Foundations for Being a Great Support Worker: Why the Right Start Matters
At Flying Kites, we often say that the right support person can change your world. A huge part of our work is our Personalised Recruitment Support Service, where we do the "heavy lifting" to help disabled people and whānau find staff who aren't just skilled, but are the perfect personality fit.
But we noticed a missing piece of the puzzle.
Often, people enter support work with a lot of heart but very little orientation to how the disability system actually works in Aotearoa. On the flip side, employers want to hire people who already "get it" -- people who understand the Social Model of Disability and the importance of self-determination.
That's why we ran a free four-session online series: Foundations for Being a Great Support Worker. The series has now wrapped, but all four sessions are available to watch on YouTube at your own pace.
Bridging the Gap Between Training and Recruitment
This wasn't just another training course. It was a direct link to the way we recruit.
When we help someone find a support worker, we look for candidates who understand that the best support starts with the disabled person leading the way. These sessions were designed to give you that exact mindset.
- For aspiring workers: These sessions make you a stand-out candidate for the roles we recruit for.
- For current workers: They cover the professional boundaries and communication tools that turn a job into a career.
- For employers: They're a resource you can point new hires toward to make sure they have the right foundations from day one.
What We Covered
The series ran across four practical sessions -- click any link to watch:
- Session 1: What is Support Work? -- Unpacking the day-to-day reality and key ideas like Enabling Good Lives (EGL).
- Session 2: Your Communication Kete -- Building a basket of skills to navigate different styles and tricky situations.
- Session 3: Beyond the Shift -- Getting clear on boundaries, trust, and how your growth links to pay equity.
- Session 4: Getting the Job -- What employers are really looking for, and how Flying Kites can support you into the right role.
The People Behind the Series
These sessions were facilitated by the Flying Kites team, drawing on over 15 years of experience in disability support and recruitment. Because we are actively recruiting for roles across Aotearoa every day, we know exactly what makes a support worker great in the eyes of the people they support.
A special thanks to our student intern Olivia, whose enthusiasm and drive were the spark that got this project off the ground and kept it moving. We couldn't have done it without her.
Ready to watch?
Whether you're looking for your first role or you're a seasoned support worker looking to sharpen your skills, we'd love for you to watch the series.
If you're an employer looking for help finding the right staff, contact us to learn more about our Personalised Recruitment Support Services.