Disability support workers provide care either in their client's own home, or in a residential care setting. They are often expected to carry out their work in rostered shifts and may be expected to work weekends and at night. Sometimes, disability support workers may be required to live-in with their client. They carry out their duties under direct or regular supervision, and within clearly defined care plans or organisational guidelines.

A disability support worker usually works with clients who require assistance with daily tasks and activities. This can include the use of equipment such as hoists to lift the client in and out of bed, or swivel cushions to assist clients when getting into and out of cars. They may also utilise special communication technology, such as software that produces spoken output for people with hearing difficulties, and magnifies or presents information as Braille for those with sight disabilities. A disability support worker may also need to be familiar with vehicle modifications such as wheelchair hoists, modified driving controls and specially modified wheelchair accessible vehicles.