Careers in Personal Care

A career as a Personal Care Assistant or Personal Support Worker is a rewarding and fulfilling way to help others in the community.

Rewarding Careers Helping Others

As a Personal Care Assistant or Personal Support Worker with Forward you will provide person-centred care and be responsible for assisting clients to live independently in their own homes. This will include tasks such as assisted bladder and bowel care, showering, dressing, grooming, light domestic assistance and support in community participation.

Jamie
Personal Support Worker

What’s it like being a Personal Support Worker at Forward?

What does a typical day look like for you?

A typical day for me will begin with a morning shift starting anywhere between 6-8am. Morning shifts are centred around supporting your client to get ready for the day. I would then usually do either a lunch shift to assist in meal preparation or domestic shift to assist with cleaning. After that I have a few hours break, then I generally do an evening shift which consists of supporting a client in their night routine.

What sort of training and support do you get?

When you first start with a client you are provided a buddy. You get to do these buddy shifts so you feel confident in doing the shift by yourself. I also have a relationship with my rostering lead who makes me feel supported at all times and comfortable to discuss anything with them.

What’s your favourite thing about your job?

My favourite thing about my job is the people. The interactions you have with clients are so rewarding and being able to support people everyday is so fulfilling.

What would you say to someone thinking about becoming a support worker?

I would tell them to do it! There are so many benefits to being a personal support worker and it is a career that I would definitely encourage people to try.

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Mary
Personal Care Assistant at Ferguson Lodge

Fulfilling work as a Personal Care Assistant at Forward

When I first came to Ferguson Lodge, I was a bit apprehensive in working here. I had no knowledge of this type of work but… I’ve been here for 20 years! So if it wasn’t fulfilling and fun for me, then I would’ve left ages ago.

What’s your relationship like with the residents who you support?

The residents do look upon us as part of their family. I really enjoy coming to work because I know that I can be myself and the residents are quite supportive of that. They’re very cheeky, there’s bantering and joking and, it just makes your shift a lot easier.

What would you say to someone thinking about becoming a PCA?

I’d say it is a little bit daunting to work with spinal care injuries, but it’s a fun job and they might have a physical disability with their body, but their minds are very active. I would say do it, give it a go.

What ’s your favourite thing about your job?

My favourite thing is that we are a happy family. We are very family orientated here, the staff, and we all get on very well and we all look after each other.

What you’ll need

Essential:

Current First Aid Certificate
Personal mobile telephone with data capabilities
Access to reliable transport for the purpose of attending community based services (walking distance, public transport, own vehicle with valid NSW drivers licence)
Flexibility and availability to cover a range of shift times (early mornings, evenings, nights and weekends)
Proven capability to build and sustain positive working relationships, and the ability to work in a team environment or independently as required
Demonstrated ability to prioritise work loads and meet deadlines

Desirable:

Experience providing complex personal care and working with people to achieve their goals in a community setting
Understanding of the rights and requirements of people with a disability
Certificate III / IV in Disability or Aged Care or Assistant in Nursing
Undergraduate university students studying a related health subject are encouraged to apply

You’ll enjoy:

Highly competitive salary
Salary packaging of up to $15,800. Enjoy pre-tax savings by packaging your mortgage, rent, personal card, car lease, portable devices, holiday accommodation, education, software and more
Smartsalary card for pre-tax savings on everyday living expenses, meals, entertainment
Reimbursement for expenses
Buddy shifts with experienced support person
Rostering team to cover all shifts
Training specific to your role including extensive COVID-19 training
Family-friendly, supportive, inclusive environment
Insurance cover if injured
PPE provided in all environments
Variety of tasks
Shifts no longer than 8 hours