Caring for a loved one with a disability or illness can be overwhelming. That’s where respite workers come in, providing caregivers with a temporary break to take care of themselves. Respite workers typically offer short-term relief to carers of the elderly or people with disabilities. This support allows primary caregivers greater flexibility and freedom while also improving health outcomes.
A career as a respite care worker allows you to experience the rewards of caregiving on a part-time or full-time basis. Respite care workers are employed in a range of settings, including private residences, care homes and healthcare facilities.
According to Australian Government projections, the aged care and disability support sector is expected to experience strong growth over the next 5 years, providing qualified respite workers with increased job opportunities. PayScale estimates the average respite care worker salary to be between $44,217 and $66,155.
Learn how to become a respite worker with MyPath Education to take the first steps towards building a rewarding career in this profession.
Essential Qualities
Patience and Compassion
Caring for the elderly or people with disabilities can be a demanding job, requiring a high level of patience and compassion. Being able to put yourself in another person’s shoes and understand what they’re going through is a key quality for providing a high standard of care as a respite worker.
Communication and Listening Skills
Respite workers usually provide short-term relief for primary carers, so they must possess the ability to absorb and comprehend information quickly. Having advanced listening and communication skills will help you understand the unique needs of the person in your care and any emotions they or their primary carer may be dealing with.
Passion
There’s more to becoming a respite worker than simply earning the right qualifications. Being passionate about caring for people is crucial to succeeding in this role. Given the often demanding nature of providing a high standard of care, it’s extremely important that you enjoy the work.
Getting Qualified
Although it’s possible to find a job as a respite worker without formal training, getting qualified is the most effective way to develop the skills needed to secure employment. Having a qualification under your belt will ensure you stand out from the crowd when applying for jobs and may help advance your career in the future.
MyPath Education’s CHC33015 Certificate III in Individual Support teaches students how to provide individualised support in roles related to health and community services. This course is designed to develop factual, technical and procedural knowledge, as well as theoretical understanding of the concepts and practices required to provide a high standard of person-centred support. It includes 120 hours of work placement under supervision, so you can develop your skills and knowledge in a real-world setting.
Enquire online today or call our friendly and helpful team on (07) 3489 7777 to learn more about the CHC33015 Certificate III in Individual Support.