Key Takeaways
- A care coordinator manages the delivery of support services for aged care and disability clients.
- Main tasks include intake assessments, care planning, and rostering.
- The role requires strong knowledge of the Aged Care Act and Australian quality standards.
- Successful candidates need excellent communication skills for family liaison and client reviews.
- Using a structured job description helps find the right fit for your organisation.
Introduction
You need a clear care coordinator job description to find the right person for your Australian aged care or disability service. This role is a central part of your team. The person in this position manages the daily support for your clients. They act as the main point of contact between clients, their families, and your support staff.
Finding the right person is important for the safety and happiness of those you support. A good coordinator makes sure that every client receives the help they need according to their specific plan. They also help your business stay compliant with strict Australian laws. This guide will help you understand the role and provide a template for your hiring process.
What does a care coordinator do?
What does a care coordinator do in a typical Australian care setting? Their main job is to organise and oversee the support services provided to clients. They do not usually provide direct physical care. Instead, they manage the systems and people that deliver that care.
You will find that a coordinator spends a lot of time talking to people. They meet with new clients to see what help they need. They write down these needs in a formal plan. They also talk to the workers who go into the homes of clients. If a client’s health changes, the coordinator is the one who updates the plan. They make sure the right worker with the right skills goes to the right house at the right time.
Care coordinator duties and responsibilities
When you write your job advertisement, you must list specific care coordinator duties. These tasks show the daily work of the role. You should group these duties so that applicants understand the different parts of the job.
General care coordinator responsibilities include:
- Managing the intake of new clients into the service.
- Creating and updating individual care plans.
- Coordinating staff rosters to meet client needs.
- Leading client review meetings to check on progress.
- Acting as a liaison between the organisation and the client's family.
- Keeping accurate records for government audits.
- Following all safety and health rules in the workplace.
If you are hiring for a specific sector, you might need an Aged Care Worker Job Description to show how the coordinator leads the field staff. The coordinator must understand what the field staff do to manage them well.
Intake assessment and care planning
The start of any client relationship is the intake assessment. In an aged care coordinator job description, this is a major task. The coordinator meets the client and their family to talk about their goals. They look at the client's physical health, mental health, and social needs.
Once the assessment is done, the coordinator writes a care plan. This plan is a map for the support workers. It includes:
- The types of services the client will receive.
- How often the services will happen.
- Specific health needs or risks to watch for.
- The client’s personal preferences for their daily routine.
The coordinator must make sure these plans follow the rules set by the Australian Government. They must be thorough and easy for support workers to follow.
Rostering coordination and staff management
Rostering is a big part of the work for a client services coordinator aged care. You need someone who is good with schedules and can solve problems quickly. If a staff member calls in sick, the coordinator must find a replacement fast.
Rostering tasks include:
- Matching staff skills with client needs.
- Managing staff leave and availability.
- Making sure staff do not work too many hours.
- Using rostering software to track shifts.
- Communicating changes to both staff and clients.
Good rostering makes sure that clients always have the support they expect. It also keeps your staff happy because their schedules are fair and clear.
Client review meetings and family liaison
A care coordinator must check in on clients regularly. This happens through client review meetings. During these meetings, you ask the client if they are happy with their services. You check if their needs have changed. This is a time to update the care plan if necessary.
Family liaison is also a key part of the job. Families often have questions or concerns about their loved ones. The coordinator must be professional and kind when talking to them. They provide updates and help families understand how the care system works. This builds trust between your organisation and the community.
Aged care coordinator job description template
You can use the following job description template for your next hire at Righteo. Copy and change it to fit your specific office or facility.
Position Title: Care Coordinator Location: [Insert Suburb/City, Australia] Reports To: Service Manager
Role Purpose: The Care Coordinator manages the delivery of high quality support services to clients. You will be responsible for the full client journey from intake to ongoing review. You will make sure all services meet the standards of the Aged Care Act.
Key Responsibilities:
- Intake and Assessment: Conduct thorough assessments for new clients to determine their support needs.
- Care Planning: Develop person-centred care plans that reflect client goals and choices.
- Rostering: Coordinate staff schedules to guarantee service delivery and staff efficiency.
- Client Reviews: Hold regular meetings with clients to monitor service quality and update plans.
- Family Liaison: Maintain open and professional communication with families and representatives.
- Compliance: Maintain detailed records and follow all internal and external regulations.
Required Skills and Experience:
- Experience in aged care or disability services in Australia.
- Knowledge of the Aged Care Quality Standards.
- Strong computer skills, especially with rostering and database software.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- A valid Australian Driver’s Licence and a Police Check.
Compliance and the Aged Care Act
Every care coordinator must work within the law. In Australia, this means following the Aged Care Act 1997. This law sets out the rights of clients and the responsibilities of providers. Your coordinator must understand these rules to keep your business safe.
Compliance tasks include:
- Documenting every change in a client's care.
- Reporting any incidents or accidents immediately.
- Making sure all staff have the right checks and training.
- Preparing for audits from the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission.
When you hire a coordinator, you are hiring someone to protect your reputation. They make sure that your organisation provides safe and high quality care every single day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications does a care coordinator need?
Most employers look for a Certificate IV or a Diploma in a field like Aged Care, Community Services, or Nursing. Some roles may require a university degree in social work or health science. Experience working in the Australian care sector is also very important.
Is a care coordinator the same as a case manager?
These roles are very similar. In some organisations, they are the same thing. Generally, a care coordinator focuses more on the daily schedule and staff management. A case manager might focus more on the long term goals and connecting the client with other health services like doctors or therapists.
What is the average salary for this role in Australia?
The salary can vary depending on the state and the size of the organisation. Most care coordinators in Australia earn between $70,000 and $90,000 per year. Senior coordinators or those with nursing degrees may earn more.
Does a care coordinator work in an office or in the field?
The role is usually a mix of both. They spend time in an office doing paperwork and rostering. They also travel to the homes of clients to do assessments and reviews. You should specify in your job description if a car is provided or if they need their own.
Conclusion
Writing a detailed care coordinator job description is the first step to building a strong team. By focusing on duties like intake, care planning, and rostering, you will attract the right candidates. Remember to focus on the Australian context and the importance of compliance with the Aged Care Act. Use the template provided by Righteo to make your hiring process easier. A great coordinator will support your staff and provide the best possible care for your clients.