Personal & Professional Services

Disability Team Leader

SOC 31-1131.00 · ESCO 5322 · OSCA 422232

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Role snapshot

Overview

Leads a team of disability support workers, coordinating rosters, supervising care delivery, and liaising with families and allied health professionals to ensure participants' goals are met. This role involves managing daily operations, supporting staff, and ensuring compliance with care plans and regulatory standards.

Empowers individuals with disabilities to achieve their personal goals and live fulfilling lives by ensuring high-quality, coordinated support services are delivered effectively and compassionately.

On the job

  • Develop and manage staff rosters, ensuring adequate coverage for support services.
  • Supervise, train, and mentor disability support workers, providing ongoing feedback and professional development.
  • Oversee the implementation of individualised care plans, making adjustments as needed in consultation with participants and their families.
  • Liaise with participants, families, allied health professionals, and other stakeholders to facilitate integrated support.
  • Manage administrative tasks including record-keeping, incident reporting, and budget oversight for team operations.
Disability Team Leader at work

Tools & technology

Rostering software (e.g., Deputy, When I Work)Client management systems (e.g., Salesforce, CareMaster)Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook)Communication platforms (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Zoom)Incident reporting software

Average salary

$75K
MEDIAN SALARY Annual · USD
$55K Bottom 10%
$95K Top 10%

Job outlook

Growing

Job growth is expected to be above average over the next five years.

Education & training

A certificate or diploma in disability support, community services, or a related field is typically required, with a bachelor's degree often preferred for leadership roles.

Career pathways

WHERE YOU COULD GO

Disability Services Manager
Program Coordinator (Disability)

CURRENT ROLE

Disability Team Leader

Personal & Professional Services

ADJACENT MOVES

Case Manager
Disability Support Worker
Community Support Worker
Case Worker

STARTING POINTS

Who thrives here

Interest profile

S

social · SRC

Individuals who are highly social, enjoy practical problem-solving, and are organised and methodical in their approach to coordinating care will thrive in this leadership role.

Personality characteristics

Organised

Manages complex rosters, care plans, and administrative tasks with precision and reliability.

Empathetic

Connects genuinely with participants, families, and staff, understanding their needs and concerns.

Communicative

Clearly conveys information, provides feedback, and mediates discussions effectively with diverse stakeholders.

Resilient

Maintains composure and effectiveness when navigating challenging situations or unexpected changes in care delivery.

Practical

Applies a common-sense approach to problem-solving and service coordination in real-world settings.

Collaborative

Works effectively with a team of support workers and external professionals to achieve shared goals.

Best for

  • Individuals passionate about empowering people with disabilities and leading a team to deliver high-quality care.
  • Those who thrive in dynamic environments requiring both administrative oversight and direct human interaction.
  • Professionals who are organised, empathetic, and skilled at coordinating multiple moving parts.

Watch out for

  • The role can be emotionally demanding, requiring resilience and strong coping mechanisms.
  • Managing complex rosters and diverse staff personalities requires excellent organisational and conflict resolution skills.

A week in the life

A representative working week for a Disability Team Leader — where the deep work, meetings, and admin actually land.

8am9am10am11am12pm1pm2pm3pm4pm5pm6pm
Mon
Team Huddle & Handover
Roster Management & Staffing Updates
Care Plan Review & Updates
Liaison with Allied Health Professionals
Tue
Individual Staff Check-ins / Supervision
On-site Visit: Participant Home Assessment
Incident Reporting & Follow-up
Wed
Team Training Session (e.g., New Policies)
Budget Monitoring & Resource Allocation
Family Consultation Meeting
Thu
Documentation & Compliance Checks
Recruitment & Onboarding Planning
Fri
Weekly Progress Reporting
Team Debrief & Planning for Next Week
Professional Development / Research
Deep work Meeting External Social Admin

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