​So, you’re considering a career in aged care- that’s great! After all, working with and taking care of the elderly can be rewarding. But how do you get started with no prior experience, and what skills do you need to be an aged care worker?
To answer this question, we’ve put together a quick guide to help you kick-start a successful career in aged care.
What does an aged care worker do?
As an aged care worker, you provide support and care to elderly people by helping with daily tasks, such as
Feeding meals
Helping them take a shower and get dressed
Taking them to and from appointments (medical/physiotherapy and so on).
Cleaning up and sanitising
Arrange and facilitate activities designed to enhance their well-being
While this gives you a brief overview of the day-to-day tasks involved, it’s essential that you learn and get a thorough understanding of what the job involves; to determine if it is a suitable career path for you.
If you’ve done your research and are keen to proceed with a career in aged care, read on to find out what you need to do next.
Five steps in becoming an aged care worker
1. Update your resume
To become an aged care worker, you need to complete certificate three in individual support or aged care.
Whether or not you have the qualifications and training already, it’s still a good idea to update your resume to reflect skills that would make you a desirable aged care worker.
For instance, you could add work experience showcasing situations in which you have had to adapt and be responsible. This will at least help you when applying for voluntary work experience.
2. Get some qualifications and training.
Adding industry-specific training and qualifications to your resume is a great way to get noticed by hiring managers. It shows that you have the relevant knowledge and skills to do the job right. TAFE offers some great aged care and nursing courses, diplomas, and certificates to help turn your passion for helping others into a professional career. For example:
3. Gain industry experience
There’s nothing that shows dedication better than pursuing voluntary work for experience. So, head to your local nursing homes or aged care facilities and volunteer. Alternatively, look online for volunteer service providers like Bupa aged care.
Not only will this boost your resume and make you stand out from the crowd, but it will also allow you to better understand the industry and day-to-day work life.
4. Complete your financial and police checks
Under the Aged Care Act of 1997, aged care workers are ‘key personnel,’ which means to work for a government-approved aged care facility, you need to ensure you gain financial and national police clearance through the Australian Police Website.
5. You must have an Australian driving licence
Whilst this is not a make-or-break situation, it is desirable. Why? Because in many aged care jobs, you’ll need to drive clients to appointments, pick up groceries or take them to social gatherings.
Last but not least, as a desirable aged care worker, you’ll need to be
A good communicator
Organised
Physically fit
Compassionate
Friendly
patient
Alert
Begin your career in aged care today
At Austcorp, we believe in helping people reach their true potential. So, contact us today if you’re looking to kick-start your career in aged care.
In the meantime, why not check out some of our current opportunities? You never know - we may have what you’re looking for.