For many people deciding on a career path can be a daunting experience.
Recently we sat with Hayden, a young Disability Support Worker from Tamworth who is just starting his career. Here, he shares insight into the role, what an average day looks like and why he believes it’s an ideal career choice.
After completing his HSC in the small town of Quirindi last year, Hayden wasn’t sure what he wanted to do for the next 12 months: all he knew was that he wanted to take some time off before going to university. It was actually his brother, who also works at Challenge, who advised him of an opening in the Tamworth branch.
“I have been with Challenge as a Disability Support Worker since December 2018, although it really hasn’t felt that long at all. You know what they say: time flies,” Hayden says, adding that he enjoys getting to travel to different sites and especially getting out into the community.
“I work at two sites on a regular basis – one being a shared home, the other an ‘intra-community’ living area. I am also occasionally drafted to other shared homes depending on the availability of staff, but I am always happy to help out where I can and it’s fun meeting new people and getting to know them. Many of my shifts also involve me working out in the community by going to client’s homes or units and taking them downtown to do activities they enjoy.”
Hayden’s shifts can begin as early as 6am and finish as late as 10pm, depending on the needs of each client. But he says he wouldn’t have it any other way. As a Disability Support Worker Hayden spends his days supporting clients with a disability to develop their individual skills so they can live as autonomously as possible within a shared living and one-on-one environment.
“This job has allowed me to learn a lot of life skills that I can apply in my own life, such as filling out forms and paperwork for Medicare or Centrelink. It has also taught me how to book appointments and sort out things like travel insurance. It has definitely helped me significantly!”
And for anyone considering a role with Challenge as a Disability Support Worker, Hayden has this to say:
“It’s a super-fun job and I would recommend it to anyone with a desire to help others. I have thoroughly enjoyed myself so far and can’t see how a retail job could even stack up to the good times I get to have here. That being said, you need to have a lot of patience and be a people person, otherwise you’ll struggle to make connections with the clients.”
You can find out more about Disability Services at Challenge and find roles in Accommodation Support Work by visiting our careers page or calling 1800 679 129.
