How will you introduce your worker to their new job? Even experienced workers will need an introduction to your circumstances and needs. A good introduction will help make sure the worker is comfortable with the job and stays for as long as you need them. 

You may want to provide them with information before they start or you can provide it at your first meeting, for example:

• The position description for the role (they may already have this).
• Any other expectations you have of them that were not included in the position description. Here are some useful links you may want to provide:
  • The NDIS Code of Conduct sets out mandatory requirements to be met by all NDIS workers and service providers.
  • The NDIS Commission Orientation module ‘Quality, Safety and You’ – an introduction to working in the NDIS that they should complete before they start.
  • The NDIS Workforce Capability Framework – encourage the worker to look at the expected capabilities for the type of role they will be doing (for example General Support Work) so they have a clear idea of expected attitudes, skills, and knowledge.

You may want to set up an initial chat before your new worker starts. Here are some things you could cover:

• Any practical things they will need to know about what you want them to do and how you want them to support you.
• What they should know about any family, friends or other paid workers and providers in your support team they will be working with. Be clear about the relationship you want them to have with your broader support network (for example, a family member may be involved in training a new worker, but you expect them to check with you when providing support).
• Agree on how you will let them know how things are going, give them feedback and also hear from them about how they are finding the work.
• Exchange contact details and agree on the best way to communicate about things like unexpected changes in arrangements. 
   

Providing feedback to your worker on how things are going and hearing from them about how they are finding the work and any areas they are not sure of provides the basis for a good working relationship. It’s a good idea to discuss how you want to do this. For example, in addition to pointing things out as you go, you might want to set up a specific time every few months to have a discussion about what’s working well and any changes that are needed to nourish a positive working relationship.

Congratulations on reaching the end of your recruitment process! Remember to re-visit these tools and templates next time you need to recruit a new worker.