Aged & Disability Support Worker Jobs Australia
Entry-Level Careers, Pay, Training & How to Apply
Why Become an Aged or Disability Support Worker?
Support Workers help older Australians and people with disabilities live safely and independently at home or in care facilities. This is one of Australia's fastest-growing career sectors, driven by the ageing population and the expansion of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
This career offers:
There has never been a better time to start. Australia desperately needs more trained support workers.
What Does a Support Worker Do?
Duties vary depending on whether you work in aged care or disability support:
🧓 Aged Care
- Helping residents with daily living tasks
- Providing meals and hydration support
- Basic nursing assistance
- Social engagement and activities
- Mobility and personal care support
♿ Disability Support (NDIS)
- Community access support
- Life skill-building activities
- Personal care as required
- Person-centred support plans
- Social participation programs
Work settings include:
- People's homes (community care)
- Aged care facilities
- Group homes
- Supported Independent Living (SIL)
- Respite and youth support services
You make a life-changing impact every day.
Areas With Highest Job Demand
2025 growth hotspots for support workers:
If you're willing to work in rural areas, hiring is often immediate.
Popular Job Titles
Support worker roles go by various titles depending on the setting and responsibilities:
| Job Title | Best For | Training Path |
|---|---|---|
| Aged Care Worker / PCA / AIN | Residential aged care | Certificate III Individual Support |
| Disability Support Worker | NDIS & community care | Certificate III Individual Support (Disability) |
| Home Care Worker | Domestic + personal care | On-site training |
| Community Support Worker | Social/community engagement | Certificate III for progression |
| NDIS Support Coordinator | Experienced workers | Diploma or case management skills |
Note: PCAs (Personal Care Assistants) and AINs (Assistants in Nursing) often move into nursing pathways.
Pay & Conditions (2025)
Support worker pay is based on Modern Awards with competitive rates and penalty loadings:
Hourly rates: $28–$38 per hour
Higher pay for:
- Night shifts
- Weekend work
- Public holidays
- 24/7 supports (active nights, sleepovers)
Annual full-time earnings: $55,000–$80,000+ (including penalties & overtime)
Extra benefits:
- Salary packaging ($9,000+ tax-free annually)
- Travel allowance for community care
- Paid training opportunities
- Stable and flexible working hours
Qualifications — What You Need to Start
Minimum recommended qualification:
📌 Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing or Disability Specialisation)
Other pathways:
- Certificate IV in Ageing Support or Disability
- First Aid & CPR certification
- NDIS Worker Orientation Module (free online)
💡 You can start working while studying. Many support roles offer traineeships where you earn while you learn.
Overseas Workers & Visa Sponsorship
Aged and disability support is a priority migration occupation with strong sponsorship opportunities.
Supported visa types:
- 482 Temporary Skilled Visa (employer sponsorship)
- 186 Employer Sponsored Permanent Residency
- 491 Regional Skilled Visa
- Student Work Rights (updated rules allow more hours)
Applicants in high demand include:
- Support workers with Certificate III
- AINs and Enrolled Nurses
- Registered Nurses for clinical care roles
Recruiters are actively hiring internationally.
Requirements & Screening
To work in support roles, most employers require:
- NDIS Worker Screening Check
- National Police Check
- Flu and COVID-19 vaccination
- Manual handling training
- Working With Children Check (if supporting youth)
Many employers provide support in obtaining these checks.
Personal Qualities Employers Value
Support work is a heart-first profession. Employers look for these personal attributes:
It's a heart-first profession 💙
Career Progression
Support work is the #1 pathway into broader healthcare careers:
Alternative pathways:
- Support Worker → Recovery Coach → Case Manager
- Further pathways into Allied Health Assistant roles
- Specialist roles in dementia care, palliative care, or complex needs
You can grow as far as you want in this field.
How to Apply for Support Worker Jobs
Most hiring occurs through:
- Aged care providers (Bupa, Regis, Estia, Uniting, etc.)
- Disability service organisations (NDIS providers)
- Seek, Indeed & Workforce Australia
- Government disability networks
- Local aged care homes
Your resume should include:
- Any caring experience (formal or informal)
- Communication strengths and interpersonal skills
- Availability and preferred location
- Training and certificates completed
- Current clearances and screening checks
Interview tip: Use the STAR method (Situation → Task → Action → Result) for behavioural questions.
Show that you are:
- Compassionate and calm under pressure
- Comfortable supporting personal care needs
- Able to handle stressful moments professionally
- Focused on dignity and independence
- A strong team contributor
Frequently Asked Questions
Start Your Rewarding Support Career
Help Australians live full, independent lives while building a secure and meaningful career for yourself.
Browse Support Worker JobsSummary
Aged and Disability Support work is one of the most secure, flexible, and meaningful careers in Australia, offering fast hiring, strong salary potential, and clear pathways into advanced healthcare roles. With national shortages and continuous demand growth, support workers are essential to Australia's healthcare system.
Whether you're a school leaver, career changer, parent returning to work, or international worker seeking opportunities in Australia, support work provides an accessible entry point into healthcare with no prior experience required. The combination of flexible hours, competitive pay with penalty rates, and the profound satisfaction of helping others makes this an outstanding career choice.
If you enjoy helping others, this is a life-changing career for both you and the people you support.