Work role boundaries

All community services workers have clearly defined work roles. It is important for your wellbeing, and that of the people you are supporting, that you work within these roles.

Work roles clarify what the worker is responsible for in supporting a person. For example, a person may need support with their nutrition. In one work role, the worker may help the person plan and cook healthy meals; in another, a worker may cook meals for the person; and in still another, a worker may find a service that can support the person with their nutrition, such as a service that delivers ready-cooked meals.

It is important that you understand your work role and the limitations of your role. For example, your role may require you to support a person with a mental health issue to attend a coffee club, but not extend to you providing direct counselling to the person.