Residential Support Worker Job Description: Duties, Skills & Responsibilities
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Hiring a residential support worker means finding someone who can handle personal care, household tasks, meal preparation and accurate case documentation. It’s a hands-on role that spans the practical and the administrative.
This template was built from real jobs on Employment Hero, so it reflects what employers are genuinely asking for. Use it as-is or adapt it to your specific setting and client group.
Customise the sections in [brackets] to match your organisation and role requirements.
Residential support worker job description template
About the role
As a Residential Support Worker based in [Location], you’ll provide daily living support and personal care to residents, while maintaining accurate documentation and case notes. You’ll work closely with individuals to uphold their dignity and independence, communicating effectively with colleagues, families and other support services. This role suits someone who is attentive, reliable and committed to delivering person-centred care.
About our organisation
At [Company Name], we’re committed to delivering person-centred support that upholds the dignity, independence and wellbeing of every individual in our care. We invest in our people through ongoing professional development, competitive remuneration and genuine recognition of the contributions that make a difference every day. We’re looking for a dedicated support worker who wants to build a long-term career in the [care/disability/community services sector] within a team that actually invests in their people.
Residential support worker responsibilities
- Maintain accurate case notes, documentation and reports for each resident
- Provide personal care assistance including showering, dressing and grooming
- Perform household tasks such as cleaning, laundry and general maintenance
- Prepare nutritious meals and assist with grocery shopping as needed
- Organise recreational activities and support residents in community participation
- Implement individual care plans and therapeutic programs consistently
- Monitor residents’ health and behaviour and report any changes promptly
- Collaborate with families, healthcare professionals and external support agencies
Work hours and benefits
This is a [Full-time / Part-time / Casual] role with a rotating roster that includes overnight and weekend shifts.
We offer a competitive benefits package that includes:
- Training and professional development opportunities
- Clinical supervision and ongoing mentoring
- Competitive hourly rates aligned to the SCHADS Award
- Flexible shift options to support work-life balance
- Salary packaging and PBI tax benefits
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Residential support worker qualifications and skills
Essential:
- Certificate III or IV in Individual Support, Aged Care, Disability or Community Services (or equivalent)
- Proven experience in residential, aged or community care
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, both written and verbal
- Empathy, compassion and a genuine commitment to client wellbeing
- Current Driver Licence and access to a reliable personal vehicle
- Current First Aid and CPR certificates
- Satisfactory Police Check and relevant screening clearances (e.g. WWCC, NDIS Worker Screening)
Desirable:
- Experience supporting individuals with complex needs, disability or mental health conditions
- Knowledge of relevant legislation, quality standards and NDIS frameworks
- Cultural awareness and ability to work sensitively with Aboriginal, CALD or LGBTIQ+ communities
- Training in trauma-informed practice, TCI or Positive Behaviour Support
- Confidence with digital reporting tools and care management software
Education and experience requirements
- Certificate III or IV in Individual Support, Disability, Aged Care or Community Services (or equivalent), or willingness to work towards qualification
- Current First Aid and CPR certificates, valid open driver licence and satisfactory Police Check/National Crime Check
- NDIS Worker Screening Check (Yellow Card) and Working with Children Check (WWCC/Blue Card/WWVP) as required by state legislation
- Proof of Australian work rights
- 1+ years of experience in residential care, aged care, home care or a similar support environment
- Preferred: Experience supporting individuals with complex needs or trauma backgrounds, with exposure to trauma-informed practice or Positive Behaviour Support frameworks
How to apply
If you meet the requirements above, please apply by submitting your CV and a cover letter outlining your relevant experience.Applications close [date]. We look forward to welcoming someone who shares our commitment to person-centred, compassionate care.
What does a residential support worker do?
When you bring a residential support worker into your team, you’re getting someone who handles serious daily ground. They manage documentation and case notes, deliver personal care and hygiene support, prepare meals, take care of household tasks and organise community activities. This residential support worker job description reflects how broad that responsibility actually is.
Your hire works across group homes, supported accommodation and family settings. They collaborate with healthcare teams and support agencies to deliver consistent, coordinated care. You get someone who bridges the gap between clinical support and everyday life for the people in your service.
Residential support worker salary expectations
Residential support workers are in high demand across Australia. Getting your pay rate right from the start means attracting quality candidates faster and reducing costly turnover. Workers in this field typically earn $28-$40 per hour, depending on experience, qualifications and the level of support required.
Pay for residential support workers is governed by the SCHADS Award, which sets minimum rates and outlines penalty rates for overnight, weekend and public holiday shifts. Many employers also offer salary packaging and PBI tax benefits to make their offer more competitive without increasing base wages. Use Employment Hero’s salary benchmarking tools to set a rate that reflects your market and keeps your roster full.
Residential support is a complex role. Your job description doesn’t have to be. Start with this template and find the right person faster.
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