Audio Coursesby JellypodLesson 14 of 26
Overview
Will, EnableUs Community: Alright, welcome back to the EnableUs Community Podcast! I’m Will, and I’m here with Winter. Today, we’re diving into a topic that, honestly, comes up in almost every conversation I have with NDIS providers—where are the best workers actually looking for jobs? Because, let’s be real, the old ways just aren’t cutting it anymore.
Winter, EnableUs Community: Yeah, absolutely. I mean, we’ve all been there, right? You spend ages crafting the perfect job ad, you chuck it up on Seek or Indeed, and then... crickets. Or worse, you get a flood of applications, but none of them are actually a good fit for the role or your organisation’s values.
Will, EnableUs Community: Exactly! And it’s not just about the numbers. These mainstream job boards—Seek, Indeed, even some of the big agencies—they’re so oversaturated now. Your ad is just one of hundreds, and unless you’re paying top dollar for those premium spots, it’s easy to get lost in the noise. I remember running a campaign on Seek for a remote support worker role. We paid for the ad, boosted it, did all the right things... and not a single applicant was suitable. Not one! It was just a waste of time and money.
Winter, EnableUs Community: And it’s not just about cost, either. There’s this real mismatch between what we’re looking for in NDIS—people who are values-driven, who genuinely care about making a difference—and the kind of candidates who are trawling those big job boards. A lot of the best support workers I’ve met actually find jobs through word of mouth or more niche channels, not the mainstream sites.
Will, EnableUs Community: Yeah, and I think that’s something we touched on in Episode 3, when we talked about advertising platforms. But it’s even more obvious now—if you’re relying only on Seek or Indeed, you’re just competing with every other provider and agency out there. It’s a race to the bottom, and you’re not even reaching the people who are passionate about this work.
Winter, EnableUs Community: And don’t even get me started on generic recruitment agencies. They’re expensive, and honestly, most of them don’t really get the NDIS space. They just don’t understand what makes a great support worker or how important cultural fit is for our participants.
Will, EnableUs Community: Totally. So, if the mainstream channels aren’t working, where are the best NDIS workers actually hanging out? Let’s get into that.
Winter, EnableUs Community: So, this is where things get interesting. Some of the most passionate, skilled support workers I’ve met are finding jobs in places you might not expect—like Facebook groups. There are groups like ‘NDIS Support Worker Jobs’ for different cities and states, and they’re absolutely buzzing with activity. People post jobs, share tips, and connect directly. It’s way more personal than a job board.
Will, EnableUs Community: Yeah, and it’s not just Facebook. There are platforms like Mable and Hireup, which are basically built for the NDIS sector. Workers on there are verified, you can see their experience, their availability, even their hourly rates. It’s perfect if you need someone for a casual shift or want to test out a working relationship before making a permanent hire.
Winter, EnableUs Community: Exactly. And don’t forget about TAFEs and community colleges. I actually had this experience last year—we had a last-minute vacancy, and I reached out to our local TAFE’s Cert III coordinator. Within a couple of days, we had a student who was super keen, had all the right values, and was looking for hands-on experience. She ended up being one of our best hires. Building those relationships with training providers is honestly a game-changer.
Will, EnableUs Community: That’s such a good point. And it’s not just about filling a gap, either. These students are often looking for their first real job in the sector, so they’re eager, they want to learn, and they’re open to mentoring. If you can offer a bit of training or a pathway to progression, you’ll have people lining up for your roles.
Winter, EnableUs Community: And then there are the industry-specific job boards—EthicalJobs, Pro Bono Australia, CommunityCareJobs. These sites attract people who are already values-aligned, who want to work in community-focused roles. You’re not just getting someone who needs a job, you’re getting someone who wants to make a difference.
Will, EnableUs Community: Yeah, and I think that’s something we’ve seen over and over—when you go where the passionate people are, you get better results. And don’t underestimate the power of referrals, either. Sometimes your best new hire is a friend or family member of someone already on your team or even a participant. Those connections are built on trust, and that’s gold in this sector.
Winter, EnableUs Community: Absolutely. And, you know, as we talked about in Episode 1, building those grassroots networks is what really sets you apart. It’s not just about filling a vacancy, it’s about building a community around your organisation.
Will, EnableUs Community: So, let’s talk about how to actually attract those passionate candidates. It starts with your job ad. If you’re just listing tasks and requirements, you’re missing the mark. You need to lead with purpose—why does this role matter, what impact will the person have, and what’s unique about your organisation?
Winter, EnableUs Community: Yeah, and don’t be afraid to show your values. If you care about inclusion, connection, and community, say it! People want to work somewhere that aligns with their own beliefs. And be specific—mention the type of participant, the flexibility you offer, and what makes your team special. It’s about making people feel like they belong before they even apply.
Will, EnableUs Community: And then there’s the power of referrals. I know a provider in rural Victoria who built their whole team through participant referrals and by being super active in local Facebook groups. They offered a small bonus for successful staff recommendations, and it just snowballed. The team was tight-knit, everyone shared the same values, and the participants felt genuinely supported because they’d had a say in who joined the team.
Winter, EnableUs Community: That’s such a great example. And it really shows that recruitment isn’t just about filling a roster—it’s about building a culture. When you focus on purpose, community, and those grassroots connections, you attract people who want to stick around and make a difference. And that’s what leads to better outcomes for participants and a stronger, more resilient organisation.
Will, EnableUs Community: Couldn’t agree more. So, if you’re listening and feeling stuck with your recruitment, maybe it’s time to try something different. Get out there, connect with your community, and don’t be afraid to show what makes your organisation special.
Winter, EnableUs Community: That’s it from us for today. Thanks for tuning in, and we hope you picked up a few ideas to help you find those amazing NDIS workers. We’ll be back soon with more tips and stories from the EnableUs Community. Will, always a pleasure!
Will, EnableUs Community: Thanks Winter, and thanks everyone for listening. Catch you next time!
