5 Mistakes New Support Workers Make, and How to Avoid Them

September 23, 2025•1 min read

5 Mistakes New Support Workers Make, and How to Avoid Them

Starting as a support worker can be overwhelming. Avoiding these common mistakes can help you build a strong and lasting career.

1. Not Setting Boundaries

Friendly doesn’t mean unprofessional. Learn to keep healthy emotional and time boundaries.

2. Underestimating Documentation

NDIS work requires consistent note-taking. Avoid leaving paperwork to the end of the week.

3. Poor Time Management

Rushing between shifts or arriving late can break trust quickly. Plan ahead and use reminders.

4. Avoiding Difficult Conversations

Conflict happens. Learning communication strategies early helps you handle issues calmly.

5. Not Asking for Help

Seek supervision, training, and peer support, it's a sign of strength, not weakness.

Join Sparks Academy and get tools that actually work on shift, not just on paper.

Kim Matthews

Hi, I’m Kim! I’m the founder of Sunshine Family Support and Crushing Goals, established in 2020 from my personal journey navigating neurodivergence. As a mother to three incredible neurodivergent children, I intimately understand the challenges and joys of this path. The core of Sunshine Family Support is intertwined with my experiences—I struggled to find suitable caregivers for my family, leading me to develop a hiring method through trial and error. This method now assists other families in similar situations. Through many interviews, a realisation struck me: my next mission involves helping individuals improve their support work skills. This endeavour not only furthers careers but also improves the standard of care in the disability support space.

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