Choosing a support worker
Questions to help you compare practical fit, communication, experience, boundaries and reliability before agreeing to support.
Start with the work you need help with
Write a short description of your priorities, preferred days, location and the kind of assistance you want. A worker who is a good fit for one task may not be the right person for another. Ask for examples of relevant experience without requesting private information about other participants.
Ask how the working relationship will operate
Discuss how you will make plans, confirm sessions, communicate changes and give feedback. Explain whether you prefer written information, extra processing time, a direct conversation or another approach. Notice whether the worker listens, answers questions clearly and respects your preferences.
Check experience and scope
Ask about screening, relevant qualifications, insurance and experience for the proposed tasks. Ask how these can be verified and whether anything needs to be current for the work being considered. Qualifications have different scopes: a short course, a training qualification and a regulated clinical profession are not interchangeable. A clear worker should be able to explain what they can do and where they would refer you elsewhere.
Questions you can take to a conversation
What experience do you have with the tasks I want support with?
How will you support me to make my own choices and do things myself where possible?
What screening, qualifications and insurance are relevant, and how can I verify them?
What work falls outside your role?
How do you manage privacy, boundaries and consent?
What are the rates, travel charges, cancellation terms and invoicing arrangements?
How do I raise a concern or ask for a change?
What happens if you are unavailable or we decide the arrangement is not a good fit?
Get the arrangements clear before starting
Read the proposed service agreement and ask about anything you do not understand. Confirm the activities, schedule, costs and funding arrangements with the appropriate people. You can take time to consider the information and involve a trusted person if you choose. This checklist helps you prepare questions; it does not verify a worker or establish funding eligibility.
Review fit after the first sessions
Consider whether the worker arrives as agreed, follows through, communicates respectfully and delivers the kind of assistance discussed. Ask yourself whether you feel able to say no, ask questions and give feedback. Keep a brief note of what is working and what you want changed, then discuss the next step.
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