Question 1

What is the difference between a care team leader and a shift coordinator?

Accepted Answer

Care team leaders typically have ongoing responsibility for team management, care planning and quality improvement, while shift coordinators focus on operational oversight during specific shifts. Both are supervisory roles classified at higher levels under the Aged Care Award or SCHADS Award.

Question 2

What award covers care team leaders in Australia?

Accepted Answer

Care team leaders may be covered by the Aged Care Award 2010 (MA000018) in aged care settings, or the SCHADS Award (MA000100) in disability or community services. The specific award depends on the service type. Classification is at supervisory levels reflecting leadership responsibilities.

Question 3

What classification level should I use for a care team leader?

Accepted Answer

Under the Aged Care Award or SCHADS Award, care team leaders are typically classified at supervisory levels (Level 3, 4 or higher), reflecting their team leadership, care planning and quality assurance responsibilities. The specific level depends on scope and qualifications. See our Aged Care Award pay rates guide for supervisory rates.

Question 4

Should I include pay rates in a care team leader 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 'Supervisory level award rates plus penalties.' Check the current award supervisory rates for guidance.

Question 5

What qualifications do care team leaders need?

Accepted Answer

Most organisations require at least a Certificate IV in Ageing Support, Certificate IV in Disability or Certificate IV in Leadership and Management. Many facilities require a Diploma qualification. Team leaders must have strong clinical knowledge, leadership capability and proven supervisory experience. Track staff qualifications using HR software.

Question 6

Do care team leaders need any certificates?

Accepted Answer

Yes, care team leaders need all standard care certificates including First Aid, CPR and medication administration. A National Police Check is mandatory. Leadership or management training is highly beneficial. Team leaders must be competent in all aspects of care delivery they supervise.

Question 7

What experience should I look for in a care team leader?

Accepted Answer

Look for at least 3-5 years of experience in aged care, disability or community services, with demonstrated supervisory or team leadership experience. Essential skills include staff development, performance management, care planning, quality improvement and stakeholder communication.

Question 8

Can team leaders be promoted from within?

Accepted Answer

Yes, internal promotion is common and provides continuity and career pathways. Ensure promoted staff have appropriate qualifications (Certificate IV minimum, preferably Diploma), leadership capability and receive training in supervision, performance management and compliance. Reclassify to the appropriate supervisory level.

Question 9

Should I hire casual or permanent care team leaders?

Accepted Answer

Permanent team leaders are strongly recommended for consistency in leadership, team development and quality systems. Casual team leaders are rare due to the ongoing nature of leadership responsibilities. Most organisations maintain permanent team leaders as integral to management structure. See our guide on casual vs permanent employment trends.

Question 10

What penalty rates apply to care team leaders?

Accepted Answer

Under the applicable award at supervisory levels, penalty rates apply for: Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays, afternoon shifts, night shifts and overtime. Team leaders working 24/7 care services attract penalties. Casual employees receive a 25% loading instead of leave entitlements. Use award interpretation software to calculate supervisory rates accurately.

Question 11

What are the minimum shift lengths for care team leaders?

Accepted Answer

Under care awards, the minimum engagement for casual employees is typically 2 hours per shift, though team leader shifts are usually full days or longer to fulfill leadership responsibilities. Part-time employees also have minimum shift requirements. Check the award for specific requirements.

Question 12

What should I include in a care team leader employment contract?

Accepted Answer

Key elements include: position title and supervisory classification level, employment type (usually permanent full-time or part-time), hourly rate or salary at supervisory level, applicable award, reporting structure (usually to Care Manager or General Manager), main duties including team leadership and quality responsibilities, span of control, and any on-call requirements. Use our digital employment contracts to simplify this process.

Question 13

How far in advance must I provide rosters to care team leaders?

Accepted Answer

Under care awards, 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 ensure compliance. Team leaders often have regular rostered days rather than rotating shifts.

Question 14

Do care team leaders work shifts or regular hours?

Accepted Answer

This varies by organisation. Some team leaders work regular business hours (Monday-Friday), while others work rotating shifts including weekends to provide supervisory coverage. The rostering model should reflect the level of supervisory coverage needed. Be clear about roster expectations during recruitment.

Question 15

What breaks are care team leaders entitled to?

Accepted Answer

Under care awards, employees working more than 5 hours are entitled to an unpaid meal break. Paid rest breaks also apply based on shift length. Team leaders must be available for staff queries during breaks. Use break planning tools to ensure coverage when team leaders take breaks.

Question 16

Should team leaders be rostered for hands-on care?

Accepted Answer

This depends on the service model. Some organisations roster team leaders for hands-on care shifts in addition to leadership duties, while others maintain a full-time leadership focus. Consider workload, span of control and service needs. If combining roles, ensure adequate time is allocated for leadership responsibilities. Use rostering software to manage mixed duties.

Care team leader job description