Aged care worker job description
Where we source our data
Let’s get real. Job information online can often be overly optimistic — conveniently glossing over the raw bits. But when you’re making decisions about your future, you need all the facts.
That’s why we anonymously surveyed aged care workers about their job, with hopes of getting an honest insight into what it’s really like.
While we did our best to ensure respondents were Australians and verified their job titles with proof of employment, we can’t guarantee complete accuracy — or that your experiences in the field will reflect theirs. So, we suggest that you take these insights as a guide only and try to talk to people in the field before making an important decision.
Where we source our data
Let’s get real. Job information online can often be overly optimistic — conveniently glossing over the raw bits. But when you’re making decisions about your future, you need all the facts.
That’s why we anonymously surveyed aged care workers about their job, with hopes of getting an honest insight into what it’s really like.
While we did our best to ensure respondents were Australians and verified their job titles with proof of employment, we can’t guarantee complete accuracy — or that your experiences in the field will reflect theirs. So, we suggest that you take these insights as a guide only and try to talk to people in the field before making an important decision.
Physical
Based on our career survey data, these are the words that workers would use to describe their jobs.
Organising
Based on our career survey data, these are the words that workers would use to describe their jobs.
Cooperative
Based on our career survey data, these are the words that workers would use to describe their jobs.
Tasks and responsibilities for an aged care worker
Aged care workers provide support and assistance to older members of our communities, either in their own homes or residential care. So, what are the primary job responsibilities aged care workers have?
Aged care worker duties and responsibilities can be:
- Providing companionship, conversation and emotional support to older people
- Helping people with showering, toileting, dressing and other personal care and hygiene needs
- Domestic home care duties such as preparing food
- Assisting clients to get around and stay socially engaged. For example, taking them to appointments, shops or outings
- Teaching clients to use adaptive technologies to maintain their independence
- Ensuring your clients' spaces are clean and free of hazards
Reasons to choose this job
Based on our career survey data, these are the factors that workers said were most important to them when choosing this job.
Job security
Mainly due to improvements and advancements in healthcare, Australians are living longer. This means the ageing population accessing aged care is set to grow significantly over the coming years. With the imminent strong growth of the industry comes a need for a stronger workforce committed to providing exceptional aged care services to the older community.
Makes a difference
Ageing can have profound effects on people in different ways. Your ability to show kindness, provide empowerment, and assist older people in everyday activities can significantly improve their quality of life.
Learning opportunities
The skills you develop while working as an aged care worker are highly desirable in many other jobs, both within the field of aged care and in related industries. You’ll have many opportunities to learn new skills in this role, which will open up many career paths for you. You might want to progress into senior and management roles, or you may want to move into a niche that allows you to provide specialist care to people you feel passionate about helping.
Job satisfaction
Overall job satisfaction
This overall score combines the critical factors in job satisfaction. It includes fulfilment, stress levels, and opportunities for advancement, based on our career survey data.
Stress level
How stressful workers feel their job is, based on our career survey data.
Fulfilment
How personally rewarding workers feel their job is, based on our career survey data.
Skill level
The skill level required to do this job is based on both our career survey data and official data from the Labour Market Information Portal.
Job market trends for an aged care worker
The job outlook for aged care workers is very positive for the future.
In 2020, there were over 200,000 aged and disabled workers in Australia, with a projected increase over the next five years.
Among demographic changes and an increasingly ageing population, and following a negative Royal Commission Report into Aged Care Quality and Safety, regulatory changes will likely be a driving force in this industry’s growth. The report had many important recommendations, including enhancing formal carers’ capabilities and work conditions, a rise in the average aged care worker’s salary, and a national registration scheme that requires all care workers to have a cert III qualification at minimum.
Median salary
Where this data comes from
Median salary
We use the median salary over the average because it’s more realistic — unusually high or low salaries don’t skew the median. It shows the true middle point, which is what your typical worker in this job earns.
This figure is from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. It’s the official median full-time adult salary for non-managers, before tax. (Includes salary sacrifice.)
