If you desire to work in Australia as a care aide, this career path offers many opportunities, including visa sponsorship for eligible foreigners. There is a high demand for care aides across Australia.
Care aide jobs can provide foreigners and their families with a stable income, a new cultural experience, and a possible pathway to permanent residency.
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In this guide, we’ll discuss ways to find $34,000 care aide jobs in Australia, the requirements, and how visa sponsorship works. This career can be a rewarding choice, especially for compassionate individuals who want to experience life in Australia.
What is a Care Aide?
A Care Aide provides direct care, personal assistance, and support to patients who are ill, elderly, or disabled. They assist patients with activities such as bathing, grooming, dressing, and toileting. They may also help with feeding or exercise and, in some settings, help patients take their medications.
Educational Requirements for Care Aide Jobs in Perth, Australia
The educational requirements for care aide jobs in Australia vary by role but typically include a certificate or diploma and relevant certifications:
- Personal Care Assistant: A Certificate III in Individual Support (CHC33015) is usually required. Some institutions may allow you to specialize in disability or aging. You may also need to complete a Police Check and NDIS Worker Screening Check and have up-to-date immunizations.
- Residential Care Worker: A high school diploma or equivalent is the minimum educational requirement, but many employers prefer candidates with additional training and education in healthcare, social work, or psychology. You may also need a Certificate III in Individual Support or equivalent.
- Allied Health Assistant: A Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance (HLT33015) is usually required. This certificate usually includes a work placement where you can assist an allied health professional. You may also need to complete a National Police Check and Working with Children Check.
- Home Care Worker: A Certificate III in Individual Support (CHC33015) is usually required. Some institutions may allow you to specialize in disability, aging, or home and community care. You may also need to complete a Police Check and NDIS Worker Screening Check and have up-to-date immunizations.
In addition to educational requirements, you may need to obtain relevant certifications, such as a First Aid and CPR Certificate. Your first aid certificate may also need to be updated every three years, and your CPR certificate every year.
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You can gain practical experience through a work placement, internship, or volunteering at a local care facility.
General Requirements to Get Care Aide Jobs in Australia
To work as a care aide in Australia, you’ll typically need to meet the following requirements:
- Complete a vocational qualification: You’ll usually need to complete a Certificate III in Individual Support (CHC33015). Some institutions may allow you to specialize in a specific area, such as disability, aging, or home and community care.
- Obtain certifications and checks: You’ll need to get a First Aid Certificate, CPR Certificate, Police Check, and NDIS Worker Screening Check. You’ll also need to keep your first aid certificate updated every three years and your CPR certificate updated every year.
- Get immunizations: You must have up-to-date immunizations.
- Gain experience: You can gain experience by volunteering with Seniors and Aged Care or Disability Services.
- Consider a driver’s license: Some employers may prefer you to have a current driver’s license.
You can also consider studying for a Bachelor of Social Work to develop your skills and knowledge further. Care aides need to be reliable, trustworthy, and compassionate.
They need to establish trust with the people they care for and their families. Many people rely on their caregivers for their daily routines. Compassion and empathy are important for connecting with clients and offering emotional support.
Finding Care Aide Jobs with Visa Sponsorship in Australia
Here are some places to find care aide jobs with visa sponsorship in Australia:
- St Vincent’s Health Australia: Accepts applications from international healthcare professionals.
- Indeed: It offers various care aide jobs with visa sponsorship, including personal care assistant, support worker, and aged care assistant roles.
- SEEK: Has caregiver sponsorship jobs, including aged carer and disability support worker roles
To be eligible for an aged care sponsorship visa in Australia, you may need to meet the following requirements:
- Have at least two years of paid working experience after graduation
- Have an AHPRA number or be eligible for one
- Have experience in the aged care sector or acute care
According to Glassdoor, care assistant jobs in Australia with visa sponsorship can pay between $43,000 and $71,000 per year or between $25 and $35 per hour.
How Visa Sponsorship Works for Care Aide Jobs in Australia
Visa sponsorship for care aide jobs in Australia can work through the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) or the Carer Visa Sub Class 116 & 836:
- Employer Nomination Scheme: This visa program allows employers to sponsor overseas workers for permanent residence. Workers must have at least two years of full-time work experience in Australia in a relevant direct care occupation to be eligible.
- Carer Visa: To sponsor someone on a carer visa, the sponsor must complete Form 40 Sponsorship for migration to Australia and submit it to the applicant.
Here are some other things to consider when working as a care aide in Australia:
- Work experience: Some roles may require a certificate of service from a previous employer to demonstrate work history and technical skills.
- AHPRA registration: Some roles may require an active AHPRA registration, which assesses the applicant’s training and qualifications.
- In-person meetings: Many employers prefer to meet potential employees in person before committing to sponsorship.
- Visa application fees: The visa applicant is responsible for paying the visa application fee and any subsequent temporary application charge.
- Employer sponsorship fees: The sponsoring employer is usually responsible for paying the sponsorship and nomination fees.
Average Salary and Benefits for Care Aides in Australia
The average salary for care aides in Australia varies depending on the role, but here are some average salary ranges:
- Personal Care Assistant: The average annual salary for a Personal Care Assistant in Australia is between $55,000 and $65,000.
- Healthcare Assistant: The average salary for a Healthcare Assistant in Australia is $61,199 per year, with an estimated total pay of $74,219 per year.
- Personal Care Worker: The average annual salary for a Personal Care Worker in Australia is between $40,000 and $60,000.
- Aged Care Worker: The average hourly salary for an Aged Care Worker in Australia is $26.
- Assistant in Nursing: The average annual salary for an Assistant in Nursing in Australia is between $50,000 and $60,000.
- Allied Health Assistant: The average annual salary for an Allied Health Assistant in Australia is between $60,000 and $70,000.
Minimum wage may vary by jurisdiction, so it’s best to consult the employer for actual salary figures.
Advantages of Care Aide Jobs in Perth, Australia
There are several advantages to working as a care aide in Australia, including:
- Personal fulfillment: You can make a positive impact on the lives of seniors and their families.
- Flexible work hours: You can create a schedule that works for you and your patients, and you can choose when to take vacation days.
- Supportive team environment: You can work in a collaborative team environment.
- Opportunities to learn: You can learn about new healthcare breakthroughs and treatments.
- Good work/life balance: You can work nights, weekends, or shorter shifts to fit around your family and school obligations.
- Competitive remuneration: You can receive competitive remuneration and salary packaging benefits.
- No age barrier: Anyone at any age can join the field.
- Good employment growth: The Australian Government expects strong future employment growth for aged carers.
Personal care assistants in Australia help clients with activities of daily living, such as eating, dressing, showering, and toileting. They may also monitor medications, make beds, and tidy rooms.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does healthcare work in Australia?
The Australian healthcare system covers all necessary medical facilities, such as hospital or doctor visits, but it does not provide prescription, dental, or vision coverage.
Why is Australia considered the best for healthcare?
Australia ensures equal healthcare access through social assistance. Australians can benefit from different health services, preventive measures, medical treatments, and prescription drugs.
Which medical job is in demand in Australia?
Some of the medical jobs that are in demand in Australia are registered nurses, pharmacists, licensed practical nurses, physical therapists, dietitians, and nutritionists. You can apply for any of these jobs if you meet the job requirements.