A Day in the Life of a Support Worker based in the Ballina region

7:30 AM – Coffee in hand, I’m ready to start my shift. Just as I’m heading out, plans change— Mr. Smith cancels, and I’m quickly reassigned to Mrs. Jones’ for a Personal care & Medication assist shift. In this role, flexibility is part of what makes the day flow. 

8:00 AM – I arrive at Mrs. Jones’ home and greet her warmly. I ensure the bathroom is safe, then assist her with showering and dressing. Mrs. Jones also requires support with her medication, which I provide as part of her morning routine. 

8:30 AM – Mrs. Jones is feeling fresh, all dressed up, and ready to hit breakfast with her friends looking fabulous! I jump back in the car, crank up my favorite playlist, and groove my way to two more personal care visits. Let’s go! 

11:00 AM – 1 PM  - I’ve just finished all my personal care shifts and now I’m heading over to Mr. Brunos for a domestic assistance shift. I review his usual task list: bed making, vacuuming, mopping, ironing, cooking, and cleaning the kitchen and bathroom.  I greet him with a friendly smile and ask, “Fancy a hot drink to get started?”  Once we’ve had a quick chat about how he wants to get started, I’m straight into it! Efficient, and ready to tackle the day’s tasks. 

1 PM – His home is sparkling, and his appreciative smile reminds me why I love this work. I hop back in the car on to my last client! My final mission of the day taking Mr. Kent grocery shopping. He’s got a list, I’ve got the trolley, and together we’re unstoppable. We hunt for specials, swap favourite recipes, and share a few laughs (he’s got some great dad jokes). 

3:30 PM – Groceries? Check. Laughs? Check. Mr. Kent is home, fridge stocked, and I help carry everything in. We say our goodbyes, and just like that, four clients are smiling—and that makes it all worth it. 

I’ve added my notes to the system after each visit, the mobile apps make it easy, so it’s a clear run for me to make my way home! 

Why This Job is the Best Kind of Adventure 

Sure, there’s a lot of Domestic Assistance (a.k.a light cleaning) involved, and yes, it can feel a bit repetitive. But I promise you—no two days are ever the same. 

You build real connections. You become part of someone’s story. You help them achieve things that might seem small to us, but mean the world to them. And sometimes, in just a two-hour shift, you make someone’s whole day. 

What You'll Bring: 

• Passion for Helping: A genuine interest in supporting our clients and making their lives better. 
• Qualifications: Qualified Support Worker with a Certificate III in Individual Support, Aged Care, or equivalent – however if do not have one of these qualifications or working towards we would still love to speak to you!
• Must-Haves: A driver’s license, reliable car, comprehensive insurance, WWCC and First Aid/CPR (or willingness to obtain). 
• Tech-Friendly: Confident in using smartphones and tablets. 

Why integratedliving? 

• Hourly Rate: $32.74 - $33.82 per hr + 12% superannuation
• Provide services to our clients in your local community (Ballina/Lennox Head/Skennars Head & Goonellabah/Alstonville/Lismore)
• Flexible Hours: Enjoy part-time hours with flexible shifts that suit your lifestyle anytime between Monday to Sunday 7.00am - 7.00pm – but we do really need someone available all day to work Thursdays & Fridays. 
• Increased Take-Home Pay: Up to $15,900 in tax-free salary packaging boosts your net income. 
• Additional Allowances: $0.99/km travel allowance and daily mobile allowance. 
• Training & Support: A 2-week paid induction and training program. 
• Employee Assistance Program support with 'no cost' access to wellness services 
• Opportunity for career growth through ongoing training

So if you’ve got a big heart, a good sense of humour, and a love for helping others—apply now. Our clients are waiting, and trust me, they’re awesome