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours (cat. no. 6306.0), Customised Report
Projected job growth
Job growth projections, using data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. These calculations were made before COVID-19 and may not accurately reflect the labour market. Use these numbers as a general guide only.
Where this data comes from
Median salary
We use the median salary over the average because it’s more realistic — unusually high or low salaries don’t skew the median. It shows the true middle point, which is what your typical worker in this job earns.
This figure is from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. It’s the official median full-time adult salary for non-managers, before tax. (Includes salary sacrifice.)
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours (cat. no. 6306.0), Customised Report
Projected job growth
Job growth projections, using data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. These calculations were made before COVID-19 and may not accurately reflect the labour market. Use these numbers as a general guide only.
Projected job growth
Where this data comes from
Median salary
We use the median salary over the average because it’s more realistic — unusually high or low salaries don’t skew the median. It shows the true middle point, which is what your typical worker in this job earns.
This figure is from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. It’s the official median full-time adult salary for non-managers, before tax. (Includes salary sacrifice.)
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours (cat. no. 6306.0), Customised Report
Projected job growth
Job growth projections, using data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. These calculations were made before COVID-19 and may not accurately reflect the labour market. Use these numbers as a general guide only.
Where this data comes from
Median salary
We use the median salary over the average because it’s more realistic — unusually high or low salaries don’t skew the median. It shows the true middle point, which is what your typical worker in this job earns.
This figure is from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. It’s the official median full-time adult salary for non-managers, before tax. (Includes salary sacrifice.)
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours (cat. no. 6306.0), Customised Report
Projected job growth
Job growth projections, using data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. These calculations were made before COVID-19 and may not accurately reflect the labour market. Use these numbers as a general guide only.
Pathway options
Job pathways are drawn from the Australian Apprenticeships Pathways site.
A role in aged care support is a beautiful career and might be exactly where you want to stay. But, this job can also open doors to more senior positions or other roles in the aged care sector.
Aged care career pathways could be:
Junior
-
Aged care worker
Most common qualification: Certificate III in Individual Support (CHC33015)
-
Residential care worker
Most common qualification: Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing) (CHC33015)
-
Aboriginal health worker (aged and disability care)
Most common qualification: Certificate III in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care (HLT30113)
-
Personal carer
Most common qualification: Certificate III in Individual Support (CHC33015)
-
Home care assistance
Most common qualification: Certificate III in Individual Support (CHC33015)
Mid
-
Aged care nurse
Most common qualification: Diploma of Nursing (HLT54121)
-
Aged care team leader
Most common qualification: Certificate IV In Ageing Support (CHC43015)
-
Aged care activity worker
Most common qualification: Certificate IV in Ageing Support (CHC43015)
Senior
-
Senior aboriginal community care worker
Most common qualification: Certificate IV in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care (HLT40113)
-
Care manager
Most common qualification: Advanced Diploma of Community Sector Management (CHC62015)
Skills you might already have
Based on our career survey data, the soft skills that workers said were most needed to do their job well.
Working with vulnerable older people requires some pretty strong interpersonal skills. These naturally developed soft skills could be the difference between being a good aged care worker and an excellent one.
What skills do you need for aged care?
Empathy
Compassion and empathy go a long way in a job in aged care. Sometimes people of an older age get confused, upset or frustrated over difficulties they are experiencing. You must treat each person as you would want to be if you were in the same position.
Communication skills
In a role in aged care support, good communication skills are vital. Active listening, thoughtful responses, and clear direction make processes run more smoothly and make your client feel at ease in your care. Communication is also essential when liaising with other teammates, senior management and administration processes.
Social skills
Aged care requires you to provide a level of companionship to your clients. Having a chat and a giggle can make a huge difference in a person’s day, especially when they aren’t around many people. You may also be required to accompany clients to social activities in the community.
Decision-making
As you’ll often work autonomously, you must be able to think on your feet and make decisions for your client’s wellbeing. Logical thinking and decisive action are essential when you are working in aged care.
