If you’re considering a career in individual support—whether in aged care or disability care—understanding the demand for jobs in Perth and Western Australia is crucial. The good news is that the demand for individual support workers in this region is not only strong but also growing. This article will provide you with the evidence, statistics, and insights you need to feel confident about pursuing a career in this essential industry.

Job Market Insights: Individual Support in Perth

The job market for individual support roles in Perth is robust, with numerous opportunities available across the city and the wider region. Popular job search platforms provide a clear picture of the current demand:

• SEEK: A search on SEEK, one of Australia’s leading job search platforms, shows 455 individual support jobs currently listed in Perth, WA, as of September 2024. This includes roles in both aged care and disability support.

• Jora: Another job search site, Jora, lists an even higher number, with 862 individual support jobs in Perth, WA, as of September 2024. This demonstrates a substantial need for qualified professionals in the area.

• Indeed: On a global platform like Indeed, a search specifically for Individual Support jobs in Western Australia brings up 186 job listings as of September 2024. This indicates that there is a targeted demand for individuals with this specific qualification.

The Growing Need for Disability Support Workers

The disability support sector in Western Australia is expanding, driven by both demographic factors and strategic initiatives. The Government of Western Australia’s State Disability Strategy 2020-2030 outlines the scale of the need:

• State Disability Strategy 2020-2030: “In Western Australia, there are around 411,500 people with disability.” This significant population requires ongoing support, creating a steady demand for disability support workers across the state.

• At Home Care: A Perth-based care provider, highlights that working as a Disability Support Worker is part of a “growing industry with opportunities for career progression and ongoing development.” This suggests not only demand but also potential for career growth in this field.

Aged Care: An Expanding Field with Numerous Opportunities

The aged care sector in Perth is another area where demand for individual support workers is high. As the population ages, more support is needed to care for older Australians, both in residential settings and through in-home care services.

• Brightwater Group: This organisation operates nine permanent residential aged care homes across Perth, providing numerous opportunities for individual support workers.

• CareCareers: This job platform lists eight organisations that regularly have vacancies for aged and community care jobs in Perth, including some of the biggest names in the industry like Amana Living, Avivo, and Opal Aged Care. This underscores the ongoing need for skilled workers in this sector.