Healthcare assistant job description
A comprehensive job description template for healthcare assistant positions in Australian health care facilities. Covers clinical support duties, patient care, qualifications and conditions aligned with health care awards.
Healthcare assistant job description
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About the healthcare assistant role
A healthcare assistant provides essential clinical support and patient care in hospitals, aged care facilities and health care settings. The role combines direct patient care with clinical observations and documentation to ensure quality care delivery.
In Australia, healthcare assistants may be classified under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award or the Aged Care Award 2010 depending on their workplace. Classification levels depend on qualifications, experience and specific duties.
This template provides a foundation for creating clear, compliant job descriptions that attract quality candidates. Once hired, manage your health care team efficiently with rostering software.
Key responsibilities
Core duties included in this job description template
Patient care support
Assisting patients with personal care, hygiene, meals and mobility while maintaining dignity and comfort in the health care environment.
Clinical observations
Taking and recording vital signs, monitoring patient conditions and reporting any changes or concerns to nursing staff.
Infection control
Following strict infection control procedures, using PPE correctly and maintaining cleanliness in patient areas and equipment.
Patient support
Providing emotional support to patients and families, assisting with comfort measures and responding to call bells promptly.
Clinical documentation
Accurately documenting care provided, observations made and any incidents in patient records and clinical systems.
Equipment management
Using medical equipment safely, restocking supplies and ensuring patient areas are properly equipped for care delivery.
Skills and attributes
What to look for in candidates
Compassion
Genuine care for patients, empathy for their health challenges and commitment to providing dignified care.
Communication
Clear verbal and written communication skills, ability to report clinical observations accurately and communicate with patients and families.
Clinical awareness
Ability to recognise changes in patient condition, understand clinical priorities and follow care protocols accurately.
Adaptability
Ability to respond to changing patient needs, manage busy workloads and remain calm in clinical emergencies.
Attention to detail
Careful observation of patients, accurate vital signs recording and adherence to infection control procedures.
Teamwork
Collaborative approach with nurses, doctors and allied health, effective handover communication and supporting team goals.
Qualifications and requirements
Healthcare assistant positions require formal qualifications in health services assistance or individual support, along with specific certificates and clearances. These requirements ensure workers can provide safe, quality care in clinical environments.
- Working rights (Required)
Eligibility to work in Australia
- Certificate III in Health Services Assistance (Required)
Certificate III in Health Services Assistance or Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing)
- National Police Check (Required)
Valid National Police Check (or willingness to obtain)
- First Aid and CPR (Required)
Current First Aid and CPR certificates
- Vaccination records (Required)
Up-to-date immunizations including COVID-19, influenza, hepatitis B and other required vaccinations
- Infection control training (Required)
Current infection control and hand hygiene training
Working conditions
Set clear expectations for candidates about the health care work environment
- Shift work including early mornings, afternoons, evenings, nights and weekends
- Physical work including lifting, bending and assisting with patient transfers
- Exposure to bodily fluids, infectious diseases and clinical environments
- Emotional demands of working with acutely unwell or dying patients
- Fast-paced environment with changing patient needs and priorities
- Strict compliance with infection control, safety and clinical procedures
Award coverage
Understanding health care awards
Health care awards
Healthcare assistant positions may be covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020, the Aged Care Award 2010 or the Nurses Award 2020, depending on the workplace and specific duties. Hospital-based assistants typically fall under the Health Professionals Award, while those in aged care facilities are usually covered by the Aged Care Award. View current Aged Care Award pay rates.
Healthcare assistants are typically classified at Level 2 or higher with Certificate III qualifications, with progression based on additional qualifications and clinical responsibilities. Use award interpretation software to calculate pay accurately.
Penalty rates and shift work
Health care facilities operate 24/7, meaning workers often work outside standard hours. Penalty rates apply for Saturday, Sunday, public holiday, afternoon, night and overtime shifts. Understanding these rates is essential for accurate payroll and budgeting.
Casual employees receive a 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 and penalties for your specific award.
Who should use this template?
This job description template is designed for Australian health care and medical facilities
Whether you run a hospital, clinic or aged care facility, clear job descriptions help attract quality healthcare assistants.
How to use this template
Tips for customising the job description for your facility
Add your facility details
Include your facility name, location, type (hospital, aged care, clinic) and a brief description of your services.
Specify clinical environment
Mention the clinical setting (medical ward, aged care, rehabilitation) and types of patients or residents.
Define shift patterns
Be clear about shift requirements including morning, afternoon, night shifts and weekend roster expectations.
Include clinical skills
Specify required clinical skills such as vital signs, blood glucose monitoring or ECG recording.
Check award coverage
Confirm which health care award applies to your facility and update classification levels based on qualifications.
Review regularly
Update the job description when clinical practices change or when your facility introduces new equipment or procedures.
Legal disclaimer
This template is designed to reflect Australian workplace standards and health care industry 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 business, facility type and specific requirements. Confirm the applicable modern award for your business and support compliance with all relevant employment laws and health care standards. For complex situations, seek independent legal or HR advice.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about healthcare assistant job descriptions, qualifications and employment in Australian health care. Built for Australian small businesses.
- Healthcare assistants typically work in more clinical settings (hospitals, clinics) and may have additional clinical support duties, while aged care workers usually work in residential care. Both may be covered by health care or aged care awards. See our Aged Care Award guide for more information.
- Healthcare assistants may be covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020, the Aged Care Award 2010 or the Nurses Award 2020, depending on their workplace and duties. Hospital-based assistants often fall under the Health Professionals Award. Always verify which award applies to your specific facility.
- Under the Aged Care Award, healthcare assistants are typically classified at Level 2 or higher with Certificate III qualifications. In health care settings, classification depends on the specific award and duties performed. See our Aged Care Award pay rates guide for current rates.
- 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 award rates for guidance.
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Learn moreAged care award pay rates
Current pay rates, penalty rates and allowances under the Aged Care Award 2010.
View ratesRegulatory sources
This job description is aligned with Australian workplace and health practitioner 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.