What can you expect to do as a DSW?
DSWs work in private homes with clients living independently in the community, they support clients to maintain this independence by providing assistance with daily living tasks. Your duties may include taking the client to appointments, helping them get ready for work in the morning or even making the evening meal. Hours can vary with each client, shifts can involve early morning, evening and weekend work and sleep-overs.
DSWs usually work with a small group of clients, building strong working relationships over time.
Working as a DSW is flexible and allows people the freedom to choose their hours of work and how far they are willing to travel to work. A DSW’s duties are as unique and indivdual as the clients they support. DSWs can find themselves supporting clients to access the community, providing personal support services, even taking clients to the footy!
The following is a list of common duties:
- Meal preparation and assistance
- Help with grooming and dressing
- Personal care i.e. showering, bathing
- Bowel care support
- Community access i.e. assistance with shopping, banking, appointments
- Domestic support i.e. vacuuming, washing, light house work.