Hard skills
The job-specific skills that workers said were most important, supplemented with data from JobOutlook and online job advertisements.
A training course in aged care support provides you with the core skills and competencies needed for the role.
Some technical aged care skills required for the job are:
First aid certificate
Healthcare knowledge
Hygiene knowledge
Home maintenance
Food preparation
Safe transportation
Effective communication
Empowering older people
Ethical and legal work practises
Working in aged care, I found how meaningful it it to both myself and my clients to be able to spend time with them and also learn about their lives. I've heard so many varied and interesting stories from people who come from different walks of life. Stories of love, family, courage and despair — including significant historical events such as The Holocaust.
Julia Caplan
Aged Care Worker and Occupational Therapist, Total Health Physio
How to become an aged care worker
-
Study
To gain a broad understanding and core knowledge for a job as an aged care worker, including the physical and emotional skills you need to support vulnerable people, complete a qualification at a TAFE or Registered Training Organisation (RTO). The most common qualification for aged care work is a Certificate III in Individual Support (CHC33015), but there are a few other course options available to you, so you can explore and decide on a course that fits your lifestyle and gives you the specific training in aged care you need for your career plan.
-
Traineeship
Apply for a traineeship and work as an aged care assistant in a residential facility to gain on-the-ground experience. A traineeship is great because you can earn money while getting your qualifications.
-
Volunteer
Residential care facilities and nursing homes often welcome volunteers to assist with some duties. Offering some of your time to help out can make a big difference to older people and give you some valuable experience and insight into aged care roles. It might even open the doors to a traineeship.
-
Police check
A job in aged care often requires you to have a police check performed. The check is a quick and easy online process and is usually part of the recruitment process.
Explore related qualifications
Do you need qualifications to work in aged care? There are no mandatory qualification requirements for this role, but employers highly favour individuals with prior and relevant training.
To get the aged care qualifications and knowledge to start an entry-level role, explore the following courses and traineeships:
Certificate III in Individual Support (Aged Care)
This qualification prepares workers for roles in the community and residential settings who provide support to people who may require it due to ageing, disability or injury.
This training offers skills in supporting clients physically and mentally, communicating effectively, and empowering older people. These are just a few.
The average duration of the course is 35 weeks but can be up to two years if taken part-time or as part of a traineeship. Delivery can be on campus, online, or both and requires 120 hours of work placement. Australian government fee concessions are available for eligible students.
20 providers offer this course
Dual Certificate III in Individual Support & Certificate IV In Ageing Support
This qualification provides the skills required to become a support worker who can complete specialised tasks and functions in aged services. These workers take responsibility for their work within defined guidelines.
Skills achieved in this course prepare learners to work in jobs such as care supervisors, care team leaders, community program coordinators or high performing personal care assistants.
The average duration of the course is one year full-time but can be studied part-time or as part of a traineeship. The course can be delivered in-class or online and requires 120 hours of work placement. Australian government fee concessions are available for eligible students.
14 providers offer this course
Diploma of Nursing (Enrolled-Division 2 Nursing)
The Diploma of Nursing teaches the skills and knowledge required to undertake enrolled nurse activities under the supervision of a registered nurse. This qualification covers the application of skills and knowledge required to provide nursing care for people across the health sector.
Job outcomes for this qualification type could be roles in acute care, rehabilitation, mental health, aged care, palliative care, home nursing and paediatric care, to name a few.
The average duration of the course is 18 months and can offer flexible start times, self-paced learning, and online delivery is available. Fee concessions are available for eligible students.
*To be eligible to apply for registration as an enrolled nurse and to practice in Australia, you must complete a Diploma of Nursing program accredited by the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC) and approved as ‘an approved program of study by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA ) in accordance with the Enrolled Nurse Accreditation Standards. Find out more here.
1 providers offer this course
Aged Care Traineeship
An aged care traineeship allows you to work in the industry while completing a nationally recognised qualification. The qualification you undertake can vary depending on the organisation that hires you. But no matter the course, the skills and knowledge you gain are the best foundation for success as an aged care worker.
