Printer Friendly Version

Special Care Worker

State/Territory Specific Information

Special care workers provide care, supervision and support for children, people with disabilities and aged people in residential establishments and in their own homes.

Special care workers may perform the following tasks:

  • assist people with their self-medication
  • plan and implement programs of supervision and care for those in residential care
  • provide in-home support with health issues and daily living tasks such as washing, dressing, eating, transport and budgeting
  • supervise and arrange activities to enhance the physical, social, emotional and intellectual development of those in residential care
  • make sure that those in residential care are washed, dressed, fed and ready for educational and recreational activities
  • supervise those in residential care during domestic activities such as eating meals and showering
  • provide companionship and support during daily activities for those who are sick or aged
  • cook and serve meals, clean premises, wash, iron and perform other household tasks
  • organise refuge accommodation
  • implement appropriate strategies for managing problems related to dementia
  • work with a team of health professionals, family, friends and carers to implement a program of support.

Specialisations:

Attendant Care Worker

An attendant care worker concentrates on providing personal care assistance to people with disability in the home or workplace. These duties may include bathing, lifting, moving, dressing, grooming, exercising or feeding people with disabilities.

Home Care Worker

A home care worker provides in-home assistance and care for people unable to care for themselves and/or their families because of sickness, disability or old age.

Mother's Helper

A mother's helper assists new mothers with the additional work involved with the arrival of a new baby. They also care for other children, clean and cook meals.

Special care workers work in private homes and community establishments. They may be required to work evenings, weekends and public holidays and may be required to live on the premises.

Personal Requirements:

  • patience, flexibility and understanding
  • supportive and caring nature
  • able to accept responsibility
  • good communication skills
  • able to work as part of a team
  • able to cope with the physical demands of the job
  • able to perform domestic duties efficiently.

Related Jobs:

Education and Training, Employment Opportunities and Additional Information

Select the State/Territory you are interested in: