Careers advice

Qualifications depend on the role. All employees need to be eligible to live and work in Australia and may need a current national police clearance. Some roles require specific qualifications, licences or registrations. Common examples include Certificate III in Individual Support for care roles, a full South Australian driver’s licence for community roles, a Diploma of Nursing for Enrolled Nurses, and a Bachelor of Nursing plus AHPRA registration for Registered Nurses.

Next step: Review the job advertisement for role-specific requirements and contact Helping Hand recruitment with questions.

After applications close, Helping Hand reviews submissions. If you are shortlisted, the team will contact you to arrange an interview. If your application is unsuccessful, you will be notified. The process may include screening, interview, reference checks, worker screening checks and pre-employment requirements.

Next step: Check your email and phone messages after the closing date and keep an eye on the role listing for updates.

You will usually meet a friendly interview panel, often with two people, although this can vary by role. Interviews commonly include traditional and behavioural questions designed to understand your skills, experience and fit for the position. It’s important to remember that there are no right or wrong answers. The interviewer is simply trying to understand how you behave in a given situation. How you respond will determine if there is a fit between your skills and the position we are seeking to fill.

Next step: Prepare examples of your experience, strengths, initiative, teamwork and how you support older people or clients.

If Helping Hand wants to progress your application, the team may contact your referees and arrange a functional capacity test if required for the role. If your application is unsuccessful after interview, you will be notified.

Next step: Make sure your referees are available and your contact details are up to date.

Yes. Helping Hand asks for two professional referees, ideally including recent supervisors or your current employer. Referees may be contacted if your application progresses after interview.

Next step: Ask your referees for permission before providing their name, job title, organisation, phone number and email address.

A functional capacity test is a physical assessment that checks whether you can safely complete the physical tasks required for a role. It may assess strength, stamina, range of movement, lifting, carrying and other work-related activities. You may need one if you apply for a direct care role.

Next step: If required, Helping Hand will contact you to arrange the test as part of the recruitment process.

Helping Hand aims to let applicants know the outcome within ten working days after interview and any required functional capacity test. Employment offers are conditional on satisfactory checks, including national police clearance or criminal history checks. Some roles may take longer if screening, references or functional capacity assessments are required.

Next step: Monitor your email and phone, and complete requested checks promptly if an offer progresses.

Yes. Helping Hand employees need a valid NDIS Worker Screening clearance, or must be willing to obtain one, before working with clients and residents.

Next step: Ask the recruitment team if you need help understanding the clearance process for your role.

Volunteering in aged care can be a meaningful way to support older people through social connection, lifestyle activities, companionship and community involvement. Helping Hand has volunteers across residential care homes, with many supporting activities that bring enjoyment, movement and conversation to residents. You can learn more about volunteering with Helping Hand by listening to this podcast episode.

Next step: Explore volunteering opportunities with Helping Hand here.