Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

The terms are often used interchangeably. Home care worker typically emphasizes the in-home setting, while the role may include domestic assistance as well as personal care. Under the Aged Care Award, both roles are classified based on their duties and qualifications.

Question 2

What award covers home care workers in Australia?

Accepted Answer

Most home care worker positions are covered by the Aged Care Award 2010 (MA000018) when working with elderly clients, or the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award 2010 (SCHADS Award - MA000100) when working in broader home care services. Always verify which award applies to your specific organisation.

Question 3

What classification level should I use for a home care worker?

Accepted Answer

Under the Aged Care Award, home care workers with Certificate III typically start at Level 2. Under the SCHADS Award, classifications are similar. Higher levels apply with additional qualifications or specialized responsibilities. See our Aged Care Award rates or SCHADS Award rates guides.

Question 4

Should I include pay rates in a home 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 travel allowances' or 'Competitive rates aligned with home care package funding.' Check the relevant award for current rates.

Question 5

What qualifications do home care workers need?

Accepted Answer

Most home care worker positions require at least a Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing, Home and Community or Disability). This qualification covers essential skills in personal care, domestic assistance, communication and working in clients' homes. Some organisations hire trainees who are completing this qualification. Track employee qualifications using HR software.

Question 6

Do home care workers need any certificates?

Accepted Answer

Yes, home care workers need valid First Aid and CPR certificates. A National Police Check is mandatory, and relevant clearances (NDIS Worker Screening or Working with Children Check) may be required depending on client groups. A current driver's licence is essential for most home care roles. Manual handling and infection control training are also important.

Question 7

What experience should I look for in a home care worker?

Accepted Answer

For entry-level positions with Certificate III, relevant work placement or volunteer experience is valuable. For experienced roles, look for previous home care or community services experience, confidence working independently in clients' homes, reliable transport, time management skills and proven ability to build rapport with clients and families.

Question 8

Can I hire home care workers without formal qualifications?

Accepted Answer

Most organisations require Certificate III in Individual Support as a minimum. However, you can hire trainees who are enrolled in or commencing this qualification, provided they receive appropriate supervision and support. Many home care providers offer traineeship pathways.

Question 9

Should I hire casual or permanent home care workers?

Accepted Answer

This depends on your client base and funding model. Permanent staff provide consistency for regular clients, while casuals offer flexibility for variable demand and covering leave. Many home care providers use a mix — permanent workers for scheduled clients and casuals for additional coverage. See our guide on casual vs permanent employment trends.

Question 10

What penalty rates apply to home care workers?

Accepted Answer

Under both the Aged Care Award and SCHADS Award, penalty rates apply for: Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays, evening shifts and overtime. Home care services often operate seven days a week including early mornings and evenings. Travel time and vehicle allowances also apply. Use award interpretation software to calculate rates accurately.

Question 11

What are the minimum shift lengths for home care workers?

Accepted Answer

Under both the Aged Care Award and SCHADS Award, minimum engagement periods apply — typically 2 hours for casual employees. However, actual visit lengths depend on client funding (home care packages or NDIS) and service agreements. Travel time between clients must be paid.

Question 12

What should I include in a home 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, service areas (geographic coverage), travel time payment arrangements, vehicle requirements and reimbursement, phone/device requirements, and vaccination requirements. Use our digital employment contracts to simplify this process.

Question 13

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

Accepted Answer

Under both the Aged Care Award and 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 travel routes between clients.

Question 14

How do I roster home care 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 or extended visits. Consider peak times like mornings for personal care.

Question 15

What breaks are home care workers entitled to?

Accepted Answer

Under both awards, employees working more than 5 hours are entitled to an unpaid meal break. For home care workers traveling between clients, breaks should be planned between visits where practical. Travel time between clients is paid working time. Use break planning tools to support compliance.

Question 16

Do I need to pay home care workers for travel time?

Accepted Answer

Yes, travel time between clients during the working day must be paid. The first trip from home to the first client and the last trip from the last client to home are generally not paid (though some organisations choose to pay these). Vehicle allowances must be paid when workers use their own vehicles for work purposes. Check your applicable award for specific requirements.

Home care worker job description