What a support worker needs to know before a first shift with a participant
5 min readUpdated
A first shift with a new participant is where most avoidable mistakes happen. The worker doesn't know the routines, the signs that something's wrong, or the plans that must be followed. A short support profile, read before the shift, fixes most of that, and it respects the participant by not making them explain themselves to every new face.
What belongs in a support profile
- Their goals, from their NDIS plan and in their own words where possible
- How they communicate, and how they show they're happy, worried or in pain
- Known risks and what the worker should do about each one
- Routines and preferences: what a good day looks like
- Which plans apply, such as behaviour support, mealtime management, medication, transfers or seizure management
- An emergency contact
Plans that change what the worker must do
Some supports come with a plan the worker must follow exactly. A behaviour support plan sets out which strategies can be used, and any restrictive practice outside it may be a reportable incident. A mealtime management plan covers food and drink textures and positioning. Medication assistance and manual handling usually need specific training before a worker is rostered.
Keep it short and current
One page a worker can read in five minutes beats a long file nobody opens. Review it with the participant, or their nominee, at least once a year and whenever their needs or plan change, and record when you did.
Only share it with the people who need it
A support profile is personal information. Workers should see it for the participants they are supporting, when they are supporting them, and not otherwise.
How Neo Shift helps
The next shift up front, with the participant's support profile to read before they arrive.
See what workers seeCommon questions
What should a support worker know before a first shift?
The participant's goals, how they communicate, known risks and what to do about them, their routines and preferences, any plans that apply such as behaviour support or mealtime management, and an emergency contact.
Can workers see participant profiles in Neo Shift?
Yes, but only on their own shifts. Workers see the participant's support profile before each shift, including guidance for any behaviour support, medication, mealtime, transfer or seizure plan. Open shifts show only a first name and suburb.
Check the official source
This guide is a plain-English summary, not legal advice. Rules change, so confirm the details with the NDIS Commission.
