Become a Decision Support Worker

Becoming a Decision Support Worker is like becoming a superhero for a company, only instead of a cape, you wield data! You get to use your brain and technology to tackle big challenges and help steer the company’s future. It’s a role that is perfect for those who crave variety and impact in their work life.

• Guide people through important decisions confidently.
• Help others solve complex problems effectively.
• Use data and insights to support choices.
• Make a positive impact on people’s lives.

You’ll help people navigate complex choices and make decisions that positively impact their lives. As a Decision Support Worker, you use data, analysis, and communication skills to guide clients towards informed decisions. They could be in healthcare, social services, or business professions.

It’s a career that combines empathy with problem-solving, ensuring that individuals have the support and information they need to choose the best path forward.

A Day in the Life of a Decision Support Worker:

Analyse Data to Provide Insights

Review and interpret data related to client cases, such as medical records, financial data, or social care reports, to identify key trends and insights that can inform decision-making.

Meet with Clients to Discuss Options

Hold consultations with clients, listening to their needs, concerns, and preferences while explaining the various options available to them in clear, understandable terms.

Collaborate with Professionals Across Sectors

Work closely with doctors, social workers, educators, or financial advisors to ensure all perspectives are considered and the best possible advice is given to clients.

Prepare Comprehensive Reports and Recommendations

Compile detailed reports that summarise findings, potential risks, and benefits, providing clear and actionable recommendations to support clients’ decision-making processes.

Facilitate Decision-Making Workshops or Group Sessions

Organise and lead workshops or group sessions where clients can explore different scenarios, ask questions, and discuss their choices with others in similar situations.

Stay Updated on Policies and Best Practices

Keep abreast of the latest developments, regulations, and best practices in the relevant field (e.g., healthcare, social services) to provide the most accurate and current advice to clients.

Decision Support Workers could be in demand across various fields! Here’s where you might make your mark:

Healthcare

Improving patient care through data.

Finance

Helping banks and investment firms crunch numbers.

Retail

Enhancing customer experiences by analysing shopping trends.

Technology

Innovating new products and services.

Government

Shaping public policies based on statistical data.

Education

Enhancing learning methods and educational tools.

Ready to sharpen your skills? Here’s what you’ll need:

• Analytical
• Tech-Savvy
• Problem-Solving
• Communication
• Teamwork
• Detail-Oriented

Pondering what STEM subjects to pick? Start with these:

Mathematics

Essential for understanding data.

Computer Science

Know-how on software and algorithms.

Statistics

The backbone of good decision-making.

Economics

Understanding market trends and organisational needs.

Business Studies

Insight into how businesses operate.

Psychology

Useful for interpreting consumer behaviour data.

From predicting the next big trend in fashion using data analytics to helping hospitals determine the best treatments through health informatics, Decision Support Workers do some truly amazing things that make a difference!

Use AI Tools to Analyse Complex Data

Use AI software to crunch vast amounts of data quickly, identifying patterns and insights that help clients make well-informed decisions about their health, finances, or careers.

Host Virtual Reality Training Sessions

Utilise virtual reality technology to run immersive training workshops, allowing clients to experience different scenarios and outcomes before making critical life or business decisions.

Design Interactive Decision Maps

Create visually engaging decision maps that help clients navigate complex choices, showing them the possible paths, risks, and benefits of each option in a dynamic, interactive format.

Work with Super Smart Clients

Collaborate with a range of professionals, such as doctors, psychologists, financial analysts, or social workers, to ensure every client gets the best-rounded advice from multiple perspectives.

Develop Your Own App!

Contribute to the development of bespoke mobile apps or online platforms that clients can use to access real-time advice, track their progress, and feel supported every step of the way.

Present to Important People

Present data-driven insights and recommendations to senior leaders, government officials, or community groups, influencing major decisions that affect people’s lives on a large scale.

In Australia, a number of inspiring women are leading the way as Decision Support Workers, helping individuals and communities make well-informed choices in critical areas like healthcare, social services, and business.

 Here are some people making an impact in this field:

Dr. Joanne Travaglia

A leader in healthcare decision support, Dr. Travaglia is a professor at the University of Technology Sydney. She focuses on improving decision-making processes in health services to enhance patient care and outcomes.

Cathy Balding

An experienced quality and decision support consultant in healthcare, Cathy has spent years guiding organisations on how to make better, data-driven decisions that improve safety and service quality for patients across Australia.

Dr. Christine Walker

Founder of the Chronic Illness Alliance, Dr. Walker has championed patient-centred decision support, helping individuals with chronic conditions navigate their healthcare options with greater confidence and clarity.

Professor Julie Ratcliffe

A leading expert in health economics at Flinders University, Professor Ratcliffe specialises in decision support tools that help patients, families, and policymakers make informed choices about healthcare funding and resource allocation.

What makes a great Decision Support Worker? If you have some of these traits you’re off to a good start!

• Curious
• Analytical
• Creative
• Patient
• Ethical
• Decisive

If Uni is the path for you – check out some of these degrees:

Bachelor of Health Science (Health Promotion or Public Health): A degree in Health Science, focusing on Health Promotion or Public Health, offers foundational knowledge in healthcare systems, data interpretation, and patient support. Curtin University in Western Australia provides a Bachelor of Science (Health Promotion) that equips you with skills to assess health needs, develop community programs, and support decision-making processes in health and social care settings.

Bachelor of Social Work or Psychology: Consider studying Social Work or Psychology to gain a deep understanding of human behaviour, counselling, and social services. The University of Western Australia (UWA) offers a Bachelor of Social Work that includes training in advocacy, communication, and client support, essential for providing decision support to vulnerable individuals and families.

