How to Get a Job in Aged Care?

As the population ages, there is an increasing demand for compassion and skilled aged care workers. Whether you’re starting a new career or want to make a difference in the lives of elders, the profession of aged care provides a rewarding and meaningful experience. In this article, we’ll look at the key steps to getting a job in aged care and making a difference in this critical industry.

Step 1: Understand the Role

Before beginning your job search, familiarise yourself with the responsibilities and expectations of a career in aged care in Australia. Aged care workers assist the elderly with everyday duties, personal care, and emotional support. This position requires empathy, patience, and a genuine desire to improve the quality of life for elders.

Step 2: Gain Relevant Skills and Qualifications

While formal qualifications may differ based on the profession and area, gaining appropriate certifications and training can greatly improve your employment in aged care. Allied Institute offers a range of comprehensive health programs designed to provide students with in-depth knowledge and practical skills. Consider taking courses such as:

• CHC33021 – Certificate III in Individual Support
• CHC43015 – Certificate IV in Ageing Support
• CHC52021 – Diploma of Community Services

Furthermore, acquiring practical experience through volunteer work or internships can indicate your dedication and preparation for a career in aged care.

Step 3: Build A Strong CV and Cover Letter

Build a strong CV and cover letter that showcase your relevant abilities, certifications, and experience in aged care. Highlight your responsive personality, good communication skills, and ability to work effectively in a team setting. Tailor your application materials to meet the job’s specific criteria and demonstrate your enthusiasm for supporting elders in their everyday lives.

Step 4: Network and Seek Opportunities

Networking might be a useful strategy in your job search. Attend industry events, workshops, and seminars to network with people in the elderly care field and learn about potential career prospects. Additionally, you can seek jobs through job search applications such as SEEK, Indeed, Sidekicker, and Jora Jobs.

Step 5: Prepare for Interviews

During the interview, convey your genuine passion for working with seniors and your dedication to making a positive impact in their lives. Share examples of previous experiences or accomplishments that demonstrate your ability to excel in an aged care role. Highlight your willingness to learn and grow in the field, and express your enthusiasm for contributing to the well-being of elderly individuals within the community.

Step 6: Continuous Learning and Development

Once you’ve landed a career in aged care, embrace opportunities for further learning and professional growth.

Job Opportunities in Aged Care

Depending on the specific course that you are studying, the job outcomes and opportunities will be different. However, some common opportunities for you are:

• Residential Care Worker
• Aged Care Worker
• Personal Care Worker
• Home Care Assistant
• Community Care Worker
• Support Worker

Salary

Aged care workers secure a historic 28.5% wage increase in Australia after the landmark Fair Work Commission (FWC) ruling. A personal carer’s average salary will increase from $23.10 to $32.52 per hour.

To be more specific:

• Workers with a CHC33021 – Certificate III in Individual Support (or equivalent) will see an overall wage increase of approximately 23% and earn up to $32.21 per hour.
• Workers with a CHC43015 – Certificate IV in Ageing Support (or equivalent) will see their overall wage go up by 28.5% and earn up to $34.78 per hour.

To know about the information, read our blog “Wage Increase for Aged Care Workers”.

Are you ready to make a meaningful impact in Aged Care?

Let’s kickstart your rewarding career with the Allied Institute.

Contact Us now to learn more about our programs and take your first step towards a significant impact!

Historic Wage Increase for Aged Care Workers

A Milestone Decision by Fair Work Commission

The Fair Work Commission (FWC) has announced a significant wage increase for aged care workers across Australia. Given the challenges of an ageing population, this decision is a major step towards recognising the vital role these professionals play in society.

Background

Long-standing recognition exists that aged care workers are among the most devoted and undervalued healthcare professionals. Despite their crucial role in elderly care, their pay has not always matched its complexity and importance. After extensive deliberations and advocacy by various stakeholders, the Fair Work Commission’s recent decision aims to rectify this long-standing issue.

