News

Casual with meaning
Thu, May 1 2008

“Make a difference” is becoming a cliché in not-for-profit jobs. Charles Warren from Victorian Person Centred Services says casual positions in disability support go way beyond making a difference.

The focus on disability support has shifted in recent years from doing things for people, to doing things with people. The industry calls it the “person centred” approach.

“It may sound over the top, but our support workers are part of a worldwide movement for human rights,” said Charles. “It’s all about equality, dignity and participation.”

For casual workers, it means there is now a vast range of tasks in disability support work. They can range from taking someone beach fishing for a few hours a week, to teaching independent living skills like cooking, to the more traditional personal attendant care.

Most employers, like Victorian Person Centred Services, offer the opportunity for training on the job. Certificate 3 in disability services is the next step for anyone wanting a qualification.

Charles says Disability Support Workers can expect to earn somewhere between $17 and $24 per hour, depending on the position and their experience, and there is usually work available close to home. “Right now we have vacancies throughout metropolitan Melbourne, with special programs in Forest Hill, Bayswater, Black Rock and Frankston,” he said.

“Skills are transportable and in high demand, which makes it easy to travel or move interstate or even overseas. And at the end of the day, you go home having contributed to another person living the life they want.”