Support workers can be “found” anywhere.
However, once they start, they usually need a good brief, some support, and structure to do a good job.
Often, the disabled person and/or family can provide that, but sometimes they’ll need a good employer who offers solid training on things like Supported Decision, making, restrictive practices, active support, as well as the more practical stuff around safe mealtimes, personal care, mobility, etc.
It all depends on the needs of the person!
Identifying Good Support Workers:
But the first step is finding people whose values AND interests align with the participant, who have the desire to do the work.
So, who might be a good support worker? (Tip: Look in places where there are likely to be people with the same interests as you!)
Where to Find Potential Support Workers:
Here are a few ideas:
The local barista who makes your coffee and always says hello in a friendly, genuine way to you.
The volunteer youth coordinator at your place of worship.
An Uber driver who just seemed to “get it.”
Your supermarket checkout operator or Bunnings nursery worker.
The brother of a guy on the same Discord feed or in your NextDoor or MeetUp community.
The soccer coach.
The lady on your street who is always outside looking after her garden.
The person at the Telstra shop who so clearly explained why a certain phone would be great for someone with cognitive impairment.
A worker from your local after-school care program.
Other Places to Search:
Where else might you find people?
Through your post on Facebook that your aunty shared with her book club friends.
Your school alumni newsletter.
Gumtree or Facebook Marketplace or Facebook local community groups.
On your supermarket notice board.
A recruitment agency (you can claim the fee if you are Self or Plan Managed).
On your Insta or Twitter or even LinkedIn feed – do you follow a musician and want to make music – ask them to post for you, or just tag them!
On your Discord server.
At your local gym.
On online worker platforms.
These are just some starting points to get you thinking.
You’ll need to do a whole lot of checks and work once you think you might have found someone – this post is just about finding people!
Supported in part by a grant from the Australian Government Department of Social Services through the Information Linkages and Capacity Building (ILC) program. 
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