How do I even start?
TLDR: Melbourne. I want to get into support work but have no qualifications and no ideas where to start. Should I study or learn through volunteering?
I am 20s F with NO experience in support work, I’ve struggled with mental health myself but other than that no proper experiences with dealing with mental illness or disabilities. I just know that I love people and I want to work in this field.
I’m thinking about studying because I tried to get a job in support work but nowhere wanted to take me without any experience.
If anyone has any insight for any of the following;
How did you get into support work and how easy was it?
What courses in Melbourne to avoid or are pointless?
What does an average day on the job look like?
What skills do I need before I start taking in clients?
What company’s should I avoid?
What questions should I even be asking?
Do I have to study to get a job or do most people just learn through volunteer work and if so how long until you felt comfortable taking your own clients?
For more context I am looking to work with any age groups and demographic but less inclined to work in aged care, my passion is more for younger teens and children with mental health and disabilities. I’m not wanting to wipe butts or anything just yet but in a few years once I get the hang of one side of support work I’ll definitely start taking clients who need extra assistance, I just want way more experience before I begin offering that kind of care.
I’m just at such a crossroads right now I have no idea how to even start this.
Any advice or wisdom is highly appreciated 🙏🙏🙏