. Working as a support worker can also demonstrate your commitment to working with people with disabilities, which can be a valuable asset when applying for jobs in related fields.

Benefits for People with Disabilities

Increased independence and quality of life

If someone with a disability has a support worker who is a university student, they can benefit in several ways. Firstly, university students may have more flexibility in their schedules, which can allow them to provide support during non-traditional hours, such as evenings or weekends. This can be particularly useful for individuals who need assistance with daily living tasks or who have mobility challenges.

Secondly, having a support worker who is also a university student can provide additional opportunities for social connection and community involvement. The support worker may be able to introduce the individual to new people and activities, and help them feel more integrated into the university community.

Lastly, having a university student as a support worker can provide a more age appropriate role model. They may be able to offer guidance on social situations, provide emotional support, and help the individual to build social connections and networks. This can be particularly important for young adults with disabilities who may be experiencing social isolation or struggling to build relationships with peers.

Challenges of working as a support worker whilst studying at university

Although being a support worker while studying at university can be a rewarding experience, it can also be a challenging and demanding role. This is because it can require careful time management, strong communication skills, and a willingness to be flexible and adaptable.

Time Management

One of the main challenges of being a support worker while studying at university is time management. Balancing the demands of coursework and exams with the responsibilities of providing support can be a difficult juggling act, and requires careful planning and prioritisation. It may be necessary to adjust study schedules, work with professors to manage workload expectations, and communicate effectively with the person being supported to ensure that their needs are being met.

Communication

Another challenge is communication. As a support worker, it is important to be able to communicate clearly and effectively with the person being supported, as well as with other members of their support network, such as healthcare professionals or family members. This can require a high level of emotional intelligence, as well as strong listening and empathy skills.

Flexibility

Flexibility is also key. As a support worker, it is important to be able to adapt to changing circumstances and be responsive to the needs of the person being supported. This may mean being available outside of regular hours, being prepared to deal with unexpected situations, and being able to work independently and take initiative.

How does Ascend help students manage these demands?

Although there are opportunities to work as an independent support worker, joining an organisation like Ascend can assist students to manage the demands of working as a support worker. For example, at Ascend, we create local teams that are supported by a team leader that’s also an experienced support worker. This ensures that you have a local support network that can help you cover last minute shifts or help you around exam times.

Another important feature of Ascend is that all our local teams are also supported by what we call a key role therapist. These are practising therapists, which could be a physiotherapist, an occupational therapist, a speech pathologist, or even a psychologist. They not only support and provide assistance to the support workers, but also ensure the members that work in the teams have all their needs met.

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If you’re studying a health science degree and are based in Perth, the Sunshine Coast, or in Adelaide, then you might want to consider applying to join our team. View our current job openings or to learn more about the benefits of working as a support worker with at Ascend Health, you can view the university application page.