The Ups and Downs of Being an Independent Support Worker


Support worker with client


Whether you're passionate about helping others or looking to be your own boss, becoming an independent support worker in Australia can be an incredibly rewarding path. But like any job, it comes with its fair share of pros and cons.

Here’s a breakdown of what to expect if you’re thinking about diving into the world of self-managed support work.


The Perks: Why It Might Be Your Dream Job

1. Total Flexibility = Total Freedom

Imagine being in control of your own schedule — picking the days you work, the hours you clock, and even the clients you want to work with. That’s the daily reality for independent support workers.

2. Set Your Own Rates & Boost Your Income

As an independent support worker, you have the freedom to set your own hourly rates — giving you the opportunity to earn more than you might through an agency or traditional employment.

3. Choose the Services You Love to Offer

You’re in control of the type of support you provide — whether it’s personal care, social outings, domestic assistance, or specialised services. You get to focus on the work you're most passionate about. 

4. Boost Your Skills (and Your Brand)

From learning how to do your own marketing to specialising in niche services, being independent lets you grow — fast. You’re the business owner and the brand.


The Cons: It’s Not All Smooth Sailing

1. You’re Your Own Admin Assistant

Invoicing, tax returns, insurance, client intake forms — yep, that’s all on you. If you’re not a natural spreadsheet lover, this could be a challenge.

2. No Holiday Pay or Sick Leave

Getting sick? Want to take a break? That’s unpaid time. Independent workers don’t get the safety net of employee benefits.

3. You’re Flying Solo

There’s no manager down the hall or a team to call when things get tricky. It can feel isolating, especially if you're handling emotionally heavy work without support.

4. Finding Clients Takes Work

Online platforms can help, but they also take a cut. And in competitive areas, it can be tough to stand out. Word-of-mouth is gold, so delivering consistent, quality service matters more than ever.


So, Is It Worth It?

If you’re passionate about helping others but prefer structure, stability, and support, working with an agency might be a better fit. You’ll have access to a steady stream of clients, less admin to manage, and often enjoy benefits like insurance cover, training, and peer support.

While being an independent support worker offers flexibility and autonomy, it also comes with added responsibilities—like finding your own clients, managing taxes, and handling paperwork. If that sounds overwhelming, starting out with an agency can be a great way to gain experience without the pressure of running your own business.

At the end of the day, it’s about choosing what suits your lifestyle, skillset, and the kind of support work you want to offer. There’s no one-size-fits-all path — just the one that works best for you.


A Bit About Compliance

Before you dive headfirst into independent support work, it’s important to understand that being great with clients is just one part of the job.

A lot of people think that being an independent support worker is just about finding clients and delivering quality care — and yes, that’s a huge part of it. But if you want to do it properly (and legally), there’s a whole other side to consider: NDIS compliance.

Here’s what you’ll need to have in place to operate as an independent support worker under the NDIS:


NDIS Essentials for Independent Support Workers


✔️ NDIS Worker Screening Check

A mandatory background check to ensure you’re safe and eligible to work with people with disability.


✔️ NDIS Worker Orientation Module

A short online course that helps you understand your responsibilities under the NDIS Code of Conduct.


✔️ Insurance

You’ll need both Public Liability and Professional Indemnity insurance to protect yourself and your clients.


✔️ ABN (Australian Business Number)

You must register as a sole trader or business to invoice for your services.


✔️ Service Agreements

A written agreement between you and the client outlining what services you’re providing, how you’ll deliver them, and what they can expect. Many new workers skip this — don’t! It’s your best protection.


✔️ Complaint & Feedback Process

You must let your clients know how they can give feedback or make a complaint. This shows professionalism, accountability, and trust — and it’s a requirement under the NDIS Code of Conduct.


✔️ Record Keeping

You’re expected to document services, hours, dates, and support types for invoicing and audits. If you're billing through plan managers, accuracy here is crucial.


✔️ Fair Pricing

Independent support workers must price their services fairly and transparently. The NDIS Pricing Arrangements guide sets maximum limits and charging above this without agreement is a breach of conduct. Be clear, reasonable, and upfront with clients about rates.




Common Mistakes to Avoid

Some independent workers jump in too fast — they find a client, start offering support, and forget the backend setup. They might:

  • Not have insurance
  • Never complete the NDIS orientation
  • Skip creating a service agreement
  • Forget to give clients a way to provide feedback or complain

These might seem small at first, but they can put both you and your clients at risk and may prevent you from getting more work in future.


The Bottom Line

Being an independent support worker isn’t just a flexible job — it’s a serious responsibility. When you're supporting people with disability, you're entering a space that demands duty of care, professional boundaries, and high standards of safety and respect.

Yes, the freedom and rewards are great — but it’s essential to understand the risks involved, both for your clients and yourself. Without the right setup — insurance, policies, service agreements, and clear feedback processes — you could unintentionally put someone at risk or find yourself legally exposed.

Taking the time to understand and meet your NDIS obligations shows professionalism and builds trust. It also ensures that the people you support receive safe, high-quality care — which is what this work is really all about.


Are You Ready to Make a Difference?

If you're passionate about helping others and ready for a rewarding career, your next opportunity as a support worker is here. Click here to explore our open positions and apply today.




Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Independent Support Workers vs Agencies: What's Best for You?

Image
When it comes to choosing the right support under the NDIS, you’ve got options — and one of the biggest decisions is whether to go with an independent support worker or work through an agency. Like all things in life, both have their perks and pitfalls. So how do you know what’s right for you (or your loved one)? Let’s break it down. The Pros of Hiring an Independent Support Worker 1. More Choice and Flexibility With independent workers, you often have more say over who supports you and how . Want someone who loves dogs and is cool with helping at the beach? You can find them. You can also negotiate your own schedule and routines without going through a third party. 2. Potentially Lower Costs Since independent workers don’t have the overheads that agencies do, they might charge less. That can mean your NDIS funding goes further — more hours, more support, more time for the things that matter. 3. Consistent Support from One Person When you hire someone directly, you're more likely...
Read more

The Risks of Hiring Independent Support Workers in Australia

Image
So, you’re navigating the NDIS and thinking about hiring an independent support worker. Sounds great, right? More choice, more control, maybe even a better personality fit. But before you jump in, let’s talk about the stuff no one likes to mention—the risks that come with going independent. Let’s break it down in a real, no-nonsense way, so you can make informed choices for yourself or your loved ones. Why Go Independent? The appeal is real. Independent support workers (sole traders with an ABN) can often be more flexible, more affordable, and more available than larger providers. You might even find “the one” who just gets you or your loved one’s needs. Plus, online platforms make it super easy to connect with independent workers. But here’s the thing: independence doesn’t always mean “no problems.” The Risks You Need to Watch Out For 1. Less Oversight, More Responsibility for You Registered NDIS providers have to jump through a ton of hoops—audits, compliance checks, strict quality s...
Read more