Question 1

What is the difference between an aged care worker and a personal care assistant?

Accepted Answer

The terms are often used interchangeably in Australia, though aged care worker typically encompasses a broader range of responsibilities including personal care, medication assistance and clinical support. Under the Aged Care Award 2010, both roles are classified based on their duties and qualifications.

Question 2

What award covers aged care workers in Australia?

Accepted Answer

Most aged care worker positions are covered by the Aged Care Award 2010 (MA000018). This award applies to employees working in residential aged care facilities, retirement villages and home care services. Always verify which award applies to your specific facility.

Question 3

What classification level should I use for an aged care worker?

Accepted Answer

Under the Aged Care Award, aged care workers are classified based on their qualifications and duties. Certificate III qualified workers typically start at Level 2, while those with Certificate IV or specialized duties may be classified at higher levels. See our Aged Care Award pay rates guide for current rates.

Question 4

Should I include pay rates in an aged care worker job description?

Accepted Answer

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 hourly rate based on qualifications.' Check the current Aged Care Award rates for guidance.

Question 5

What qualifications do aged care workers need?

Accepted Answer

Most aged care facilities require at least a Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing) or equivalent. This qualification covers essential skills in personal care, communication, dignity of risk and responding to emergencies. Some facilities will hire trainees who are enrolled in or commencing this qualification. Track qualifications using HR software.

Question 6

Do aged care workers need any certificates?

Accepted Answer

Yes, aged care workers typically need a valid First Aid certificate and CPR certification. A National Police Check is mandatory, and some facilities require an NDIS Worker Screening Check. Manual handling training is also essential. Medication administration training may be required for certain roles.

Question 7

What experience should I look for in an aged care worker?

Accepted Answer

For entry-level positions with Certificate III qualifications, relevant work placement experience is sufficient. For experienced roles, look for previous aged care or health care experience, medication management skills, dementia care experience and proven ability to work with elderly clients with complex needs.

Question 8

Can I hire aged care workers as trainees?

Accepted Answer

Yes, many aged care facilities successfully hire trainees who are enrolled in Certificate III in Individual Support. Trainees must be supervised and complete their qualification within the specified timeframe. This pathway helps address workforce shortages while providing quality training.

Question 9

Should I hire casual or permanent aged care workers?

Accepted Answer

This depends on your facility's occupancy and care needs. Permanent staff provide continuity of care for residents, while casuals offer flexibility for covering leave and fluctuating demands. Many facilities use a mix — permanent workers for core shifts and casuals for additional coverage. See our guide on casual vs permanent employment trends.

Question 10

What penalty rates apply to aged care workers?

Accepted Answer

Under the Aged Care Award, penalty rates apply for: Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays, afternoon shifts, night shifts and overtime. Aged care operates 24/7, so understanding penalty rates is crucial for payroll accuracy. Casual employees receive a 25% loading instead of leave entitlements. Use award interpretation software to calculate rates accurately.

Question 11

What are the minimum shift lengths for aged care workers?

Accepted Answer

Under the Aged Care Award, the minimum engagement for casual employees is typically 2 hours per shift. Part-time employees also have minimum shift requirements. This ensures employees receive reasonable compensation for attending work. Check the award for specific requirements.

Question 12

What should I include in an aged care worker employment contract?

Accepted Answer

Key elements include: position title and classification level, employment type (casual/part-time/full-time), hourly rate or salary, applicable award, reporting structure, main duties, work location, shift patterns including weekends and sleepover shifts if applicable, uniform requirements and vaccination requirements. Use our digital employment contracts to simplify this process.

Question 13

How far in advance must I provide rosters to aged care workers?

Accepted Answer

Under the Aged Care Award, rosters must be provided at least 7 days in advance. Changes within this period require employee agreement unless due to unforeseen circumstances. Using rostering software helps support compliance and gives staff visibility of their upcoming shifts, particularly important for 24/7 aged care operations.

Question 14

Can I require aged care workers to work night shifts?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but night shift requirements should be clearly communicated in the job description and during recruitment. Under the award, employees are entitled to penalty rates for overnight work. Many facilities rotate staff through night shifts or have dedicated night teams. Be clear about night shift expectations during hiring.

Question 15

What breaks are aged care workers entitled to?

Accepted Answer

Under the Aged Care Award, employees working more than 5 hours are entitled to an unpaid meal break. Paid rest breaks also apply based on shift length. Breaks should be taken at appropriate intervals during the shift. Use break planning tools to support compliance while maintaining adequate care coverage.

Question 16

How do I manage aged care worker coverage during shift changes?

Accepted Answer

Build adequate handover time into your rosters — typically 15-30 minutes overlap between shifts. This allows for proper handover of resident information, care updates and any incidents. Use rostering software to schedule overlapping shifts and ensure seamless care coverage 24/7.

Aged care worker job description