How do I become a residential care officer?
Certificate III in Individual Support
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
Certificate IV in Community Services
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing)
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
Certificate IV In Ageing Support
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
Certificate III In Individual Support (Home and Community Care)
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
Related occupations
Aged Care Worker
Aged Care Workers support the elderly by assisting with daily tasks, personal care, and liaising with families about health and medication.
Personal Carer
Personal Carers support elderly and vulnerable individuals with daily tasks, providing companionship and liaising with families and healthcare professionals.
Residential Care Worker
Residential Care Workers support children and adults in various facilities, providing personal services and maintaining close relationships with clients and their families.
Community Care Worker
Community Care Workers support children and adults in care facilities with personal services, building close relationships with clients and their families.
Home Care Assistance Worker
Home Care Assistance Workers provide personal care to elderly and vulnerable individuals in their homes, promoting independence and building strong client relationships.
Diversional Therapy Assistant
Diversional Therapy Assistants support leisure programs, enhancing the social and emotional wellbeing of isolated or vulnerable individuals.
Aged Care Team Leader
An Aged Care Team Leader supervises care services for elderly clients, managing teams and ensuring personalised support and compliance with standards.
Aged Care Manager
Aged Care Managers oversee operations in care facilities, managing finances, compliance, and staff while ensuring quality service and safety standards.
Trainee Support Worker
A Trainee Support Worker assists clients with daily activities in aged care or disability services, offering practical and emotional support.
Aboriginal Aged Care Worker
An Aboriginal Aged Care Worker supports Indigenous elders' health, conducting assessments and liaising with clients and healthcare professionals in various settings.
Aged Care Nurse
An Aged Care Nurse provides specialised care to elderly patients, monitoring health, administering treatments, and assisting with daily activities.
Lifestyle Coordinator
A Lifestyle Coordinator plans and organises activities and events for residents in care facilities, focusing on their physical, social, and emotional needs.
Diversional Therapist
A Diversional Therapist organises activities for individuals with specific needs, addressing social, physical, and emotional well-being while ensuring effective communication.
Home Carer
A Home Carer supports people with additional needs at home, assisting with daily tasks, personal care, and accompanying clients to appointments.
Care Coordinator
A Care Coordinator manages client care in aged or disability services, ensuring daily support, liaising with families, and organising specialist staff.
Mental Health Advocate
A Mental Health Advocate supports individuals by promoting their rights, accessing services, and navigating mental health systems with empathy and guidance.
Gerontologist
Gerontologists focus on the care and wellbeing of those over 65, helping the elderly maintain health, fitness, and social connections.
Aged Care Coordinator
An Aged Care Coordinator manages the care of elderly individuals, ensuring they receive tailored support and enhancing their quality of life.
Common questions
How much do Residential Care Officers earn?
In Australia, a full time Residential Care Officer generally earns $1,200 per week ($62,400 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only.
What are the job opportunities for Residential Care Officers?
Opportunities for Residential Care Officers in Australia are expected to grow very strongly over the next 5 years as more than 179,000 new jobs in aged and disability care open up around the country. This will include roles for supervisory roles. Residential Care Officers are employed by adult care centres, nursing homes, aged care facilities, group homes, and rehabilitation units.
Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights
How do I become a Residential Care Officer?
Residential Care Officers need real world experience in personal care as well as supporting qualifications. As a minimum you’ll need a Certificate III in Individual Support, and if you are working with the elderly or disabled you might also consider additional VET qualifications in those areas. Try the Certificate IV in Disability and the Certificate IV in Ageing Support. They take about a year to complete and also provide leadership skills. You will also need a current first aid and CPR certificate, and in some cases an up-to-date influenza vaccination and police check.