Details of the Pay Increase

The decision by the Fair Work Commission grants a significant wage increase of up to 28.5% to aged care workers. A personal carer’s average salary will increase from $23.10 to $32.52 per hour. This change is intended to address reward discrepancies in healthcare, particularly compared to other areas with equivalent skills and responsibilities. Due to the diversity of aged care roles, the Fair Work Commission has structured the salary increase by employment level and qualification. For instance:

• Workers with a CHC33021 – Certificate III in Individual Support (or equivalent) will see an overall wage increase of approximately 23% and earn up to $32.21 per hour.
• Workers with a CHC43015 – Certificate IV in Ageing Support (or equivalent) will see their overall wage go up by 28.5% and earning up to $34.78 per hour.

Impact on the Aged Care Sector

The rise will likely improve the lives of thousands of aged care workers, recognising their vital contributions to the community and reflecting the sector’s diverse roles. It is likely to improve staff morale and job satisfaction, which are crucial for maintaining high standards of care. Furthermore, better wages could help attract more professionals to the industry, addressing many facilities’ current staffing shortages.

Phased Implementation Strategy

Despite the groundbreaking nature of the increase, the full benefits will not be immediate. The Albanese government has proposed that the Fair Work Commission phase in the increase over two years, starting in January 2025. The full wil implementation will be by January 2026. The gradual strategy avoids “large one-off wage increases” that could cause workforce shortages in other areas.

The government’s submission stated that this approach is “fair and reasonable” for workers involved in direct care. The decision follows a 15% temporary salary rise placed in November 2022 to boost aged care worker compensation.

Become an Aged Care Worker

If you’re inspired by aged care workers’ dedication and recent wage increases, being an aged care worker might suit you. This role offers the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of the elderly and improve their quality of life daily. Aged care workers provide critical support that includes personal care, companionship, and assistance with daily activities.

A certificate course like CHC33021 – Certificate III in Individual Support or CHC43015 – Certificate IV in Ageing Support. Allied Institute in Melbourne offers courses in personal care, legal and ethical standards, and patient-specific support.

For more details, check out our blog “How to Get a Job in Aged Care?“.

Looking Forward

The decision by the Fair Work Commission is not just a win for Aged Care Workers but a significant step forward for the healthcare industry in Australia. It sends a strong message about the value of care work and sets a precedent for future negotiations in other sectors.

This historic pay increase is a testament to the collective effort and advocacy of aged care workers and their supporters. It highlights the importance of investing in individuals who spend their life to helping others and rewarding them.

With the sector’s growing demand and the recent wage increases, now is an excellent time to consider a career in aged care. This path not only promises a stable job but also offers a fulfilling experience as you enrich the lives of the elderly.

If you have any questions or you are looking to make an enquiry, feel free to Contact Us.

Source: 9news. The Guardian.

Placements in Aged Care

Trainer and Assessor and Guest Speaker Constance Pisano 

Insert Connie Picture 

• Where: Room 5 Hilton, Level 6, 250 Collins Street 
• When: Monday 29th January from 12 to 1 PM

The WBT Workshop, titled “Navigating Work-Based Training and Placements in Aged Care,” aims to prepare students for a seamless transition from classroom learning to real-world practice. The workshop covers the definition and significance of Work-Based Training (WBT) in aged care, emphasizing its role in bridging the gap between theory and practical skills. The benefits of WBT, characteristics of effective programs, and the importance of mentorship will be discussed. 

The workshop delves into the critical aspect of navigating aged care placements, highlighting their significance in professional growth and workforce preparation. It explores various types of placements, such as residential care facilities and community care, providing practical tips for students to prepare for their placements and emphasizing the importance of understanding facility policies. 

Section 3 focuses on successful placement experiences through student testimonials and an interactive discussion to address expectations and concerns. Section 4 addresses common challenges in aged care placements, discussing communication issues and strategies for building resilience during challenging moments. 

The conclusion summarizes key takeaways, highlighting the value of WBT and placements in shaping successful careers in aged care. A Q&A session encourages students to seek clarification and advice. Closing remarks express gratitude for participation and encourage students to embrace WBT and placements. Additional resources in the form of handouts provide information on finding placements, tips for success, and contact details for support services.