Key Roles and Responsibilities of NDIS Support Workers
NDIS Support Workers play an important role in helping people with disabilities live more independently, safely, and confidently. Whether it’s assisting with personal care, joining in community activities, or supporting with daily tasks, a support worker’s role is all about making life easier and more fulfilling for the participant.
At Choice Support Plus, we work with dedicated support workers who understand the value of trust, consistency, and genuine care. In this blog, we’ll explore the key roles and responsibilities that come with being an NDIS Support Worker.
An NDIS Support Worker provides practical, physical, and emotional support to NDIS participants. Their tasks vary based on each person’s goals, abilities, and the type of support included in their NDIS plan.
Here are some of the most common support worker duties:
What Does an NDIS Support Worker Do?
1. Personal Care Support
One of the most common responsibilities of a support worker is helping with personal care tasks. This includes:
Showering and grooming
Dressing
Toileting
Brushing teeth and hair
Skin care routines
Support workers assist with these tasks in a safe, respectful, and dignified way, helping participants feel comfortable and confident.
Support workers also help with everyday activities that participants might find difficult to complete on their own. These can include:
Cooking and meal preparation
Grocery shopping
Cleaning and laundry
Managing appointments or schedules
This type of support falls under the NDIS category “Assistance with Daily Life”, which is part of the Core Supports budget.
2. Daily Living Assistance
Support workers often assist participants in getting out into the community. They may:
Help participants get to appointments
Support access to work, education or volunteering
Accompany participants to social and recreational activities
Guide safe use of public transport or taxis
This promotes social inclusion, independence, and well-being.
3. Transport and Community Access
NDIS Support Workers also provide companionship and emotional support. They help participants:
Build friendships
Feel less isolated
Gain confidence in social situations
Express their feelings and needs
A strong, respectful relationship with a support worker can have a positive impact on a participant’s mental health and self-esteem.
4. Emotional and Social Support
5. Supporting Skill Development
Support workers may also help participants work towards their personal goals, such as:
Learning to cook meals independently
Developing communication skills
Managing time and planning
Using technology and assistive devices
This type of work often supports goals funded under Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living.
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Support workers are trained to:
Ensure the participant’s safety at all times
Report concerns to relevant contacts (like guardians or case managers)
Respect privacy and uphold dignity
Promote choice and control, supporting the participant’s right to make their own decisions
They also follow NDIS Code of Conduct rules and mandatory reporting requirements.
6. Advocacy and Safety
Beyond formal tasks, a great support worker is:
Respectful and understands the importance of consent and dignity
Reliable and consistent
Kind, patient and good at listening
Flexible and can adapt to different situations
Clear and calm in communication
At Choice Support Plus, we only work with support workers who uphold these values and genuinely care about making a difference in someone’s life.
Understanding the NDIS Support Worker roles and responsibilities helps participants, families, and carers know what to expect—and how to choose the right support team.
Whether it’s helping with everyday tasks, supporting social inclusion, or building life skills, support workers are an essential part of many participants’ lives.