I want to become a disability support worker. How?
Read Time – 6mins
Here’s Our Simple Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a NDIS Disability Support Worker
If you’re thinking about becoming an independent NDIS disability support worker — or you’ve just started the process as a sole trader, you’re stepping into a truly meaningful line of work. Support workers make a real difference every day, but before you begin looking for and helping new clients, there are a few important steps you need to take.
Here’s our simple, clear breakdown of what you need to do to get started.
Step 1: Set Up an Active ABN
If you plan to work as an independent sole trader offering NDIS support, you’ll need an active ABN. This is what allows you to legally operate your own business and invoice for services. You can apply online via the Australian Business Register, and it’s free.
Step 2: Decide if You Need NDIS Registration
Most independent support workers do not need to be NDIS registered, unless you plan on delivering high-risk or specialised supports. But it’s important to understand the difference and decide for yourself if you’d like to become registered.
Get the registered vs. unregistered breakdown here 👉
Step 3: Complete Your NDIS Worker Screening Check
The NDIS Worker Screening is an important step designed to protect the people you support, and to show that you take their safety seriously. It’s not just a formality or about ticking a box, but more about keeping your clients safe, and helping them to feel comfortable with you. Even if you’re not legally required to get a worker screening clearance, there are some big benefits for you to consider.
Step 4: Get the Right Disability Support Worker Qualifications
While not all NDIS supports require formal qualifications, having training behind you helps build trust and confidence with clients, and can boost your confidence and your career. When it comes to growing your own career as a disability support worker, and finding the right clients that fit you, qualifications can make a real difference.
Step 5: Complete the NDIS Worker Orientation Module
If you’re working with NDIS participants, whether it’s as a support worker, allied health provider or in any other capacity, it’s important to understand your responsibilities under the NDIS Code of Conduct.
The NDIS Worker Orientation Module is a great place to start! Plus it’s free, online, and has been created for people just like you who are involved with NDIS clients.
Step 6: Make Sure You Have the Right Insurance
Providing disability support means working closely with clients — so insurance is essential for protecting you and the people you support.
You’ll need:
- Public Liability Insurance – covers injury or property damage during your work
- Professional Indemnity Insurance – covers claims related to advice, care, or support you provide
Most policies are affordable for new sole traders, and many insurers now offer NDIS-specific policies tailored to the work you do.
Step 7: Learn the NDIS Code of Conduct & Practice Standards
You’ll need to understand how to deliver safe, respectful, ethical support.
You can read about these on the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission website.
Step 8: Download Your Free NDIS Small Business Guide
This guide covers everything new support workers need as sole traders:
✔ Tax basics
✔ Insurance
✔ Client notes and record-keeping
✔ Expense management
✔ Setting yourself up as a sole trader
Step 9: Choose How You’ll Manage Your Business Admin
As a support worker, you’ll need a way to:
- Manage clients, quotes and scheduling
- Track appointments and send appointment confirmations
- Store client support notes
- Create and send invoices
- Manage expenses and cash flow
- Create and store service agreements
This can feel overwhelming if you use Word docs, spreadsheets, or multiple programs — especially when your time is better spent supporting your clients.
To do all of this, we recommend Earni – it’s a simple all-in-one solution mobile app you can use anywhere on the go – meaning you save time not having to wait until you get home to do all your invoicing and admin work.
It’s fast, efficient, and helps get your invoices paid faster.
Free version available, and a premium version with all the features.
Step 10: Understand the Qualities You Need
Support work is more than tasks — it requires compassion, patience, communication, professionalism, and a genuine desire to help people live independently.
Starting your journey as an NDIS support worker is a big step, and with the right foundations in place, you’ll be set up to make a real difference, and run your business with confidence.
