How to Become a Care Worker in Australia

Demand for caregivers or care workers continues to rise across Australia. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), around 549,000 people were employed across the five care service areas in 2023. Over 410,000 were direct care roles, with growth three times faster than total employment nationally.

Nearly half of residential aged-care employees are personal care workers.

What are personal care workers?

Personal care workers—also called carers, home-care workers or disability support workers—assist people and their families with daily living activities. Their work focuses on helping clients to live safely and as independently as possible, at home or in supported accommodation. They provide practical and emotional support, including medication, companionship, assisting with household tasks, and more.

Benefits of working as a carer

Meaningful impact: Make a real difference in people’s lives by providing support and improving their quality of life.
Job satisfaction: High emotional reward from helping clients maintain independence and well-being.
Flexible work options: Opportunities for part-time, full-time, or casual roles to suit personal schedules.
Career growth: Pathways to advance into nursing, allied health, or management roles with further training.
Skill development: Gain valuable skills in communication, empathy, and healthcare practices.
Job stability: Growing demand for carers ensures consistent employment opportunities.
Community connection: Build strong relationships with clients and families, fostering a sense of community

What carers do

The role of carer combines physical, emotional and social support, tailored to each client’s needs. Key duties include:

• Assisting with daily living tasks such as bathing, dressing and grooming
• Helping with household chores, meal preparation and shopping
• Supporting mobility, exercise and transport
• Providing companionship and engaging in social or recreational activities
• Observing wellbeing and reporting concerns to supervisors or health professionals

Skills Required

Carers require both practical and interpersonal skills, such as:

• Clear communication and active listening
• Empathy, patience and discretion
• Time management and organisation
• Following care plans and safety procedures
• Safe manual-handling techniques
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Where carers work

Carers work in a range of settings, including:

• Residential aged-care facilities or nursing homes
• Clients’ homes through home-care packages or in-home support programs
• Community and disability-support centres, including day programs or respite care
• Health or allied-care services under supervision

Employment can be through a provider, community service organisation, or via platforms connecting carers with clients.

Screening, background checks and insurance

All aged-care and disability-support workers must complete mandatory screening before employment. This typically includes a national police check and, where required, state or territory clearances.

Workers may also need first-aid certification and proof of insurance, particularly if operating as independent contractors. Employers or agencies may verify cover to ensure the carer is meeting the terms of a work contract.

Qualifications, training and development

Most personal care roles require a Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing or Disability). Advanced positions, such as team leader or care coordinator, often require a Certificate IV in Ageing Support.

Training combines classroom theory with practical placements through registered training organisations (RTOs). Courses cover personal care techniques, communication, infection control, and person-centred care. The Department of Health and Aged Care supports continued learning and workforce development.

What qualifications are needed?

A Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing or Disability) is usually the minimum. Some employers may accept unqualified entrants with supervision until the certificate is completed. Police checks, first-aid training, and manual-handling skills are generally required.

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

A home care assistant primarily supports clients in their homes, assisting with domestic tasks and companionship. A personal care assistant can work in both homecare and residential settings, focusing more on personal support such as hygiene, mobility, and daily routines. The roles often overlap, and titles vary depending on the employer or funding program.