What's it Like to be an NDIS Mental Health Support Worker?
Urzi Psychology’s team of mental health support workers care for NDIS participants of all needs, wants, and capacities, but what does their day-to-day look like?
To offer some insight into this rewarding and important role, here’s what some of our support workers had to say.
What Does a ‘Typical’ Day Look Like for a Support Worker?
Just like the individuals they assist, each one of our support workers is unique. Some like to prime themselves for the day with exercise, while others take a more relaxed approach.
Rajeena prefers the latter.
“I like to start my day by taking some time for myself. I try to get myself into a good mental state for my clients, whether that be listening to a podcast or sitting in silence and having thoughts to myself,” said Rajeena.
“A typical day starts when I get into my car and drive to my client’s place, and that’s probably where the typical day ends,” she laughed.
“We do a different thing every single day – our job is to be a full-on adventurer. Sometimes we’ll go hiking, sometimes we’ll be fishing, and sometimes we’ll do swimming or art therapy. My favourite activity to do with my clients would have to be bushwalking. I love going to see all the waterfalls and beautiful scenery on the Gold Coast.”
Though creative expression and exploration are always welcome experiences, it’s equally important that participants feel supported during more routine tasks, as explained by Jordan.
“I help my clients with everyday activities. Whether that involves going to get some groceries or just helping them with their hobbies or community access,” Jordan said.
“Essentially, whatever the client’s needs or wants are, we prioritise that at the end of the day.”
This person-centred attitude is shared by all our staff, and it’s something Urzi mainstay Mike takes great pride in.
“A week working in psychology for me involves going out into the community, meeting with our clients and listening to them. Typically, it’s an eclectic approach depending on where they’re at on any given day, how they’re presenting, but it’s always about putting them at the centre and meeting their needs,” Mike explained.
“It could be shopping, it could be helping them plan and keep medical appointments. It could be working with allied health professionals as well.”
Life’s not all about checking boxes, however. Sometimes the only thing that’s needed is a listening ear.
“It might not always look the same when I see a client week in and week out, they could have had a rough week. They might be feeling particularly happy. So, the approach is always a little bit different. Sometimes we’ll meet in a park, for example, sometimes we’ll sit down in their lounge room and have a coffee, but it always looks like a conversation to make the client feel as comfortable as they can, and then it grows from there.”
Men’s issues specialist Aaron echoed this idea perfectly when he said: “My best way of helping my clients is to listen, deeply, to understand, to never judge.”
Above all, the most important attributes to succeed as a support worker are adaptability, patience, and compassion – qualities which Nancy has in abundance.
“Some days are fantastic, but you have your days where it’s a little bit more challenging, so you need to prepare for that. You really do need to have compassion for these clients because some of them are going through really tough times, not only mentally, but within their family,” Nancy said.
“The whole Urzi team are incredibly supportive. I think the way we’ve encouraged each other from the beginning, from when I first started, has been amazing.”
Looking For a Caring NDIS Support Worker?
Unlike many practices, Urzi Psychology is capable of connecting NDIS participants with a support worker with next to no wait time.
Our team of personable and caring staff are backed by a 24/7 clinical supervision network, who provide guidance and assistance for working with those of more complex needs. Participants get the benefit of not just the support worker, but also the clinical professionals behind the worker.
This collaborative approach helps our clients function more effectively in their everyday lives. By offering support services based on their unique values, characteristics, and circumstances, we deliver the results they want.
To get the ball rolling, simply complete our intake form online.
Interested in Becoming an NDIS Support Worker?
We’re always on the lookout for compassionate and dedicated people to join our team of support workers. If you’re interested in a highly rewarding career at Urzi Psychology, find out more and apply via our website.
