Allied Health Assistant or Support Worker?
Both are local, verified workers. One question decides which you need: is a therapist setting your goals?
The difference at a glance
Same matching, same checks, same team behind them. The goal and who guides the work are what change.
Allied Health AssistantSupport Worker
| Allied Health Assistant | Support Worker | |
|---|---|---|
| Helps with | Practising your therapy program | Everyday life, routines and the community |
| Who guides the work | A therapy plan set by your Allied Health Professional | A service plan you agree with us |
| Therapist needed | Yes, and we can help you find one | No |
| Before the first session | A Team Meeting with your therapist and a handover | Agree the service plan |
| Minimum session | 1.5 hours2 hours on public holidays | 2 hours |
| Price | $86.79 per hourSame rate every day | From $73.58 per hourWeekday rate. See all rates |
| Usually funded by (NDIS) | Capacity Building | Core Supports |
| Background | Allied health students and graduates, or a Certificate III or IV in Allied Health Assistance | A wider range of backgrounds, screened and trained by Fora |
Funding depends on your plan. TAC, private and aged care funding are quoted directly.
What it looks like in a week
Two examples, so you can picture the difference.
Allied Health Assistant
Mia’s OT has set a goal: getting ready for school on her own. Her AHA practises the steps with her at home, twice a week.
- MondayOT sets the plan and the steps to practise
- TuesdayAHA session at home, 1.5 hours
- ThursdayAHA session, then notes for the OT
- Every 6 weeksOT reviews progress and updates the plan
Support Worker
Sam wants to get out more. His Support Worker helps with the weekly shop and a swim at the local pool.
- WednesdayHelp with the evening routine, 2 hours
- SaturdayWeekly shop, then the pool, 3 hours
- As neededLifts to appointments and activities
- OngoingService plan reviewed with you
Example only. Names and schedules are illustrative.
What each can and can’t do
Clear limits keep everyone safe and keep your therapy on track.
Allied Health Assistant
Can help with
- Practising the exercises and strategies your therapist has set
- Building therapy into your everyday routine at home
- Seeing you between your therapist appointments
- Everyday activities that are part of your therapy goals, like a morning routine that builds independence
- Keeping your therapist updated on how you are going
Can’t
- Replace your therapist
- Recommend future therapy or funding
- Work with you without a therapist involved
Support Worker
Can help with
- Morning and evening routines
- Getting to appointments and out into the community
- Play, social activities and building connections
- Longer respite sessions
- Going along to therapy or after-school activities
Can’t
- Complex personal care, such as showering or toileting
- Looking after siblings
- School drop off and pick up
- Cleaning or household maintenance
Not sure if something is on the list? Ask us. We would rather sort it out upfront.
Can one person do both?
Often, yes. Plenty of our Allied Health Assistants also work with their clients as Support Workers for longer shifts, so you keep the same familiar face across both kinds of support.