Finding NDIS clients can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re just starting out as a support worker or launching a new provider business. The good news? With over 600,000 NDIS participants across Australia actively seeking quality support, there’s no shortage of opportunity—you just need to know where to look and how to stand out.

This comprehensive guide covers every proven method for finding NDIS clients in 2025, from optimizing your platform profiles to building relationships with Support Coordinators who can refer participants directly to you.

Understanding the NDIS Client Landscape in 2025

Before diving into strategies, it’s important to understand how NDIS participants find their support workers and providers:

How Participants Find Support	Percentage
Online platforms (Mable, Hireup, etc.)	35%
Support Coordinator referrals	25%
Word of mouth	20%
Google/online search	12%
Community organisations	8%

Source: Industry estimates based on participant surveys and platform data

The NDIS operates on a choice and control model, meaning participants choose their own providers. This is great news for independent support workers and smaller providers—you’re competing on service quality, not just size.

Method 1: Online Support Worker Platforms

Online platforms are the fastest way to connect with NDIS participants actively looking for support. Here are the major platforms you should be on:

Mable

What it is: Australia’s largest platform connecting support workers with NDIS participants and aged care clients.

How it works:

Create a free profile showcasing your skills and experience
Set your own hourly rates
Participants search for workers in their area and contact you directly
Mable takes a small service fee from bookings

Tips for success on Mable:

Use a professional, friendly photo (profiles with photos get 7x more enquiries)
Write a detailed bio highlighting your experience with specific disabilities
List all relevant qualifications and clearances
Respond to enquiries within 2 hours when possible
Ask satisfied clients for reviews

Typical rates on Mable: $35-$55/hour depending on experience and support type

Hireup

What it is: A platform focused specifically on disability support, known for its user-friendly interface.

How it works:

Apply to become a verified support worker
Complete their onboarding training
Build your profile with availability and service areas
Get matched with participants based on preferences

Hireup requirements:

NDIS Worker Screening Check
First Aid Certificate (HLTAID011)
Working With Children Check (if supporting under 18s)
Proof of COVID-19 vaccination

Other Platforms to Consider

Platform	Best For	Fee Structure
Like Family	Social support, companionship	Commission-based
Better Caring	Support coordination connections	Subscription
Careseekers	Aged care crossover	Commission-based
Find a Carer	Direct participant connections	Free listings

Optimizing Your Platform Profile

Your profile is your first impression. Here’s what makes a profile stand out:

Must-haves:

✅ Professional headshot (smiling, good lighting)
✅ Detailed description of your experience
✅ Specific disability experience mentioned
✅ All qualifications listed with verification
✅ Clear availability and service areas
✅ Competitive but fair pricing

Profile bio example:

“Hi, I’m Sarah! I’ve been supporting NDIS participants for 5 years, specialising in autism support, community access, and daily living assistance. I’m patient, reliable, and genuinely passionate about helping people achieve their goals. I have experience with non-verbal communication methods, sensory processing support, and building independence skills. I’m available weekdays in the Melbourne Eastern suburbs and love getting out into the community—whether that’s going to the gym, shopping, or just grabbing a coffee.”

Method 2: Building Relationships with Support Coordinators

Support Coordinators and Local Area Coordinators (LACs) are goldmines for client referrals. They work directly with participants to implement their plans and often need to find quality support workers.

Why Support Coordinators Matter

They manage multiple participants’ plans
They’re constantly looking for reliable workers
One good relationship can lead to 5-10+ client referrals
They can vouch for your services to participants

How to Connect with Support Coordinators

1. Direct outreach:

Research Support Coordination providers in your area
Send a professional email introducing yourself
Offer to meet for coffee to discuss how you can help their clients
Follow up (politely) if you don’t hear back

Email template:

Subject: Experienced Support Worker Available - [Your Area]

Hi [Name],

I’m reaching out as an experienced NDIS support worker looking to connect with Support Coordinators in [area]. I specialise in [your specialties] and have availability for new clients.

I’d love to briefly introduce myself and learn more about the participants you support. Would you have 15 minutes for a coffee or phone call?

I’ve attached my resume and can provide references from current participants.

