Health and Welfare Support Workers

Health and Welfare Support Workers assist Health Professionals in the provision of patient care in hospitals, nursing homes and other health and community-based care facilities, and provide support, information and advice to clients on a range of social welfare matters.

**Indicative skill level:**

Most occupations in this sub-major group have a level of skill commensurate with the qualifications and experience outlined below.

#### In Australia:

- AQF Bachelor degree or higher qualification. At least five years of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualification (ANZSCO Skill Level 1); or - AQF Associate Degree, Advanced Diploma or Diploma, or at least three years of relevant experience (ANZSCO Skill Level 2)

#### In New Zealand:

- NZQF Bachelor degree or higher qualification. At least five years of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualification (ANZSCO Skill Level 1); or - NZQF Diploma, or at least three years of relevant experience (ANZSCO Skill Level 2)

In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification.

**Tasks include:**

- attending accidents and providing pre-hospital care and transport - examining and treating ailments of the teeth and gums, and constructing and repairing dental devices - planning and implementing leisure activity programs for individuals in health care and in the community to assist in their social development and promote a sense of wellbeing - assessing, planning and implementing nursing care for patients according to accepted nursing practice and standards - providing advice, training and support to parents of newborn infants - acting as an advocate, interpreter and educator to assist in the provision and coordination of health care delivery to Indigenous communities - utilising a range of techniques such as soft tissue massage to assist healing, prevent injury and promote relaxation - advising clients on emotional, financial, recreational, health, housing and other social welfare matters