What questions should you ask a support worker before they start?
Short answer
Before a support worker starts, ask about their experience with needs like yours, their NDIS Worker Screening Check, the languages they speak, their availability, who covers when they are sick, how they will communicate with you and what boundaries they keep. A meet and greet is the best time to ask.
Why should you ask questions at a meet and greet?
Asking questions at a meet and greet helps you decide whether a support worker is the right fit before they start working in your home or life.
A support worker may help with very personal tasks and spend many hours with you each week. It makes sense to feel confident about them first.
You can ask the worker directly, ask the provider, or both. Bring a family member or friend if that helps. The questions below are grouped so you can pick the ones that matter most to you.
What should you ask about experience and skills?
Ask about the worker's experience with people who have similar needs to yours, and about the supports you most want help with.
- Have you supported someone with needs like mine before?
- Which tasks are you most comfortable with, such as personal care, cooking or community outings?
- Have you done any training relevant to my support needs?
- How do you help someone learn a skill instead of just doing it for them?
- What do you enjoy most about this work?
If you have specific needs, you might also look at our pages on disability support to see the kinds of support available.
What screening checks should a support worker have?
Workers in risk-assessed roles must hold an NDIS Worker Screening Check. You can ask the provider to confirm this before supports begin.
Questions about checks and safety:
- Do you have a current NDIS Worker Screening Check?
- Do you hold a current first aid certificate?
- Do you have a driver's licence and insured car, if I need transport?
- How do you report an incident or a concern about my safety?
A provider should be happy to answer these questions clearly. If they seem unsure or avoid the question, that is useful information too.
It also helps to ask the provider what happens if you raise a complaint. You should know who to contact and be told you will not be treated differently for speaking up.
What should you ask about language and culture?
Ask whether the worker speaks your preferred language and understands the cultural or faith practices that matter to you.
- What languages do you speak?
- Are you comfortable cooking food that follows my dietary rules?
- Can you work around my prayer times or religious days?
- How would you show respect to my family and elders?
Our article on culturally appropriate support covers this in more depth.
What should you ask about availability and consistency?
Ask which days and times the worker can do regularly, and what happens if they are sick, on leave or move on.
- Which days and times can you commit to each week?
- Can you do early mornings, evenings or weekends if I need them?
- What happens if you are sick or running late?
- Who will cover your shifts, and will I meet them first?
- How much notice will I get if my regular worker changes?
Regular workers who know your routine make a big difference. Read more in why consistency matters in disability support.
What should you ask about communication and boundaries?
Ask how the worker will keep in touch with you, how they will handle feedback and which professional boundaries they keep.
- How should I contact you or the provider about a change?
- Will you tell me before you do something during personal care?
- How would you like me to give feedback if something is not working?
- Do you use your phone during shifts, and when?
- Will you keep my personal information private?
- What will you do if I ask for something outside your role?
Clear boundaries protect both of you. A good worker will be friendly and warm while still keeping the relationship professional.
For example, a worker should not accept large gifts, lend or borrow money, or share your details on social media. If a worker explains these limits openly, it is usually a good sign that they take their role seriously.
Is there a printable checklist you can take along?
Yes. Here is a short version of the key questions you can copy, print or save on your phone.
- Have you supported someone with needs like mine?
- Do you have a current NDIS Worker Screening Check and first aid?
- What languages do you speak?
- Which days and times can you do every week?
- What happens if you are sick, and who covers?
- How will we communicate about changes?
- How do you handle feedback?
- Which boundaries do you keep at work?
Tick off each answer and jot down how you felt during the conversation. Your gut feeling is part of the decision too.
Notice the small things as well. Did the worker speak to you directly, listen without rushing and treat your home with respect? These habits often matter as much as experience.
You do not have to decide on the spot. It is fine to take a day or two, talk it over with family and then let the provider know your choice.
How does Enrichment Care help you choose a worker?
Enrichment Care sends you worker profiles before you choose, then arranges a meet and greet so you can ask these questions in person before supports start.
We match on language, culture, personality, interests and care needs, with workers from more than 30 cultural and minority backgrounds. To start, find your support worker or call 1300 543 123.
Frequently asked questions
Is a meet and greet charged to my NDIS plan?
That depends on the provider and what is written in your service agreement. Ask before you book so there are no surprises. Many people find a short meeting before supports begin is well worth arranging.
What if I do not feel comfortable with a worker after a few shifts?
You can ask your provider for a different worker at any time. You do not need a detailed reason. A good provider will listen, arrange a new match and introduce you before the change happens.
Can I ask to see a worker's screening check?
You can ask the provider to confirm that a worker holds a current NDIS Worker Screening Check. Providers must make sure workers in risk-assessed roles have a valid clearance before they start.
Should a family member come to the meet and greet?
If you would like support, yes. A family member, friend or advocate can help you ask questions and remember answers. Just make sure the worker speaks directly to you, as you are the one making the choice.
This article is general information, not advice about your plan. NDIS rules and price limits change, so check ndis.gov.au or talk to your NDIS contact for current details. Last reviewed 1 October 2026.
