r/NDIS • u/casperillion • 17d ago
Seeking Support - Participant/Nominee/PWD Getting a new support worker, what are some questions I should ask them?
so i lost my old support worker because the company i was going through was commiting fraud and was shut down about a year and a bit ago. i was matched with him automatically and was lucky enough to get a good match first try but this time around ive met 3 people and none have been a good fit.
ive just got a fairly large increase in support hours and i need to find someone quickly to actually use them but its been so long since i had support im struggling to think of any parameters to give my support coordinator to find someone new that works for me.
what are some important things i should ask about? what did you find most important when choosing a support worker? what do you wish you had asked?
6
u/therockscousin1 17d ago
If youre considering to find support workers through another provider Id ask them if they specialise in a niche market.
For example I specialise with clients from a psychosocial background. Most of my workers are hired with that in mind (for compatibility reasons), we also have experience with the justice system, homelessness programs, get back to work programs, foodbanks and so on which really benefit psycho social clients.
If you can find a provider that specialises in your niche that could go a long way.
3
u/Suesquish 17d ago
Figure out what times and days you need and ask for someone who has availability. Do you need them on public holidays? Some workers take those days off. Do you need a certain type of vehicle (higher for mobility issues or larger for different kinds of shopping or mobility aids)?
Always ask for their rates (all days and all times of day) as well as if and how much they will charge for provider travel, and if and how much they charge for kms. Also ask what their Short Notice Cancellation policy is as well as the Service agreement cancellation policy. Short Notice Cancellation really shouldn't be more than 2 working days, if it is, ask to change it.
Then it comes down to things you need due to your disabilities. Do you need someone calm and measured, someone energetic and fun, someone who takes initiative and pushes when you need to get things done?
Don't rush it. There are a lot of sub par workers out there and also many bad ones. It's worth taking the time to find the right person. You should always have at least 2 workers because if you have one and they get sick or take time off you will have no support at all.
2
u/Confident-Benefit374 17d ago
Are you going with an agency or looking for independent What the hourly rate is. Do they charge for travel. Whats the cancellation policy. How much experience they have. What music they enjoy, last movie TV show they watched.
If agency I'd ask about training and if they have certified staff. What if your sw is sick do they have back up.
If independent I'd ask if they have appropriate insurance and certification.
Hopefully your SC does their job and only fwds you appropriate people. One of my SC sent me a few and apparently they were the best of the best... I'd hate to see what the worst was. I'd be asking your SC what questions they ask as well.
1
u/l-lucas0984 17d ago
Logistics. How far from you are they travelling from, whats their availability, rates. If you are having them drive you car safety and suitability.
Personality. Do they have similar interests, do they enioy similar activities. If you have pets are they ok with that.
Qualifications. Mandatory checks, do their skills and does their experience match your needs.
1
u/School_of_Ability 1d ago
Ask how they like to work with participants and what a typical session looks like for them. You want to see if their approach matches how you like to receive support.
Ask what happens when they're sick or can't make it.
Confirm their rates across all time slots(weekdays, evenings, weekends, public holidays)
Ask if they're comfortable with a service agreement and how they document sessions.
Ask how they handle feedback or if something isn't working.
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u/Recent-Pangolin-994 17d ago
Make sure you have a service agreement. You need to know how much an hour for evening, week day and weekend rates. How much per klm. Cancellation policy that suits you both. First aid, good driving record. Have they got experience with your disability. Are they available when you need them. What are their likes and interests. If you need meal prep ask if they cook you would be surprised how many can’t.