The sector's services

What kind of organisations operate in the sector?

This section of carecareers will help you understand more about the kind of organisations that make up the disability and community care sector.

Support is offered through a range of settings, from the client's own home, to day centres and drop-in centres, but also through the likes of community homes and other service sites.

In-home support services

A variety of services are available for clients who continue to live in their own homes.

• Personal care
• Meal preparation
• Domestic assistance
• Health care
• Financial management
• Therapy services
• Person-centred planning

Day centres and drop-in centres

Services offered:

• Outings and day trips
• Selected therapies
• Affordable meals
• Transportation if required
• Personal care
• Person-centred planning

Respite and support services

There are some excellent services available to family members and unpaid carers of people who require support. Services include:

• Counselling
• Information
• Access to respite care

Policy and advocacy services

Policy and advocacy services are there to help clients understand their rights within the community. Roles in these services require specific knowledge of the sector. This is achieved through;

• Legal aid
• Education
• Representation

Employment services

A range of employment services are available to help find work for people with disabilities:

• Open employment – Disability Employment Network (DEN) services
• The transition to work program
• Supported employment – Australian Disability Enterprises (ADE)

Community access services

Community access services allow people to develop, maintain or reignite their passions through community based activities such as art, sports, and music programs.

• Skills development
• Social participation
• Community transport

Read more about services in the disability and community sector (pdf)

How do I determine what service is the right employment setting for me?

Ask yourself, do I want to:

• Support clients as they look for work? (e.g. DEN)
• Support clients at work? (e.g. ADE)
• Support families in their daily routines?
• Work with families as well as clients? (e.g. Advocacy centres, respite programs, case management organisations?)
• Help clients explore their interests and education? (e.g. Community access services and day programs?)
• Work with clients on their physical and emotional development?

Can I move between service settings if I want different experiences?

As many organisations offer a number of different services, it often results in there being scope to move from one service type to another to expand your experience and assist your career development.