Provides routine personal care services to people in private homes, rest/residential homes, public and private hospitals.

Assists with personal care needs such as showering, dressing, eating, mobility, communication; participates in care planning; follows therapy plans i.e. interventions to assist those with dementia and behavioural problems; observes/reports changes in patients’ condition; reports complaints about care; and assists with rehabilitation exercises, basic treatment and delivery of medications.

• Works inside private homes, rest/residential homes, public and private hospitals.
• Work spaces are generally adequately heated and ventilated also clean and well-maintained, but this may vary in relation to those working in private homes.
• Patients are likely to be the elderly, disabled or ill and will require varying levels of personal care and support in carrying out general home management and daily living tasks.
• Employees may work for a number of clients concurrently, in a number of different locations and need to travel between these on a regular basis. Shift work is normal.

• Medium to very heavy physical demand level. Heavy lifting, pulling, carrying or pushing is occasionally required when moving patients. Bending is occasionally required to lift items or people.
• Employees walk and stand frequently and constantly. Sitting is occasionally required.
• Stretching and reaching is frequently required, especially when making beds and carrying out other nursing or care tasks. In some situations they will be a need to assist individual clients physically.
• Squatting or crouching may be necessary when communicating and working with some patients.
• Twisting of the body or neck may occur on an occasional basis especially with some tasks associated with moving patients.
• Contact with skin irritants or water may be occasionally necessary and there may be physical contact with people who have infectious conditions. Protective equipment is used.
• Driving is likely to be required if duties include transportation to appointments, the fetching of groceries or if working at more than one location (if so a Class 1 driving licence is required).
• Repetitive movements may be required on an occasional basis to perform therapeutic activities, enter data into a computer or make notes. Hand tools used will include medical and office equipment.
• Mental skills necessary include listening, communication, health care and practical skills.

• Previous experience in this role or at least three years of secondary education (useful subjects include English, maths and biology) (ANZSCO Skill Level 4). Some employers prefer candidates who have, or are working towards, a relevant qualification such as the National Certificate in Health, Disability, and Aged Support (Health Assistants). Most employers provide in-house training for beginners.
• Any previous criminal convictions need to be declared so that they can be reviewed by prospective employers. A First Aid Certificate and/or a Driver's Licence may also be required.
• Note: some roles within this occupation are at ANZSCO Skill Level 3.

There are opportunities for flexibility of movement but they are limited.