Question 1

What is the difference between a recreational support worker and an activities coordinator?

Accepted Answer

The terms are often used interchangeably, though activities coordinator may be a supervisory role. Recreational support workers typically help activities and engage directly with participants. Both roles may be covered by the SCHADS Award, with classification based on duties and responsibilities.

Question 2

What award covers recreational support workers in Australia?

Accepted Answer

Most recreational 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 aged care, disability services and community programs. Always verify which award applies to your specific organisation.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Under the SCHADS Award, recreational support workers are classified based on their qualifications and duties. Workers with Certificate III typically start at Level 2, while those with Certificate IV or specialized recreation qualifications may be at Level 3. See our SCHADS Award pay rates guide for current rates.

Question 4

Should I include pay rates in a recreational 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 recreational support workers need?

Accepted Answer

Most organisations require at least a Certificate III in Individual Support or Certificate III in Leisure and Health. Some roles may require Certificate IV in Leisure and Health or qualifications in diversional therapy. The specific qualification depends on the complexity of the programs and client group. Track qualifications using HR software.

Question 6

Do recreational support workers need any certificates?

Accepted Answer

Yes, recreational support workers typically need a valid First Aid certificate and CPR certification. A National Police Check is mandatory, and depending on the setting, an NDIS Worker Screening Check or Working with Children Check may be required. Activity-specific certifications may also be beneficial.

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

For entry-level positions, relevant work placement experience or volunteer work in activity programs is sufficient. For experienced roles, look for previous experience in recreation programs, activities coordination, group facilitation skills and proven ability to engage people with diverse needs and abilities.

Question 8

Can I hire recreational support workers as trainees?

Accepted Answer

Yes, many organisations successfully hire trainees who are enrolled in Certificate III in Individual Support or Certificate III in Leisure and Health. Trainees must be supervised and complete their qualification within the specified timeframe. This pathway helps build a skilled recreation workforce.

Question 9

Should I hire casual or permanent recreational support workers?

Accepted Answer

This depends on your program schedule and funding model. Permanent staff provide continuity in program delivery and participant relationships, while casuals offer flexibility for varying program demands. Many organisations use a mix — permanent workers for core programs and casuals for additional activities. See our guide on casual vs permanent employment trends.

Question 10

What penalty rates apply to recreational support workers?

Accepted Answer

Under the SCHADS Award, penalty rates apply for: Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays, evening shifts and overtime. Recreation programs often run on weekends and evenings, 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 recreational support workers?

Accepted Answer

Under the SCHADS 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 a recreational 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, work location, shift patterns including weekends if applicable, any travel requirements for outings, and specific program responsibilities. Use our digital employment contracts to simplify this process.

Question 13

How far in advance must I provide rosters to recreational 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 gives staff visibility of their upcoming shifts, particularly important for programs with varied schedules.

Question 14

Can I require recreational support workers to work weekends?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but weekend requirements should be clearly communicated in the job description and during recruitment. Many recreation programs run on weekends to accommodate participants. Under the award, employees are entitled to penalty rates for weekend work. Be clear about weekend shift expectations during hiring.

Question 15

What breaks are recreational 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. Breaks should be taken at appropriate intervals during the shift. Use break planning tools to support compliance while maintaining program coverage.

Question 16

How do I roster for community outings and excursions?

Accepted Answer

Community outings require adequate supervision ratios and may involve longer shifts. Plan rosters to include travel time, activity time and return time. Some workers may need qualifications in specific activities (e.g., aquatic activities). Use rostering software to track excursion attendance and ensure adequate staffing.

Recreational support worker job description