Advice to new support workers from old support workers

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Real Advice from Experienced Support Workers

The following advice comes directly from experienced support workers. These are real insights, shared to help new workers navigate the challenges of the job. Support work is incredibly rewarding, but it also comes with its own unique pressures. Learning from those who have been in the field can make all the difference.

• Document everything—it protects you.
• Don’t assume a client knows how to do something—always check and support them as needed.
• If you go off script (e.g., making decisions that aren’t yours to make), the responsibility falls on you, not management.
• Label everything if you want it to come home.
• Avoid wearing your best clothes to work—they will get stained.
• There will be a lot of paperwork, so staying organized is key.
• Keeping on top of everything is challenging, but it’s an important part of the role.
• Listen to experienced staff, but don’t be afraid to bring fresh ideas to the table.
• You don’t “own” shifts or clients—you are there to support and care for them.
• Families can either hold clients back or push them forward. Understanding their role is important.
• If a client attends a day centre, ensure they receive a proper handover or that accurate notes are provided.
• Your own personal care matters—it doesn’t have to be high-end products, but looking after yourself is essential.
• Protect your mental health. No one deserves to become a human punching bag.
• Have hobbies and friendships outside of support work—it’s important for balance.
• Regularly check a client’s bag, especially if they attend a day service. Don’t assume one set of clothes will be enough.
• Celebrate the small wins with your clients—those moments matter.
• If there’s a right way to do something and a “quicker, more efficient” way, save yourself the headache and do it properly from the start.
• Avoid infantilizing clients, even if they have an adjusted mental age. Treat them as adults while considering their individual needs.
• Higher functioning does not mean not disabled—it simply means they function differently. These clients often face unique struggles because their disability isn’t always visible or acknowledged.
• Masking exists—even in Supported Independent Living (SIL) homes. Be aware of the effort some clients put into appearing "fine."
• Not everyone will have a positive or kind opinion of you—stay true to yourself and your agency’s values.
• If a colleague starts acting like a boss, it’s okay to check if they’ve actually been promoted—you don’t want to get caught up in workplace drama.

Support work is about care, respect, and continuous learning. By keeping these insights in mind, you’ll be better prepared for both the challenges and rewards of the job.

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