7 Things Every New Independent Support Worker Should Know (That No One Tells You)
Starting out as an independent NDIS support worker feels exciting and honestly a bit chaotic. You’ve got the freedom, the flexibility, and
the chance to do the work your way. But if you’re anything like most of us when we first started, you’re also wondering “what am I even
doing?”
No one really hands you the manual (except for us) So here’s what we wish someone had told us, the behind-the-scenes stuff that doesn’t get covered in onboarding documents or Instagram posts.
#1 Your first few weeks might feel like you’re lost in the dark.
Getting your ABN, setting up insurance, applying for screenings, it’s not impossible, but it’s not exactly clear either. You’ll probably have sixteen browser tabs open and second-guess yourself more than once.
Just know, that’s normal. Everyone feels like that at the start. Keep going, take it one thing at a time, and ask for help when you need it.
#2 You don’t need a qualification to be good, but you do need to be safe and reliable.
People always ask if you have to do a Cert III. The short answer is no, but you do need your First Aid, CPR, your clearances, and a solid understanding of your responsibilities. What really matters is showing up with consistency, respect, and a willingness to learn.
Some of the best support workers we know came from completely different jobs like tradies, baristas, parents, youth leaders, people who just had a natural ability to connect with others.
#3 Transport isn’t always paid, and fuel costs will bite if you don’t check.
Some NDIS plans include transport reimbursements. Some don’t. And if you’re driving 30 minutes each way for a one-hour session and not getting paid for travel? That adds up fast.
Always ask about the participant’s plan, check what's covered, and set clear agreements from the start. Otherwise, you're working at a loss.
#4 Service agreements are boring but necessary.
Look, no one loves paperwork. But without a basic service agreement, things can get messy, especially when it comes to cancellations, boundaries, or expectations.
It doesn’t have to be fancy. It just needs to be clear. What kind of support are we offering, what are the expectation and goals, how much, when, and what happens if things change.
#5 Real learning happens on the job, but a solid foundation makes all the difference.
There’s no denying it, you’ll learn heaps just by showing up. Every participant is different, and the real gold comes from time spent in homes, parks, cars, kitchens, not classrooms.
BUT the workers who thrive long-term are the ones who prepare before they dive in. Understanding how to set up your business properly, avoid legal risks, stay compliant, and communicate well? That stuff makes your job easier and protects you and the participant.
Get the foundation right, and the rest builds naturally.
#6 You’re running a business now, even if it doesn’t feel like it.
This one sneaks up on people. You’re not just doing support work anymore. You’re also running an actual business. That means tracking your invoices, paying your tax, managing your own calendar, and thinking a few steps ahead.
It can feel like a lot. But once you get into a rhythm, it’s surprisingly doable. Start with a basic system that works for you, even if that’s just a notebook and a spreadsheet.
#7 Burnout creeps up, don’t wait for a crash to make changes.
You’re giving a lot, emotionally, mentally, sometimes physically. And if you don’t build in rest, the job will burn you out.
Start as you mean to go on: schedule breaks, take days off, don’t take on every request that comes your way. Saying no doesn’t make you selfish, it makes you sustainable.
Final Thoughts
No one has it all together at the start. You figure it out as you go. You’ll make mistakes. You’ll second-guess yourself. You’ll probably forget to invoice someone and then send it three weeks late (we’ve all done it).
But you’ll also make a difference, in ways big and small and build something that’s completely yours.
If you’re in it for the right reasons, and you’re willing to learn as you go, you’re already on the right track.
And if you ever need tools, templates, or just a bit of backup, that’s exactly what we’re here for.
