How To Find NDIS Clients As A Support Worker
Finding NDIS clients can sometimes be one of the initially challenging aspects of becoming an independent Support Worker. We’re here to help!
Before you drag a milk crate and a megaphone to your nearest street corner to drum up business (don’t knock it ‘til you try it!), we’ve compiled a nifty list of all the ways you can build your client base and start supporting more NDIS Participants.
From word of mouth to social media and local laundromats, it’s all here.
Here’s how to find new NDIS Clients as an independent Support Worker!
Professionalism for Support Workers
You want to set yourself up for success! That means investing in some ‘assets’.
First impressions matter right (we think so!), so it pays to invest in yourself and create a few digital assets to ensure you present yourself well.
Think about it this way…
> If you were selling a house you want to create maximum interest! The description must be informative and the photographs must be appealing. You need to show that you’re professional and trustworthy.
The same applies to independent Support Workers! Everything is an impression.
Your Checklist
* Get a high-resolution digital profile photo (3, 2, 1… smile!)
* Other photos (always high resolution) to help show off your personality
* A well-written one or two-page profile that explains more
(history, experience, qualifications, verifications, skills, interests, services)
Good news – any expenses you incur (like a professional photograph) are likely to be tax deductions. Learn more about Tax Deductions for Support Workers.
If you’re already on Kynd, that’s exactly what our Support Worker Profiles offer.
Checklist: How to Find NDIS Clients
1. Word of Mouth
2. Internet Sites and Social Media
3. Online Support Worker Platforms
4. Local Online Business Directories
5. Get involved in NDIS Events
Word Of Mouth
The first thing you want to do to find new NDIS clients is to let your network know!
Make sure your friends and family know you are working as a Disability Support Worker and are looking for work—they might be able to help you make new connections, so don’t be shy and make sure you put your name out there.
Anyone you meet during your day-to-day could recommend you to someone they know, so make sure you take any opportunity to let people know you’re a Support Worker who has some availability and is looking to assist more NDIS Participants.
> Tip – Let your current NDIS clients know that you are looking for new clients, so they can also recommend you to their contacts! Current and past clients are a great source of referrals and people are more likely to get in touch if you are referred by someone they know. It helps build trust!
If you’ve got the time and expertise, there’s a variety of online channels you could use to promote yourself and your sole trader business:
All of these channels require a lot of upkeep, digital marketing expertise and a bit of upfront investment (looking at you, domain name and personal website fees…!).
Online Support Worker Platforms
Or alternatively, use Kynd and you’ll get help to connect directly with potential NDIS clients. It’s free to join and you’ll have a professional profile to use.
There are no upfront costs for Kynd; you can just set up with a profile, get verified quickly (if you meet the minimum standards), browse Job Posts by NDIS Participants, and build up your NDIS client base. This gives Participants and their Support Coordinators a high degree of trust in you, as you’ve been verified.
Kynd has the lowest fees of any platform – and our BYO solution!
Online Local Business Directories
Look around for online community noticeboards and directories. You might even be able to submit a listing on things like YellowPages, TrueLocal, Hotfrog, Yelp and more. Always be careful that you’re not sharing personal details like your address!
Find NDIS Clients at Local Events
With the growth of the NDIS, it pays to get involved in your local community. Attend events by the NDIS itself and other organisations. These are taking place more and more these days. It’s a great chance to meet Support Coordinators, Plan Managers, Participants, Providers and other independent Support Workers.
Building A New Network
Want to meet new NDIS clients who might need your help?
A good way to do that is to hang out in all the places where NDIS Participants tend to hang out. You can chat to people that your potential future clients are speaking with.
For example:
* Meet with NDIS Support Coordinators and NDIS Plan Managers;
* Visit Community Centres, who often host activities for people with a disability;
* Contact disability support services such as those offered by not-for-profits;
* Visit carer respite centres and carer groups; and,
* Get in touch with multicultural groups, church groups, RSLs, etc.
It’s also a good idea for you to meet with other NDIS Support Workers, as they might come across NDIS clients they can’t take on themselves (e.g. due to a schedule clash or not being the right fit) and they can recommend you instead.
Be sure to check out Kynd’s BYO Participant option also!
Keep Your Info Up To Date
Make sure you keep your details up to date. Whether it’s on your business card, online, on your Kynd profile… you want people to want your support services.
Ensure all the information you present is easy to read, has no spelling mistakes, and is professional so that people want to get in touch with you. Good luck!