Finding a great Support Worker can be life-changing, but what happens when they’re unavailable? Whether it’s a planned holiday or an unexpected absence, having only one Support Worker can leave you feeling stuck, isolated, or even unsafe.
That’s why building a team of Support Workers is so important as an NDIS Participant.
Why a Team Approach Works Better
Here are a few reasons why building a team of Support Workers is good for you - and good for your Support Workers too:
Backup: Life happens. People get sick, take holidays, experience emergencies, and even decide to move on to other work. Having more than one Support Worker means you’re less likely to be left unsupported.
Continuity: If someone in your team is away, other Support Workers who know your needs, routines, and rituals can step in. This avoids the stress of starting from scratch with someone new, especially if that occurs when you’re already under pressure.
Worker Wellbeing: When you have a team, your Support Workers can take breaks, have time off, and look after their own health and wellbeing proactively, without worrying that you’ll be left without support. That’s a big pressure for them to carry if you only have one Support Worker.
Flexibility: Different Support Workers bring different skills, strengths, and qualities. Having diversity in your support team can be refreshing, for you and your Support Workers. You might have a team of all-rounders, or you might prefer certain Support Workers for specific types of support.
Safeguarding: If you live alone or don’t have informal support (like a partner, family member, or nearby friends), you may be more vulnerable. Having multiple Support Workers is not just good practice, it’s a safeguard to make sure you're never left unsupported when you don’t want to be. It also provides an extra layer of safety in case a working relationship doesn’t feel right, isn’t as respectful or reliable as it should be, or is just unsafe for you.
Put simply, having a team gives you options and greater certainty.
It Reduces Conflict of Interest
When an Support Worker relies on you as their only source of income, it can create a conflict of interest.
In some cases, a Support Worker might pressure you to book more hours than you want or need, or make you feel guilty for cancelling services, even if they don’t mean to.
Letting your Support Workers know from the start that you take a team-based approach helps set clear expectations. It also encourages them to find work with other Participants if they need to.
Therefore, building a team reduces this risk and protects your right to say no, change your routine, or adjust your support without feeling responsible for someone else’s finances.
Tips for Building Your Support Team
Here’s how to start building a team of trusted Support Workers on Kynd:
Think about your needs
What kinds of support do you want and need across the week? Consider personal care, transport, social activities, therapy support, or admin help.
Start small, but plan for more
Even if you love your current Support Worker, plan to add at least one or two more people over time. You don’t need a big team, just a few dependable Support Workers who know what your expectations are and agree to meet those expectations.
Use Kynd to Manage your team
Create a free member account, browse Support Workers, post jobs, send messages, invite and shortlist Support Workers, and manage all your bookings with your team in one place. You approve every booking before a service is invoiced or paid.
Be clear about your needs and preferences
As you build your team, let Support Workers know your needs and what's most important to you. That way, they can step in more smoothly when needed.
Keep your team in the loop
Think about having regular check-ins, even team meetings, to help everyone stay connected and on the same page.
You Deserve Support That Works for You
Building a support team takes a little planning, but the payoff is huge.
You’ll have more flexibility, better continuity, more successful outcomes, and a stronger safety net. Plus, you’ll be helping your Support Workers stay healthy, supported, and well, which benefits everyone.
Need more info about finding or adding new Support Workers to your team? Contact the Kynd Team.