Working in the disability services sector is a position that offers a lot of lifestyle benefits, particularly if you are looking for flexibility. It can serve as an entry point into the health services field; offers the ability to undertake further training and promotion opportunities; and is a great position for those who are people oriented. There is a great deal of variety in the organisations and positions available, and a wonderful job for those who want to make a difference in the lives of other people less able.
Personal Characteristics Required for Working with People with Disabilities
- Working with people who have disabilities can be a physically demanding job - as you may be required to lift people onto hoists, help to shower them and assist them into and out of wheelchairs. Being physically fit is an advantage.
- Patience and forbearance - a lot of people with disabilities express themselves through behaviours that are challenging because they have no alternative means of expressing their frustration appropriately. Being able to be patient, understanding and empathetic is a must when dealing with challenging behaviours.
- Knowledge of the types of disabilities and how to act accordingly: because a person has a disability doesn't make him or her any less of a person. You need to handle situations with flexibility and tact - such as when somebody addresses you rather than the person you are supporting. You need to be able to help the public interact with the person, removing as many barriers to communication and full participation in society as much as possible. You need to be creative in some situations, and to be able to respond quickly.
- Cool head in an emergency - people with disabilities may have certain medical conditions that will require you to act in an emergency, such as an epileptic seizure. You need to be sure that you can keep a level head and think clearly in an emergency situation.
- Flexibility - because of the nature of disability work where a lot of clients require 24 hour care, you may be required to work shift work and do overnight sleepovers in client's homes.
- Respect of privacy and client dignity - because you are working with vulnerable people and having to do some very intimate work at times such as showering people, it requires you to be able to maintain absolute client privacy and respect for that person's dignity. A need to understand the nature of working closely with people in situations where you are performing personal care work, or have access to very personal information requires a degree of personal maturity and respect for other's boundaries, in that what occurs at work, stays at work.
Training and Certification Required for Working in the Disability Sector
- Police clearance - many organisations and some jurisdictions require that you have a police check prior to obtaining a position working in the disability services sector. There are some crimes that people commit which legally may forbid people from obtaining work with people with disabilities - so a clean legal record is a good pre-requisite in applying for a job.
- Industry recognised certificate - there may be a minimum level of qualification that you have to obtain prior to applying for a job. Many jurisdictions are attempting to increase the knowledge base and quality of the workforce of the disability services sector. You may be able to obtain a traineeship whereby you train while you work. There may also be correspondence courses you can take while performing volunteer work that will help you get your foot in the door for paid work.
- A driver's licence - you may be required to drive a day service bus, or drive clients around in a vehicle - sometimes your own vehicle, sometimes a vehicle belonging to the client or to the service. Either way, a licence is a must to at least get yourself to work if you don't have access to public transport, and will give you the edge perhaps over somebody else without a licence to drive clients around their communities.
- First Aid Certificate - a must for disability work - because of the nature of the medical needs of many clients or disability service users, a first aid certificate is necessary because a client may need immediate medical attention while you are on duty with him or her. For example, a client may suffer from seizures, and you need to know what first aid treatment to provide in the eventuation of one.
Summary
Examining both the necessary personal characteristics, and the training requirements (depending on jurisdiction/organisation) for disability work will help you decide whether you wish to work in the industry. It will also clarify what you may need to obtain in the way of qualifications, or development of personal qualities in order to obtain a position and get the most job satisfaction. If you decide to work in the disability services industry you will be well on your way to making a huge difference in the life of other people.
Author's Note:
The Author has obtained a Certificate IV in Disability Work, and has had three year's professional experience working with people who have disabilities, including physical disabilities, mental health issues, autism spectrum disorders and intellectual disabilities..
Lori Woodward - Lori is a freelance journalist who seeks to help people enjoy life through informative and entertaining practical information.
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