How to Get a Job in Aged Care in Victoria: A Practical Step-by-Step Guide for 2026

 Ready to apply for aged care jobs in Victoria? This step-by-step guide covers everything — from qualifications and police checks to writing your resume and preparing for interviews. Practical, honest advice.

There are more than 1,800 aged care vacancies advertised in Victoria at any given time according to SEEK. Yet many people who would be genuinely excellent care workers spend weeks applying without hearing back. The reason is rarely that they're unqualified — it's that the application process for aged care is more specific than people expect.

This guide walks you through everything you need to get hired in aged care in Victoria — from the paperwork that must be in order before you can start, to what employers are actually looking for in a resume and interview.

Step 1: Get Your Qualification (or Start It)

Before almost anything else, you need to address the qualification question. In Victoria, the vast majority of residential aged care facilities and home care providers require either a completed Certificate III in Individual Support (CHC33021) or documented evidence of current enrolment.

If you do not have the qualification yet, enrol before you start applying. Being enrolled — even if you have just started — is better than no qualification at all on an application. Many providers will hire students in casual or part-time roles while they complete their study.

If you already have the Certificate III, make sure you have your Certificate documentation ready — providers will ask to see it.

Step 2: Obtain Your National Police Check

This is mandatory under the Aged Care Act. Every worker who provides personal care or support services to aged care residents must have a current National Police Certificate. This applies whether you are working full-time, part-time, or casually.

You can apply online through the Australian Federal Police (AFP) or through authorised commercial providers. The process typically takes a few days to two weeks. Some employers will wait for your clearance, but others will not progress your application until they see a clear result. Apply for this early.

Cost: approximately $42–$55 depending on the provider. Some employers reimburse this cost upon starting.

Step 3: Get Your First Aid Certificate

Most aged care employers require HLTAID011 Provide First Aid as a pre-employment requirement. Some also require current CPR (HLTAID009) as an annual renewal. If you are applying for roles that also involve childcare or education settings, HLTAID012 may be required.

Stella College delivers HLTAID011 as a short course — you can complete it in a single session and receive your digital Statement of Attainment the same day. Getting this done before you start applying means you can check this box on every application.

Step 4: Obtain Your NDIS Worker Screening Check (If Applying for Disability-Adjacent Roles)

If you plan to work in roles that involve NDIS participants — even incidentally — you will need an NDIS Worker Screening Check. In Victoria, this is managed through the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH). Apply through the NDIS Worker Screening Check online portal.

The check takes anywhere from a few days to several weeks depending on the complexity of your history. It is valid for five years and costs approximately $82 in Victoria.

Step 5: Write a Strong Resume

Your aged care resume does not need to be elaborate. It needs to be clear, honest, and specific. Here is what employers in Victoria consistently look for:

What to Include

• Your Certificate III qualification — list the full name (Certificate III in Individual Support — CHC33021), the issuing RTO, and the year. If you are enrolled, write 'Currently completing CHC33021 at Stella College — expected completion [date].'
• Police check status — 'Current National Police Certificate — issued [date].' This removes a step from the employer's process.
• First Aid — 'HLTAID011 Provide First Aid — Stella College — expires [date].'
• Previous experience — this does not have to be paid care work. Informal care for a family member, volunteering, or any role requiring patience, communication, and empathy is relevant.
• Key skills — person-centred care, manual handling awareness, documentation, team communication, respectful communication with diverse populations.

What Not to Do

• Do not list 'willing to learn' as a key skill — everyone is. Show it through your study.
• Do not use a generic objective statement ('Seeking a challenging and rewarding role') — use a specific summary instead.
• Do not pad the resume with unrelated roles beyond 10 years ago.

Step 6: Where to Find Aged Care Jobs in Victoria

LIVE JOB MARKET DATA

• SEEK.com.au: Australia's largest job board — 1,800+ aged care vacancies in Victoria at any time

• Indeed.com.au: Strong aged care listings, including NDIS and disability support roles

• LinkedIn: Particularly useful for aged care organisations' direct hiring and team leader roles

• Provider websites directly: Large providers like Bupa, Estia Health, Baptistcare, Bolton Clarke, Mecwacare, Arcare, and Regis advertise directly on their websites

• Nursing agencies: Nursing agencies and community care staffing companies often have casual pools across Victoria

Step 7: Preparing for Your Interview

Aged care interviews are not technical. They test for values alignment, communication, and genuine motivation. Common questions include:

• 'Why do you want to work in aged care?' — Be honest. 'I want job security' is not enough. 'I want to make a difference in someone's day' is a start. Specific is better than general.
• 'Tell me about a time you worked with someone who was difficult or upset' — Have a real example ready. STAR format (Situation, Task, Action, Result) works well.
• 'What does person-centred care mean to you?' — This is almost always asked. Explain it in your own words, not the textbook definition.
• 'Are you comfortable providing personal care?' — Answer directly. Hesitation here flags concerns.

Arrive early. Bring printed copies of your resume, police check, qualification, and first aid certificate. Dress professionally. Turn your phone off. Ask one or two genuine questions about the role at the end.

Stella College (RTO 41290) prepares students for aged care employment from day one — qualification, first aid, and practical placement support included. Enrolments open. Start your aged care career at stellacollege.edu.au

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications do I need to work in aged care in Victoria?

The minimum qualification for most aged care roles is the Certificate III in Individual Support (CHC33021). You also need a current National Police Certificate, and most employers require HLTAID011 First Aid and an NDIS Worker Screening Check for roles involving disability support. Some specialist or senior roles require Certificate IV in Ageing Support (CHC43415).

How long does a police check take for aged care in Victoria?

An Australian Federal Police (AFP) National Police Certificate typically takes 5-15 business days. Commercial providers who are AFP-authorised may process faster. Some aged care employers require this before your start date, while others will allow you to apply while waiting. Apply as early as possible — do not wait until you have a job offer.

Do I need experience to get an aged care job in Victoria?

Many aged care roles are accessible to people without prior paid experience, particularly at entry level. What employers look for is a current or near-complete Certificate III, evidence of the right values and communication approach, and the practical competencies demonstrated through your work placement. Your placement experience is your experience — describe it specifically on your resume.

What is the best website to find aged care jobs in Victoria?

SEEK is the largest and most consistently updated source for aged care vacancies in Victoria, with over 1,800 listings at any time. Indeed is also strong. LinkedIn is useful for roles at larger organisations and any leadership positions. Direct applications to major providers — Bupa, Estia, Mecwacare, Bolton Clarke, Arcare, Baptistcare — are also worth doing, as not all roles are advertised on the job boards.

Can I get an aged care job while still studying my Certificate III?

Yes, in many cases. Many providers will hire students on a casual basis while they complete their Certificate III, provided they are enrolled and progressing. Some will count working hours as contributing to your work placement requirement, subject to the placement being in an approved setting. Check with your training provider about what counts as approved placement.