Best regards, [Your name]

2. Networking events:

Attend NDIS provider forums and expos
Join local disability sector networking groups
Participate in NDS (National Disability Services) events

3. Professional associations:

Australian Services Union (ASU)
Health Services Union (HSU)
Local business chambers

Building Long-Term Relationships

Once you connect with a Support Coordinator:

Deliver exceptional service to any referred clients
Communicate proactively about participant progress
Be flexible and reliable
Send thank-you notes for referrals
Keep them updated on your availability

A strong online presence helps participants (and their families) find and trust you.

Facebook Groups

Facebook groups are incredibly active in the NDIS space. Join and participate in:

NDIS Support Workers Australia (general discussion)
NDIS Participants and Families (understand participant perspectives)
[Your City] NDIS Community (local connections)
Support Workers Connect (peer networking)

Best practices:

Don’t spam with ads—provide genuine value
Answer questions when you can help
Share your expertise without being salesy
Wait until you’re established before mentioning availability

Google Business Profile

If you’re operating as a sole trader or business, set up a Google Business Profile:

Go to business.google.com
Create your profile with your service area
Add photos, services, and business hours
Ask satisfied clients for Google reviews
Respond to all reviews professionally

Why it matters: When participants Google “NDIS support worker near me,” a well-optimised profile can appear in local results.

LinkedIn is underutilised in the disability sector but valuable for:

Connecting with Support Coordinators and Plan Managers
Showcasing your professional credentials
Sharing industry insights
Being found by provider organisations hiring

Building a Simple Website

A basic website adds credibility and helps you appear in Google searches:

What to include:

About you and your experience
Services you offer
Service areas
Testimonials (with permission)
Contact form
Your qualifications and clearances

Cost-effective options:

Wix or Squarespace: $15-25/month
WordPress with hosting: $10-20/month
Canva website builder: Free-$15/month

Method 4: Community Networking

Some of the best client relationships come from face-to-face community connections.

Where to Network

Disability-specific:

Local disability support groups
Autism associations and events
Cerebral Palsy Alliance activities
Down Syndrome Australia chapters
Mental health peer support groups

Community organisations:

Local council disability services
Community health centres
Neighbourhood houses
Libraries with accessible programs
Recreation centres

Healthcare connections:

Allied health practices (OTs, physios, speech therapists)
GP clinics in your area
Hospital discharge planners
Rehabilitation centres

Making the Most of Networking

Do:

Bring business cards
Listen more than you talk
Follow up within 48 hours
Offer value before asking for referrals
Be genuinely interested in the work

Don’t:

Be pushy or desperate
Promise services you can’t deliver
Speak negatively about competitors
Forget to follow up

Method 5: Word of Mouth and Referrals

Word of mouth remains one of the most powerful ways to find clients. Happy participants tell their friends, families, and support networks.

Encouraging Referrals

Ask at the right time:

After achieving a goal together
When a participant expresses satisfaction
During regular review conversations

How to ask:

“I really enjoy working with you, and I’m looking to support a few more participants. If you know anyone looking for a support worker, I’d be grateful if you’d pass on my details.”

Make it easy:

Provide business cards they can share
Create a simple one-page flyer
Offer to meet potential clients for a no-obligation chat

Building a Referral Network

Create relationships with other support workers who can refer overflow clients:

Workers with full schedules who get enquiries
Workers in different geographic areas
Workers with different specialties

Reciprocity matters: If someone refers to you, look for opportunities to refer back to them.

Method 6: Registering with Provider Organisations

If you’re not ready to go fully independent, registering with established NDIS providers gives you access to their client base.

Benefits of Working with Providers

Steady stream of clients
Administrative support
Training opportunities
Less marketing effort required
Guaranteed minimum hours (sometimes)

Finding Providers to Work With

Large national providers:

Life Without Barriers
Endeavour Foundation
House With No Steps
Afford
Aruma

Smaller local providers often offer:

More flexibility
Higher pay rates
Closer client relationships
Less bureaucracy

How to apply:

Check provider websites for job listings
Send speculative applications with your resume
Attend provider recruitment events
Network with current staff

Method 7: Specialisation and Niche Marketing

Standing out in a crowded market often means specialising.

