What happens at a meet and greet with a support worker?
Short answer
A meet and greet is a short, relaxed first meeting between you and a possible support worker before any supports begin. You talk about your routines, needs and interests, ask questions and get a feel for each other. Afterwards you decide whether to go ahead, and you can ask to meet someone else instead.
Letting a new person into your home and your daily routine is a big step. A meet and greet gives you the chance to see who that person is before they start helping you.
This guide walks through what usually happens, who should come along, how to prepare and what to do if the first match does not feel right.
What is a meet and greet, and why does it happen before supports start?
A meet and greet is an informal first meeting between a participant and a support worker, held before any paid supports start. Think of it as a friendly conversation. Nobody is testing or assessing you.
The purpose is simple: you and the worker get to know each other a little. You can share what matters to you, hear about the worker's experience and interests, and notice how comfortable you feel in their company.
It happens first so you can choose your worker with real information, instead of meeting a stranger on day one. Under the NDIS you have choice and control over who supports you.
It also helps the worker. Meeting you first means they understand your routines, communication style and preferences before the first shift, so the early weeks go more smoothly.
Support can be personal. A worker may help with showering, cooking, getting out into the community or keeping your home in order. Feeling at ease with that person makes a real difference to how the support works.
A good first meeting also lays the groundwork for consistency. If you like the worker from the start, you are more likely to keep the same person over time. Our article on why consistency matters explains why that helps.
Where does a meet and greet take place, and how long does it take?
Most meet and greets happen wherever you feel most comfortable, often your own home, and usually take around 30 minutes to an hour. Some people prefer a neutral spot such as a quiet cafe, a library or a local park.
Choose a place that suits you. If loud or busy spaces are tiring, a calm room at home might be best. If you would rather not have someone in your home yet, a public place is a sensible choice. Some meetings can also happen by video call when meeting in person is hard to arrange.
There is no fixed length, and the meeting can end whenever you have what you need. Keep it relaxed. You do not need to cover everything in one go. The aim is to get a sense of the person, not to plan every detail of your support.
Who should be at the meet and greet?
The participant should be there, along with anyone who helps them make decisions or feel comfortable. That might be a family member, carer, nominee, guardian or support coordinator.
- The participant. This is your support, so your views come first, even if someone else does most of the talking.
- Family or carers. They can share practical details, like routines or what tends to help on a hard day.
- A nominee or guardian. If someone makes decisions with you or for you, they should be part of the conversation.
- A support coordinator. If you have one, they can help ask questions and connect the meeting to your NDIS plan.
A provider staff member may also come to introduce everyone and answer questions about rostering or paperwork.
What should you prepare before the meeting?
Spend a few minutes thinking about what you want from your support and what you want to know about the worker. A short list on paper or your phone helps.
- Your regular days and times for support.
- Your goals, such as cooking more meals or getting to a weekly class.
- How you like to communicate, including any language or cultural preferences.
- Things you enjoy, and things that make you uncomfortable or anxious.
- Any important routines, like how you like your mornings to run.
You do not need to share private details you are not ready to share. You can always tell the worker more once trust builds.
Some useful questions to ask include:
- What kind of support have you given before?
- What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
- Are you available on the days and times I need?
- How would you let me know if you are running late or unwell?
- How do you like to be told if something is not working?
For a longer list, see our guide to questions to ask a support worker.
What happens after the meet and greet?
After the meeting, you decide whether you want to go ahead with that worker. If you do, the next steps are usually the service agreement and the roster.
A service agreement sets out the supports you will receive, the cost, how changes and cancellations work and how to raise concerns. Read it carefully, and ask questions about anything that is unclear before you sign.
The roster sets out when your worker will come. Check that it matches your regular days and times, and ask who will cover if your worker is sick or on leave. If transport is part of your support, our guide on whether a support worker can drive you covers what to agree on.
What if the worker does not feel right?
If the worker does not feel right, you can ask your provider to introduce someone else. You do not have to explain every reason, and you should not feel pressured to say yes.
Sometimes the feeling is clear straight away. Other times it is a small thing, like a mismatch in personality, pace or communication style. Both are valid reasons to keep looking. Saying so early is kinder for everyone than starting supports that feel uncomfortable.
For example, someone who prefers a quiet, calm worker might meet a lively, chatty person and realise it would wear them out. Asking for a different match is a normal part of finding the right support.
How does Enrichment Care arrange a meet and greet?
Enrichment Care sends you worker profiles first, then arranges a meet and greet with the worker you choose before supports begin. We match on language, culture, personality, interests and care needs.
If the match is not right after meeting, tell us and we will look at other workers. To get started, visit find your support worker or call us on 1300 543 123.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to pay for a meet and greet?
This depends on the provider, so ask before you book. Some providers do not charge for an introductory meeting, while others may treat it as a support. Any charge should be clear and agreed before the meeting happens.
Can I meet more than one support worker?
Yes, you can ask to meet more than one worker if you want to compare. Some people like to meet two people before deciding. Others are happy once they meet someone who feels right.
Can a family member go to the meet and greet without me?
It is best if the participant is there, because the worker is supporting you. If you cannot attend, a family member or nominee can meet the worker first and you can meet them yourself later before supports start.
What if I feel nervous about meeting someone new?
Feeling nervous is completely normal. Bring someone you trust, choose a place where you feel comfortable and keep the meeting short. You can also write down a few questions beforehand so you do not have to think on the spot.
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 5 October 2026.