Bachelor of Data Science or Analytics: A degree in Data Science or Analytics is ideal for those who want to specialise in data-driven decision support. Murdoch University offers a Bachelor of Science in Data Science, which covers data collection, statistical analysis, and data visualisation—key skills needed to interpret complex information and provide evidence-based recommendations.

Master’s in Decision Analytics or Healthcare Management: A master’s degree in Decision Analytics or Healthcare Management provides advanced training in data interpretation, decision theory, and strategic planning. Edith Cowan University (ECU) offers a Master of Public Health with a focus on Health Management and Leadership, which includes modules on decision-making in healthcare settings, policy analysis, and management strategies.

Graduate Certificate in Applied Decision Making or Health Economics: For a more focused approach, consider a Graduate Certificate in Applied Decision Making or Health Economics from institutions like Curtin University. These programmes offer specialised knowledge in decision support systems, economic evaluation, and the use of data in policy-making, equipping you to support clients with evidence-based insights.

SPECIFIC DEGREES:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Data Science
• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Analytics
• Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science
• Bachelor’s Degree in Economics
• Advanced Diploma in Information Technology

Why stick to one subject when you can combine them and double the fun and knowledge? Studying to become a Decision Support Worker means you can mix and match disciplines to create a unique skill set. Imagine combining Computer Science with Psychology to understand not just the data but also the human behaviour behind it. Or, how about Economics and Data Science to see how financial trends can predict market changes? The possibilities are vast, and interdisciplinary studies mean you’re not just learning; you’re innovating your education!

In an ever-evolving field like decision support, learning doesn’t stop at just degrees. Certifications in specific software, short courses in advanced analytics, and workshops on the latest data visualisation tools can all be part of your educational journey. This approach not only broadens your expertise but also keeps you at the cutting edge of the industry.

Finally, remember that learning is a lifelong adventure. As technology evolves, so will the tools and techniques you’ll need to master. Being open to continuous learning is crucial. Whether through online courses, seminars, or even new degrees, staying updated will make you an invaluable Decision Support Worker.

Studying to become a Decision Support Worker is like an educational treasure hunt, where data holds the key to hidden insights. You’ll learn how to sift through vast amounts of information and spot trends that are invisible to the naked eye. Your courses will cover:

Data Analysis

Master the art of turning raw data into clear insights.

Predictive Modelling

Learn how to forecast future trends based on current data.

Critical Thinking

Sharpen your ability to assess information and make solid decisions.

Communication Skills

Because what good is data if you can’t explain it to others?

Gaining real-world experience is a blast! As a Decision Support Worker in training, you might snag an internship where you can play with big data sets, help in creating models that predict consumer behaviour, or even assist in strategic decision-making processes. 

Every bit of experience counts, giving you a sneak peek into your future career and helping you build a network of professional contacts.

Internships with Hospitals, Social Services, or NGOs: Gain practical experience by interning with hospitals, social services agencies, or non-governmental organisations like St John of God Health Care in WA or Anglicare WA. These internships offer exposure to real-world decision support scenarios, from helping patients navigate complex medical choices to assisting families in crisis situations.

Volunteer with Community Health Initiatives or Advocacy Groups: Volunteer with community health initiatives or advocacy groups, such as Consumers of Mental Health WA (CoMHWA) or the Mental Health Commission of WA, to gain experience in supporting individuals through decision-making processes in health, social care, or legal contexts.

Not keen on a full university degree? No worries! There are plenty of cool alternatives:

Join Professional Associations and Networks: Connect with networks such as the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) or the Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association (AHHA) to stay updated on the latest research, trends, and job opportunities in decision support work.

Attend Conferences and Seminars on Decision-Making: Participate in events like the Australian Public Health Conference or the National Social Workers Conference to learn from industry experts, explore innovative practices, and network with professionals who specialise in decision support.

Certifications in Decision Support or Risk Management: Gain industry-recognised certifications in decision support, risk management, or data analysis through professional bodies like TAFE WA or the Australian Institute of Management (AIM). These courses provide practical skills in decision analysis, problem-solving, and risk assessment, preparing you for roles in various sectors, from healthcare to corporate environments.

Workshops on Decision Support Tools and Techniques: Attend workshops or short courses offered by organisations like The Australian Psychological Society (APS) or the Public Health Association of Australia (PHAA) to learn about the latest tools and techniques in decision support, including decision trees, risk-benefit analysis, and patient communication strategies.

Microlearning Platforms: Look into sites like Coursera or Udemy where you can take specific courses in data analysis, software, and decision-making processes.

On-the-Job Training: Start working in a related field and learn as you go. Many companies offer training programs where you can earn certifications while working.

So where can you find potential opportunities for support workers?

In Western Australia

In Western Australia, you’ll find vibrant opportunities in mining and healthcare where Decision Support Workers help optimise operations and improve patient care through data insights.

Across Australia

Across Australia, fields like finance, retail, and public policy are hungry for smart Decision Support Workers who can help them navigate large data pools and make smart decisions.

Around the World

Globally, the demand for Decision Support Workers is booming in tech hubs like Silicon Valley, financial capitals like New York, and manufacturing strongholds in China and Germany. You could be part of global teams working on international data projects, making decisions that impact global markets!

So, if you’ve got a knack for numbers and a passion for solving puzzles, a thrilling journey as a Decision Support Worker awaits you. Ready to play a key role in shaping the future with data?