Do you have experience working with children who have similar needs to my child?

Even though all children are different, when they have a basic understanding of children similar to your child, this can be helpful.  You might ask them what sort of care they have provided for this child, once you start a conversation, observing confidentiality for the other family of course, this can give you a feel for this person’s abilities with other people similar to your child.

When caring for my child, how would my child know that you just ‘get them’

You will be wanting to know how much the carer is able to understand and let your child know that their feelings and needs matter and are respected.

When we meet someone, it is not just they speak, but how we feel when we spend time with them.

In being with other people, we have a sense that is not just about what our thinking brain tells us, but what our emotional mind screams at us.

All parents know that at times their children, just need nurturance and sitting with their experience, at other times, they need to be challenged with varying amounts of your support and firmness. When your child is vulnerable with a disability, it is such a big task, to put the balance of this into someone else’s hands.

However they specifically answer these questions, it should indicate a level of sensitivity and curiosity about your child’s wellbeing.  An attuned, responsive support worker, should realise this may fluctuate, even unexpectedly at times for some children.

Why do you want to be a support worker?

When introducing a support worker into your child’s life, you are introducing a new relationship to your child’s life. Obviously, there is a financial aspect, but why have they chosen this kind of work specifically? Why do they like this work?  Do they talk about building relationships? Caring for people? This is especially important when caring for people with special needs.

Give them an example of a tricky situation that comes up with your child occasionally and ask them how they would handle it.

Children with additional needs can engage in behaviours that may be seem unusual in comparison to other children.  While these behaviours may be just another day at the office for you or I (as an OT), to people who are new to support work, this may take them by surprise.  Hence it is important to throw them some of the situations that may come up and see what they do. Remembering of course, that you too may have found this difficult, when you were first getting to know your child.  With some additional support and training and they may shine in this role.

Are you available the hours that I need you?

You can train them, they get along with your child, they can have the skills and know how to work on your child’s NDIS goals, but if they aren’t available, then there isn’t much point really.  There are practical elements here that matter.

Double check needs such as study leave or upcoming holidays.

Finding the right support worker is essential when it comes to providing quality care for your child. Hopefully this has been helpful to you in harnessing your expertise supporting your child.

Need help hiring and managing a support worker? It can seem like a big job, which is why we have created resources to help you with this.

The steps are broken down into short videos with notes and downloads. You can pick and choose which parts you do at any time.

These courses can be funded by NDIS if you are self or plan managed.

For more information click the button below: