Each prospective staff member is interviewed by the client, usually at the clients residence. The selection process includes a questionnaire, an application for a police record character check, conformation of previous employment references, Occupational Health and Safety instruction and skills grading according to experience.
Care staff are recruited whenever possible, to work within (or adjacent to) the area in which they live and are required to provide their own transport to and from the workplace. In most instances this involves the use of their own vehicle. Staff must possess a current New South Wales Drivers License in their own name and should have the use of a reliable and presentable vehicle that is insured for third party property damage (as a minimum) and is currently registered with the Roads and Traffic Authority of New South Wales.
Employee Support
Care Works is committed to providing a work milieu in which employees feel that they are a valued member of the company where they are treated equitably and are given recognition for their contribution to the companies success.
Staff selection follows Equal Opportunity and Affirmative action principles and as a consequence Care Works retains both male and female staff from a wide range of social and cultural backgrounds.
All care staff are direct employees of Care Works, paid in accordance with the Miscellaneous Homecare (State) Award. Care staffs employment conditions are protected by the terms and conditions as per the Miscellaneous Homecare Workers Union Care staff are contracted on an hourly basis and remunerated above current award rates. The minimum engagement is 1 hour and the maximum continuous engagement is 10 hours.
All care staff are paid, taxed, superannuated and insured in compliance with the relevant awards and statutory requirements.
Staff have access to grievance and incident reporting procedures and will have access to a staff advocate for support with Industrial Relations matters.
Staff Skill Development
Care Works has a commitment to develop their staff through a variety of training initiatives.
Care staff skills are assessed at the initial interview and training is provided, as appropriate. Assessment and training is part of the on-going process of employment and each employee has an annual appraisal by self assessment and frequent skill development review by the training coordinator.
Regular training workshops teach or update staff, enhance their skill base, ensure their adherence to current OH&S processes and ensure best practice care is always provided to the client.
Care Works supports a number of staff training initiatives. Training covers areas such as:
- Universal precautions and infection control policies and practice.
- Management of urinary continence and toileting procedures.
- Manual handling including hoisting and back care (Minimal Lift).
- Basic pressure area management.
- Elementary wheelchair maintenance, including battery charging.
- Enabling personal security.
- Confidentiality.
- Role definition and delineation
- Managing emergencies
