Before/after school care worker job description
A comprehensive job description template for before and after school care positions in Australian OSHC services. Covers duties, qualifications and conditions aligned with the Children's Services Award 2010.
Before/After school care worker job description
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About the before/after school care worker role
A before and after school care worker provides supervision and care for school-aged children (5-12 years) outside regular school hours. Working in OSHC (Outside School Hours Care) programs, they create a safe, engaging environment with activities, homework support, and healthy meals during the critical before-school and after-school periods.
In Australia, before and after school care workers are classified under the Children's Services Award 2010 (MA000120). Classification levels range from Level 2 for unqualified workers to Level 3.1-3.3 for those holding a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education or School Age Care.
This template provides a foundation for creating clear, compliant job descriptions that attract suitable candidates. Once hired, manage your OSHC team efficiently with childcare rostering software designed for split shift management.
Key responsibilities
Core duties included in this job description template
Child supervision
Supervising school-aged children (5-12 years) in a safe environment before and after school, monitoring play areas and ensuring children remain within designated boundaries.
Activity coordination
Planning and running age-appropriate games, sports, crafts and recreational activities that engage children across mixed age groups.
Homework support
Providing a quiet space and assistance for children completing homework, encouraging independent learning while offering guidance when needed.
Breakfast/afternoon tea
Preparing and serving healthy snacks and meals, accommodating dietary requirements and allergies, and supervising children during meal times.
Attendance management
Signing children in and out, maintaining accurate attendance records, and ensuring children are only released to authorized persons at pick-up time.
Communication
Liaising with parents at drop-off and pick-up times, sharing information about their child's day, and maintaining positive relationships with families and school staff.
Skills and attributes
What to look for in candidates
Energy and enthusiasm
Ability to engage school-aged children in activities with high energy and genuine enthusiasm for working with this age group.
Behaviour management
Skills in positive behaviour guidance strategies appropriate for school-aged children, managing group dynamics and conflicts.
Flexibility
Adaptable to split shift work patterns, changing needs throughout sessions, and varying group sizes depending on bookings.
Communication
Strong verbal communication skills for interacting effectively with children, parents, school staff and fellow educators.
Creativity
Ability to develop engaging programs for mixed age groups (5-12 years), adapting activities to different interests and abilities.
Organisation
Managing groups of children across different activities, maintaining records, and ensuring smooth transitions between sessions.
Qualifications and requirements
All before and after school care workers in Australia must complete a Working with Children Check and National Police Check before commencing work. While a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education or School Age Care is preferred and required for higher classification levels, some services employ unqualified workers who work under qualified supervision.
- Working with Children Check (Required)
Valid Working with Children Check (state-specific requirement)
- National Police Check (Required)
Current National Police Check
- First Aid certificate (Required)
Current First Aid, CPR, asthma and anaphylaxis management training
- Certificate III qualification
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education or School Age Care preferred
- School-age experience
Experience working with school-aged children preferred
- Working rights (Required)
Eligibility to work in Australia
Working conditions
Set clear expectations for candidates about the OSHC work environment
- Split shifts - early morning (6:30-9am) and afternoon (3-6pm)
- School term time primarily, with vacation care opportunities
- Indoor and outdoor environments on school grounds
- Physical activity with active children
- Working with children aged 5-12 years
- May include pupil-free day programs
Award coverage
Understanding award coverage for before/after school care workers
Children's services award 2010
Before and after school care workers working in OSHC programs are typically covered by the Children's Services Award 2010 (MA000120). This award sets minimum pay rates, penalty rates and conditions for children's services employees.
Under the award, qualified workers (Certificate III or higher) are typically classified at Level 3.1, while unqualified workers are classified at Level 2. Use award interpretation software to calculate pay accurately including allowances and penalties.
Split shifts and penalty rates
OSHC work frequently involves split shifts with a morning session (before school) and afternoon session (after school). The Children's Services Award 2010 includes specific provisions for broken shifts and sleepover shifts. Penalty rates apply for work performed on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.
Casual employees receive a 25% loading in lieu of leave entitlements. Part-time and full-time employees accrue leave and receive penalty rates on top of their base rate. Ensure your payroll system correctly applies all applicable loadings, penalties and broken shift provisions.
Who should use this template?
This job description template is designed for Australian OSHC services and providers
Whether you operate a school-based OSHC program or community-based service, clear job descriptions help attract suitable candidates who understand the unique demands of split shift care work.
How to use this template
Tips for customising the job description for your OSHC service
Add your service details
Include your service name, school location, operating hours, and a brief description of your OSHC program and philosophy.
Specify session times
Clarify exact session times (e.g., 6:30-9am, 3-6pm), split shift expectations, and whether workers are required for both sessions or just one.
Define qualification requirements
Be clear about whether you require Certificate III qualifications or will employ unqualified workers, and specify classification level accordingly.
Include vacation care expectations
Specify whether the role includes vacation care opportunities (full-day shifts during school holidays) and how this differs from term-time work.
Add program-specific duties
Include any special requirements such as transport to/from school, excursion supervision, or specific programming expectations.
Review regularly
Update the job description when your service hours change, new policies are introduced, or when ratios and staffing requirements shift.
Legal disclaimer
This template is designed to reflect Australian workplace standards and children's services practices at the time of publication. It is provided as a general guide only and does not constitute legal advice.
You should review and tailor this template to suit your service, regulatory requirements and specific needs. Confirm the applicable modern award for your service and support compliance with all relevant employment laws, child safety standards and regulatory requirements under the Education and Care Services National Law. For complex situations, seek independent legal or HR advice.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about before/after school care worker job descriptions, qualifications and employment in Australian OSHC services
- A before and after school care worker supervises school-aged children (5-12 years) outside school hours, providing a safe environment with engaging activities, homework support, and meals. They work in OSHC (Outside School Hours Care) programs typically from 6:30-9am before school and 3-6pm after school. Under the Children's Services Award 2010 (MA000120), workers are classified based on their qualifications and responsibilities.
- Before and after school care workers are covered by the Children's Services Award 2010 (MA000120). This award sets minimum pay rates, penalty rates and conditions for employees working in children's services including OSHC programs. Always verify which award applies to your specific service.
- Under the Children's Services Award 2010, qualified workers (Certificate III in Early Childhood Education or School Age Care) typically start at Level 3.1. Unqualified workers start at Level 2. Higher levels apply for experienced educators and coordinators. See our Children's Services Award rates guide for current classifications.
- While not legally required, including indicative pay rates helps attract suitable candidates and sets clear expectations. You can reference the applicable award rate or use phrases like 'Award rates plus penalties' or 'Competitive rates based on experience.' Check the Children's Services Award 2010 for current rates.
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Learn moreAward pay rates
Current pay rates, penalty rates and allowances under the Children's Services Award 2010.
View ratesRegulatory sources
This job description is aligned with Australian workplace and childcare regulatory requirements.
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Disclaimer
This document is a general job description template provided for informational purposes only. It is not legal advice and may not reflect the latest changes in legislation or apply to every workplace situation. RosterElf Pty Ltd and the template provider accept no liability for any loss arising from reliance on this document. Users should seek independent legal advice and customise the template to ensure it complies with all relevant laws, awards and workplace requirements.