Traineeships usually take around 12 months and involve assisting older people in many ways at an aged care facility. Learners undertake this practical work experience while attending regular classes (in-person and online) to study the relevant training course assigned.
Related subjects
Positions that have you working to support others in the community are not limited to aged care. There are plenty of job options in the support and community care industry that need empathetic and enthusiastic workers.
Some other subjects to explore:
Reviews
How we collect reviews
Reviews are from Australian workers with this job title or a very closely related one.
Is this your job title?
Share your thoughts and help people decide if this job is right for them.
How we collect reviews
Reviews are from Australian workers with this job title or a very closely related one.
Is this your job title?
Share your thoughts and help people decide if this job is right for them.
- All
- Positive
- Negative
Cathy
Aug 23 2021Love helping elderly people maintain independence.
What are the best parts of the job?
Being able to help elderly people live at home independently.
What's the most challenging part?
Administration is a challenging part of the role, as well as budgeting for home care packages. It can be difficult to figure out how to effectively use the funds available for the client.
Stefanie
Aug 23 2021Enjoy helping elderly people and making them comfortable.
What are the best parts of the job?
Making someone comfortable in my care is a really rewarding feeling.
What's the most challenging part?
Death. It sounds morbid but it's a sad reality in this job. It can be difficult to cope with the passing of a client, especially after building a relationship with them.
Giselle
Aug 23 2021Enjoy the job itself but staffing issues make it challenging.
What are the best parts of the job?
Providing love and care to elderly women.
What's the most challenging part?
Being understaffed. It means there's not enough time to provide to best care we can.
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Job cluster: The Carer
What are job clusters?
The seven job clusters are sets of closely related jobs that share skills, making it easy to apply skills learned in one career to another.
The idea of the seven job clusters first appeared in a 2016 research report by the Foundation for Young Australians, titled “The New Work Mindset”. Researchers analysed thousands of online job advertisements and found that jobs are more similar than commonly thought — and the skills you gain in one position are easy to bring to another. In fact, they can help you get 13 other closely related jobs.
This model is a great way to think about 21st-century careers, where the average person changes career five times. We’ve used this framework (along with the much-loved Holland Codes model) to build a career quiz.
Why not take it and find out which job cluster feels like home?
What are job clusters?
The seven job clusters are sets of closely related jobs that share skills, making it easy to apply skills learned in one career to another.
The idea of the seven job clusters first appeared in a 2016 research report by the Foundation for Young Australians, titled “The New Work Mindset”. Researchers analysed thousands of online job advertisements and found that jobs are more similar than commonly thought — and the skills you gain in one position are easy to bring to another. In fact, they can help you get 13 other closely related jobs.
This model is a great way to think about 21st-century careers, where the average person changes career five times. We’ve used this framework (along with the much-loved Holland Codes model) to build a career quiz.
Why not take it and find out which job cluster feels like home?
A role in aged care that has you supporting and assisting some of the most vulnerable members of our community is best suited to the career personality of The Carer.
The Carer thrives in a work environment that exercises their natural human-centric abilities, empathy and compassion. Ideal jobs for The Carer would be in community services or working with people that need direct assistance.
Take the Career Quiz to discover what jobs are a great fit for you.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an aged care worker earn?
An aged care support worker salary depends on the level of experience, and you can expect to earn an average salary of $65,780 per year.
What makes a good aged care worker?
A good aged care worker has bags of empathy, a genuine desire to support older people in a safe environment, and critical aged care skills acquired through vocational training.
Where would an aged care worker find information setting out their work role and responsibilities?
There are plenty of resources available online to find information about an aged care worker’s role and responsibilities (this one included!). Once you get a job as an aged care worker, your employer will provide you with information outlining your specific job description and responsibilities.
What does an aged care worker need to comply with?
All aged care workers are required to meet and comply with government regulations and standards. These regulations ensure that the safety, welfare and health of people using aged care services is protected and upheld. If compliance is not met, the Aged Care Safety and Quality Commission will take action to ensure the issues are resolved.