How to start a rewarding career as a care and support worker
It’s one of the fastest growing sectors in Australia, and people from all backgrounds and experience have found rewarding work in the field.
And with an ageing population in Australia, the care and support sector is booming. In fact, the sector will need 1 million extra workers by 2050 to support older Australians - that’s a quadrupling of the current workforce.
This translates to plenty of career opportunities, but also the opportunity to have a deeply personal impact on others’ lives. Care and support workers often become a valued social connection for people who may face isolation at home.
“Most of my clients live alone or with their partners, so they don't see a lot of people every day and they like to talk when you visit them,” says aged care worker Mina.
“I have quite a few regular clients, so we’re familiar with each other. Besides the tasks that I do each shift, we also talk and get to know each other. It helps to be talkative - and luckily I’m a people person.
“For me, it’s rewarding because you know that you are helping people not only physically, but also emotionally.”
For Mina, aged care work also offers flexibility around her two young children. Shifts can be organised around school events or changed if her children are sick, she says.
Mina has a Certificate IV in Community Services, and her employer also provides ongoing training, including regular training in First Aid and CPR.
A good attitude is just as important as the right skills, Mina says. “You should be kind, patient and always have a good heart with good intentions.”
What a career in care and support offers
The benefits of working in the care and support sector include:
- Work that’s meaningful and rewarding
- Job opportunities in a growing sector
- Opportunities for new career pathways
- The option to achieve qualifications while working
- Flexible working hours.
“I often hear from our team members that this is not just a job: caring is a passion of theirs,” says Peta Mullin, Head of Talent Planning and Acquisition at integratedliving, an organisation that provides older Australians and people living with disability with a range of support and services.
“Our team members love the ability to work within their own community and support people to continue to live their lives within their home,” Mullin says.
“There is a real satisfaction in providing freedom of choice and being a part of life’s journey with older Australians, whether that’s helping them with activities within their home, helping them stay connected within their community, or listening to the stories shared by clients from completely different backgrounds.”
How to move into the sector
There are many transferable skills from different industries that can be applied to care and support, as well as different pathways into the sector.
Transferable skills that are valued in the care and support sector include:
- Communication and listening skills
- Flexibility
- Empathy
- Conscientiousness
- Time management skills
- Teamwork and collaboration
“Working in care and support takes collaboration, compassion, and the drive to make a genuine difference in people’s lives,” Mullin says.
“Care and support workers can be a beacon of light which brings positivity to someone’s day, and this is a great recipe for creating a meaningful, inspiring and rewarding career.”
No matter what previous experience or background you have, care and support work offers a rewarding career. Transferrable skills such as communication skills, empathy and teamwork are highly valued, and some employers offer ongoing training. There are plenty of diverse roles available in the sector - and the demand for employees is only set to rise.
