Choosing The Right Disability Worker: What You Need To Know

Disability workers perform a variety of roles and tasks. Each organization will have its own specific needs based on the types of individuals they serve and the scope of services they provide. Working with a disability worker requires trust, open communication, and collaboration.

The best situation is when both parties understand what’s expected from them and have the foundation for going forward together. Working with a disability worker is not a one-time job interview or brief job training session. It’s an ongoing partnership that requires mutual respect, shared responsibilities, and constant communication.

What Does a Disability Worker Do?

A disability worker is someone who assists people with disabilities. Disability workers assist with daily activities and other services, depending on the needs of the individual.

Disability workers are often employed by disability service organizations (DSOs), social service agencies, and government organisations. But disability workers can also work for private companies that employ individuals with disabilities. Check out HealSoul as an example.

What to Look for in a Good Disability Worker

When you’re hiring a disability worker, you want to be certain that you find someone who is the right match for you and your needs.

While some organisations have specific steps for hiring a new employee, others might choose to work with people who are already familiar with the organisation. If this is the case, you’ll be asked to describe your goals and what you hope to accomplish with the partnership.

Experience

You’ll want to find a disability worker who is experienced in the areas where you need assistance. Specialty areas, such as benefits and financial planning, might be handled by someone who isn’t close to your life situation.

You’ll want to find a disability worker who is experienced in your needs, such as daily living, money management and other areas that are specific to you.

Experience working with people with your disability

You’ll want to find a disability worker who has experience working with people with your specific disability. While all disability workers have a general idea of the skills and abilities of people with disabilities, you’ll want to find someone who has specific knowledge of your disability.

Work style

You’ll want to find a disability worker whose work style meshes with your own. You might prefer to work in an open, collaborative style where ideas and suggestions are encouraged. Or, you might prefer a more structured, directed approach where you’re following a fixed plan.

Personality

You’ll want to find a disability worker with whom you feel comfortable. You’re likely to spend a lot of time with your disability worker over a period of years. You want someone to whom you’re able to relate and be open, but who also has the background and professional skills to handle the situation.

Communication style

You’ll want to find a disability worker who can communicate with you effectively. This is important both in terms of the disability worker understanding your needs and being able to communicate those to others as well as being able to communicate your needs to others.

Knowledge of your community

You’ll want to find a disability worker who’s familiar with the services available in your local community. You’ll also want a disability worker who has connections with the people who can provide the assistance you need.

How to Find a Good Disability Worker?

There are several ways to find a disability worker.

Local organizations

You can find disability workers through local organisations that provide services to people with disabilities. Some organisations are specific to a certain disability, while others serve a variety of disabilities.

Professional organisations

You can also look to professional organisations, such as the National Association of Social Workers. These organisations often have individuals who are interested in beginning a new career as a disability worker.

Social media

Another option is to use social media. This is a good option for people who are already in a specific location and don’t want to travel to find the right person for the job.

Networking

You can also try to network with others who have a disability to see if they know anyone who might be a good fit for the job. Many people with disabilities have a network of others with disabilities.

Things to Be Aware of When Working with a Disability Worker

When you’re working with a disability worker, it’s important to remember a few things. This will help you make the most out of the partnership and find success.

Trust

You must trust your disability worker. You must trust that they have your best interests at heart and that they’re working diligently to accomplish your goals. You must also trust that they’re handling your information appropriately and are following all relevant privacy laws.

Open communication

You must be open with your disability worker about your needs and what you hope to accomplish with the partnership. In return, your disability worker must also be open with you about their skills, abilities, and experience.

Collaboration

You must collaborate with your disability worker. This means that you’re expected to participate in the decision-making process and that you’ll be responsible for following through on your portion of the partnership.

A relationship

You must treat your relationship with your disability worker like a relationship. This means that, over time, you’ll build a friendship and become more familiar with each other.