Meet the Team – A Day in the Life of a Community Support Worker

What’s the first thing you do when you start your day to get into “work mode”?
I start my day by making my espresso. Once that is ready, I check my schedule for the day and look over the goals I am working on with the individuals I am supporting.

Describe your role in 3 words:
Supportive, patient, and guiding.

What is the best thing about your role?
What I enjoy most about the role is seeing people gain confidence in things that might have seemed difficult before. Whether it is cooking a new meal, shopping independently, or simply feeling more comfortable being out in the community, those small steps are often the most rewarding part of the job.

What does a day or week look like in your role?
My week is usually spent supporting people out in the community. However, I also have the opportunity to support one individual in a home setting where my shift also includes an overnight stay.

A big part of the role is helping people build confidence and independence in the areas they choose. This might mean cooking together, learning how to organise their day, managing money, or developing other practical life skills.

No two days are the same. Some days are very hands-on and practical, focused on tasks like preparing meals or shopping for groceries together. Other days are more about getting out of the house, staying active, or building social confidence in the community.

As part of the handover process, I stay in touch with other support workers and coordinators through one-to-one meetings to ensure everyone is on the same page and we are providing the best possible support.

Tell us about an achievement you are proud of and why?
One achievement I am proud of is helping one of the individuals I support, who is 47 years old, plan and go on a trip to Rottnest Island. For many people, booking a trip may take a few minutes. We worked together for two months carefully planning each part of the trip.

What made it especially rewarding was not just seeing him achieving his goal and having a great time on the trip, but also the opportunity to teach and guide him through every detail and step along the way.

Are there any unexpected or spontaneous parts of your day that you enjoy?
I enjoy the unexpected moments in my work. There is always something different happening – this can be challenging at times but is always rewarding and we have fun along the way. I find it satisfying to respond, problem-solve, and learn from how each situation unfolds.

Why did you choose a career in Autism?
I chose a career in Autism support because I have had experience in my personal life, so I have seen the challenges and strengths firsthand. I also bring skills from my previous jobs that help me support people.

I really enjoy helping people, whether it is reaching their goals or improving their skills. It is really rewarding and there are many avenues to learn from and build my knowledge.

What motivates you at work?
What really motivates me is seeing the difference I can make in someone’s life.

What advice would you give to someone who is interested in pursuing a similar role?
I would say be prepared to be patient and flexible. No two days are the same, and every person is different and unique. It helps to be a good listener, take time to understand people, and celebrate all achievements – no matter how small.

If you enjoy helping others reach their goals and are looking for a job where you don’t actually feel like you are working, this is definitely the career for you!

How do you like to spend time away from work?
Away from work, I like to keep busy with a mix of things. I study, go for hikes or the beach, spend time with my partner, and work on DIY projects and gardening. I find this is a good way to relax, stay active and keep learning new things.

Tell us something no one knows about you.
Something people don’t know about me is that I enjoy knitting and crocheting.