Question 1

What is the difference between a community support worker and a disability support worker?

Accepted Answer

Community support workers provide a broader range of social support services in the community, while disability support workers specifically support people with disabilities. Both roles may be covered under the SCHADS Award, with classification based on duties and qualifications.

Question 2

What award covers community support workers in Australia?

Accepted Answer

Most community support worker positions are covered by the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award 2010 (SCHADS Award - MA000100). This award applies to employees working in community services, whether funded by NDIS, state governments or other sources.

Question 3

What classification level should I use for a community support worker?

Accepted Answer

Under the SCHADS Award, community support 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 at Level 3 or higher. See our SCHADS Award pay rates guide for current rates.

Question 4

Should I include pay rates in a community support 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 SCHADS Award rates for guidance.

Question 5

What qualifications do community support workers need?

Accepted Answer

Most community support positions require at least a Certificate III in Individual Support, Community Services or a related qualification. Certificate IV in Community Services or Disability is preferred for more complex roles. The qualification should cover skills in social support, communication and working with diverse populations. Track qualifications using HR software.

Question 6

Do community support workers need any certificates?

Accepted Answer

Yes, community support workers need valid First Aid and CPR certificates. A National Police Check is mandatory, and an NDIS Worker Screening Check or Working with Children Check may be required depending on client groups. A current driver's licence is often essential for community-based roles.

Question 7

What experience should I look for in a community support worker?

Accepted Answer

For entry-level positions with Certificate III, relevant volunteer or work placement experience is valuable. For experienced roles, look for previous community services experience, knowledge of local community resources, experience supporting diverse populations and proven ability to work independently.

Question 8

Can I hire community support workers as trainees?

Accepted Answer

Yes, many community organisations successfully hire trainees enrolled in Certificate III or IV in Community Services or Individual Support. Trainees must be supervised and complete their qualification within the specified timeframe. This helps build a skilled community services workforce.

Question 9

Should I hire casual or permanent community support workers?

Accepted Answer

This depends on your service delivery model and funding. Permanent staff provide consistency for clients and better relationship building. Casuals offer flexibility for variable client needs and funding. Many organisations use a mix of both. See our guide on casual vs permanent employment trends.

Question 10

What penalty rates apply to community support workers?

Accepted Answer

Under the SCHADS Award, penalty rates apply for: Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays, evening shifts and overtime. Community support services often operate outside standard hours to meet client needs. Use award interpretation software to calculate rates accurately.

Question 11

What are the minimum shift lengths for community support workers?

Accepted Answer

Under the SCHADS Award, the minimum engagement for casual employees is typically 2 hours per shift. However, actual shift lengths often depend on client needs and funding models. Check the award for specific requirements.

Question 12

What should I include in a community support 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, service areas (geographic locations), travel requirements, vehicle requirements if applicable, and any specific clearances needed. Use our digital employment contracts to simplify this process.

Question 13

How far in advance must I provide rosters to community support workers?

Accepted Answer

Under the SCHADS 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 allows staff to plan their community visits effectively.

Question 14

Can I require community support workers to use their own vehicle?

Accepted Answer

Yes, many community support roles require workers to use their own vehicle for transporting clients or traveling between appointments. Ensure you reimburse vehicle expenses in accordance with the award or your organisation's policy, and verify adequate insurance coverage.

Question 15

What breaks are community support workers entitled to?

Accepted Answer

Under the SCHADS Award, employees working more than 5 hours are entitled to an unpaid meal break. Paid rest breaks also apply based on shift length. For community-based work, break arrangements should be planned between client visits. Use break planning tools to support compliance.

Question 16

How do I schedule community support workers efficiently?

Accepted Answer

Group clients by geographic location to minimise travel time, schedule consistent workers for regular clients to build relationships, allow adequate travel time between appointments, and build in buffer time for unexpected delays. Use rostering software to improve routes and schedules.

Community support worker job description