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Special Care Worker (NSW/ACT)

State/Territory Specific Information

Education and Training:

You can work as a special care worker without formal qualifications. You will probably get some informal training on the job. Entry to this occupation may be improved if you have qualifications or previous experience with people who require special help. You may like to consider a VET qualification in home and community care, aged care or disability. As subjects and prerequisites can vary between institutions, you should contact your chosen institution for further information. You may be able to study through distance education.

You can also become a special care worker through a traineeship in Home and Community Care, Aged Care or Disability. Entry requirements may vary but employers usually require Year 10. Ask your career adviser about the possibility of starting some of this training in school.

Additional Information:

Once you are employed, you may be able to develop, and have recognised, additional skills under the Community Services Training Package that will expand your career opportunities within this industry.

A drivers licence and car are essential for those providing community and home support care.

To work with minors in NSW, you must obtain a Working with Children Check, issued by the NSW Commission for Children and Young People (www.kids.nsw.gov.au). In the ACT, the Children and Young People Commissioner (www.hrc.act.gov.au) is in the process of introducing safety checks for people who work with children.

Related Courses:

While the following courses are related to this occupation, they may not necessarily lead directly to employment, nor provide the most direct pathway to the occupation. Courses which provide preliminary or informal training, as well as those which provide additional job skills following initial qualifications may also be listed.

*Course is offered by more than one institution. Click link for details.

  1. Disability Work
  2. Provide Support to People Living with Dementia (CHC Unit)
  3. Work Effectively with People with a Disability (CHC Unit)
  4. Certificate II in Community Services *
  5. Certificate III in Aged Care *
  6. Certificate III in Disability *
  7. Certificate III in Home and Community Care *
  8. Certificate IV in Aged Care *
  9. Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs Work *
  10. Certificate IV in Child, Youth and Family Intervention - Child Protection
  11. Certificate IV in Disability *
  12. Certificate IV in Home and Community Care *
  13. Certificate IV in Mental Health *
  14. Diploma of Children's Services - Early Childhood Education and Care *
  15. Diploma of Community Services - Mental Health *
  16. Diploma of Youth Work *
  17. Advanced Diploma of Special Education and Disability Studies
  18. Associate Degree in Inclusive Education and Disability Studies
  19. Bachelor of Inclusive Education and Disability Studies
  20. Bachelor of Social Science *

Employment Opportunities:

Special care workers are employed by community health centres, local government authorities, private hospitals, multidisciplinary health centres in rural areas, and aged-care centres.

The demand for special care workers depends on the need in the community for special care for children, the elderly and people with disability, as well as on the levels of government funding for disability services.

For Further Information:

Carers ACT

(02) 6296 9900

Carers NSW

Community Services and Health Industry Skills Council Ltd

DIAL-AN-ANGEL

1300 721 111

Information for other states and territories: