Employing your own staff

A guide for people with disability and their families who choose the self-directed option of directly employing and managing their own support workers. It provides a crucial step-by-step framework for the new employer, covering everything from strategically designing staff roles, to writing job descriptions, advertising, conducting interviews and managing ongoing staff training.

The guide frames this model as a pathway to achieving maximum choice and control over the support received which often leads to better personal outcomes compared to relying on generic disability services. The overarching goal is for the support to be directly aligned with the individual's aspirations, assisting the person to achieve their goals, follow their dreams and take up valued roles and contributions within their community. It emphasises that this choice empowers individuals to hire staff who truly align with their values, interests and aspirations. It also highlights that becoming an employer entails significant legal and administrative responsibilities.