High-Demand Specialisations

Specialisation	Why It’s In Demand	Additional Training
Autism support	Growing diagnosis rates	Autism-specific courses
Complex behaviours	Few workers trained	Restrictive practices cert
SIL/SDA support	24/7 care needs	Group home experience
Mental health	Psychosocial stream growth	Mental health first aid
High physical support	Manual handling needs	Hoisting certification
LGBTQIA+ affirming	Community seeking safe workers	Cultural competency training

Building Your Specialty

Get additional training in your chosen area
Gain experience (volunteer if needed initially)
Update all profiles to highlight your specialty
Join specialty-specific networks and groups
Create content demonstrating your expertise

Marketing Your Specialty

Profile example (autism specialist):

“Autism Support Specialist with 6+ years experience. I’m trained in SPELL framework, visual supports, and sensory processing strategies. I’ve supported participants from age 5 to 45, in home, school, and community settings. I understand that every autistic person is unique, and I pride myself on person-centred, strengths-based support.”

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Underpricing Your Services

Research market rates in your area
Factor in your qualifications and experience
Remember: travel time, admin, and tax obligations
Cheap rates can signal low quality to participants

2. Poor Communication

Respond to enquiries quickly (within 24 hours max)
Be clear about availability and services
Follow through on commitments
Keep participants informed of any changes

3. Neglecting Professional Development

Stay current with NDIS changes
Maintain required certifications
Seek feedback and improve
Join professional networks for learning

4. Not Having Proper Documentation

Essential documents:

NDIS Worker Screening Check
Working With Children Check (if applicable)
First Aid Certificate (HLTAID011)
CPR refresher (annual)
Professional indemnity insurance
Public liability insurance
ABN (if sole trader)

5. Ignoring Online Reviews

Actively ask for reviews on platforms
Respond professionally to all feedback
Address negative reviews constructively
Showcase positive testimonials

Setting Yourself Up for Success

Your Action Plan

Week 1:

Create profiles on Mable and Hireup
Ensure all clearances are current
Write your professional bio
Get a professional headshot

Week 2-4:

Research Support Coordinators in your area
Send 5-10 introduction emails
Join 3-5 relevant Facebook groups
Set up Google Business Profile

Month 2:

Attend a networking event
Ask current clients for referrals
Follow up with Support Coordinator contacts
Review and optimise platform profiles based on enquiries

Ongoing:

Respond to enquiries within 24 hours
Ask every happy client for a review
Maintain professional development
Nurture Support Coordinator relationships

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to build a full client load?

Most support workers report taking 3-6 months to build a sustainable client base. This varies based on your location, specialisation, and marketing effort. Metro areas typically offer more opportunities but also more competition.

Do I need to be a registered NDIS provider to find clients?

No. As an individual support worker, you don’t need to be a registered provider. Participants can use you as an unregistered provider for most supports if their plan is self-managed or plan-managed. However, some participants with NDIA-managed plans can only use registered providers.

How much should I charge as an NDIS support worker?

The NDIS Price Guide sets maximum rates. As of 2024-25:

Weekday daytime: $67.56/hour (Level 2)
Saturday: $94.86/hour
Sunday: $122.16/hour
Public holidays: $149.46/hour

Your actual rate will depend on how you’re engaged (through a platform, provider, or direct).

Should I specialise or be a generalist?

Both approaches work. Specialists often command higher rates and attract clients seeking specific expertise. Generalists have more flexibility and potential client pool. Consider starting broad and specialising as you discover what you enjoy and excel at.

How do I handle participants who are difficult to work with?

Set clear boundaries from the start, communicate openly about expectations, and don’t be afraid to end relationships that aren’t working. Your wellbeing matters. If safety is a concern, seek support from your network or the provider organisation.

Get Started with MD Home Care

Finding NDIS clients takes effort, but the rewards—both financial and personal—are significant. The disability support sector offers meaningful work with real impact on people’s lives.

If you’re a support worker looking for opportunities, MD Home Care is always seeking skilled, passionate workers to join our network. We offer:

Flexible scheduling that works around your life
Competitive pay rates across all support types
Ongoing training and professional development
Supportive team environment
Variety of participants across Melbourne

Whether you’re newly qualified or highly experienced, we’d love to hear from you.

Contact MD Home Care today to learn about support worker opportunities, or call us on (03) XXXX XXXX for a confidential chat about joining our team.

Looking for NDIS support as a participant? We also provide high-quality support services across Melbourne. Learn more about our services or get in touch to discuss your needs.

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