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Qualities to Have as a Great Support Worker

11 August, 2021

We care deeply about our clients’ happiness, health and wellbeing, so carefully handpicking the best Support Workers is a priority for us. We are always on the lookout for fantastic people to join the Focus family, and here's a list of the top traits we look for in our Support Workers.

If you are considering becoming a Support Worker, or you’re already working in the field, we are truly inspired by your dedication to improving the lives of others. Without people like you, we can’t do what we do best – supporting some of Australia’s most vulnerable people to live full and independent lives. 

Our services are available to people needing disability supportdementia care and in-home aged care. Here are some of the key traits that we look for in our amazing employees, whether they are Aged Care Support Workers, Disability Support Workers, or both.

Aged Care Support Worker with client at nursery - Focus CarePatience

At times, the work Support Workers do can be difficult or repetitive. Older people and people with disabilities can sometimes require a little more support than others – and that’s exactly what our Support Workers are there for. If you work with us, you will need to be patient.

Passion for helping others

Do you have a desire to make the world a better place? Great, being a Support Worker may well be the right career path for you. Being a Support Worker isn’t about clocking in and clocking out, it’s about having a genuine passion for making other people’s lives easier, happier and more comfortable.

Reliability

Our clients need to be able to count on us, so we really need to be able to count on you. When you commit to a shift, you will need to show up and be there for your client, because they may be relying on you for important things like personal care, taking medication and so much more.

Empathy

Sometimes, a client may have been dealt a more difficult hand in life than you. They don’t want your sympathy, however, your empathy will go a long way. Try to put yourself in their shoes, and treat each and every client the way that you would like your loved ones to be treated.

A Support Worker comforts a client. Focus CareResilience

Life isn’t all sunshine and rainbows – we have to get back up again when things don’t go our way. With all of our best intentions, sometimes, people have difficulty accepting our help. This is absolutely okay, but if an unkind word is on occasion spoken by a client, we need our Support Workers  to rise above, brush it off, and treat them just as kindly as they would normally.

Initiative

You will typically work alone in various home settings. Support Workers have a big impact on people’s lives. You will often be the first person to notice changes in a client’s behaviour or health – sooner than even the client’s family members. In instances like this, you will need to show initiative and communicate to us the changes you have noticed so that we can provide the best possible care to our valued clients.

Three men say cheers with drinks. One man is in a wheelchair - Focus CareConfidence

You don’t need to be ready to belt out a song on a stage, but quiet confidence is important. Our Support Workers will meet lots of new people over the course of their careers, and they may find themselves in challenging situations. You’ll need to feel confident in working alone, being able to take charge, and strike up friendly conversation at home and in the community.

Apply today for a rewarding career at Focus Care

We may be biased, but we strongly believe that Support Workers are superheroes. If you are interested in a career working with us, please check out our careers page to apply for our open positions.

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How it works

  • 1

    We’ll visit your home to get to know you, your goals and your specific needs

  • 2

    We'll work with you to design your services

  • 3

    You'll be matched with a support worker, and your journey will begin