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Residential Care Officer

ANZSCO 411715

Residential Care Officers lead care teams in facilities, ensuring residents receive excellent personal care while managing staff and administrative tasks.

  • This role has a low level of AI exposure. Core skills such as adaptability, social intelligence, and complex physical tasks remain beyond the capabilities of current AI.
      • ACT
      • VIC
      • QLD
      • TAS
      • WA
      • NT
      • SA
  • 10,000 people employed in Australia
AI exposure data adapted from Felten, Raj & Seamans (2021). Shortage data sourced from Jobs and Skills Australia (2024).

How do I become a residential care officer

Get qualified to work as a residential care officer with a course recognised across Australia. Speak to a training provider to learn more.

Related career opportunities

Browse occupations related to Residential Care Officer.

Common questions

In Australia, a full time Residential Care Officer generally earns $1,200 per week ($62,400 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only.

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Opportunities for Residential Care Officers in Australia are expected to grow very strongly over the next 5 years as more than 179,000 new jobs in aged and disability care open up around the country. This will include roles for supervisory roles. Residential Care Officers are employed by adult care centres, nursing homes, aged care facilities, group homes, and rehabilitation units.

Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights

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Residential Care Officers need real world experience in personal care as well as supporting qualifications. As a minimum you’ll need a Certificate III in Individual Support, and if you are working with the elderly or disabled you might also consider additional VET qualifications in those areas. Try the Certificate IV in Disability and the Certificate IV in Ageing Support. They take about a year to complete and also provide leadership skills. You will also need a current first aid and CPR certificate, and in some cases an up-to-date influenza vaccination and police check.

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Related fields of study

Community Services

If you're passionate about creating real change then a community services course is your next big step forward. Browse accredited courses and check your funding eligibility online.

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Aged Care

Nurture your caring side with a career in Aged Care. Career pathways include Personal Carers, Aged Care Workers and Diversional Therapists. Check your eligibility for government funding. Start your career in Aged Care today.

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Disability

Start a rewarding career in the Disability sector. Career pathways include Disability Support Worker, Residential Care Officer and Diversional Therapist. Check your eligibility for government funding. Nationally Recognisied Qualifications.

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Further reading

How to start a career in Aged Care

23rd March 2021

What can you do with a Certificate III in Individual Support (Home and Community Care)?

6th January 2022

Choosing a security licence course in Australia: A step-by-step guide for jobseekers

10th November 2023

All residential care officer courses

Residential Care Officer careers

Residential Care Officers lead personal care work teams at nursing homes, aged care facilities, rehabilitation units, adult care facilities, and group homes. They ensure that the children and adults living in residential care (and cannot live independently), receive outstanding personal care.

As a Residential Care Officer you’ll be organising staff levels and ensuring that enough personal carers are rostered on to assist the residents, you’ll also be coaching and training your people on the job. Supervisors at Residential Care Centres also take of administration, paperwork, and training records.