Transparent from day one
Pay & Benefits
We believe in being upfront about what you'll earn and what you'll receive. No vague promises - just clear information about your pay, entitlements, and everything that comes with working here.
At a glance
What You Get Working Here
A summary of the key financial and non-financial benefits across all roles at Safe Hands.
SCHADS Award Pay
All frontline roles are paid at or above the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award - the industry standard for disability support workers in Australia.
Penalty Rates
Evening, weekend, and public holiday shifts attract penalty rate loadings on top of your base rate. More on that below.
Travel Allowance
Every kilometre you drive for work - transporting participants or travelling between clients - is reimbursed at the ATO-approved vehicle rate.
All Training Paid
Your NDIS induction, first aid, CPR, mandatory compliance training, and orientation are all completed and paid for before your first shift. You don't pay a cent.
Leave Entitlements
Annual leave, personal and carer's leave, and compassionate leave all in line with the National Employment Standards. Casual workers receive casual loading instead.
Formal Pay Reviews
Your pay is formally reviewed at your 6-month mark and annually thereafter. We don't forget about your rate once you're in the door.
Superannuation
Super is paid at the legislated rate on all eligible earnings. No shortcuts, no delays - paid correctly and on time.
Supervision & Support
Regular one-on-ones with your manager, peer support, and a coordinator available by phone every shift. You are never left to figure things out alone.
Understanding your pay
The SCHADS Award Explained
The Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services (SCHADS) Industry Award is the legal pay framework that governs disability support work in Australia. Here is what it means for you in plain English.
Pay Classification Levels
Your classification is determined by your qualifications, experience, and the complexity of your role.
What the SCHADS Award Guarantees You
The SCHADS Award is a legally enforceable minimum standard. Every employee covered by it is entitled to the following, regardless of what an employer may prefer:
- Minimum pay rates for each classification level
- Penalty rates for evenings, weekends, and public holidays
- Overtime rates after ordinary hours are exceeded
- Allowances for travel, sleepover shifts, and broken shifts
- Minimum engagement periods per shift (usually 2 hours casual)
- Annual wage increases set by the Fair Work Commission
- Access to dispute resolution if your entitlements are not met
Allied Health and Above-Award Roles
- Occupational Therapist - above award, negotiated based on experience
- Administration Officer - competitive rate based on experience
- Both roles receive formal pay reviews at 6 months and annually
Penalty rates
When You Earn More
Working outside of Monday to Friday daytime hours means you earn a loading on top of your base rate. Here is how the SCHADS Award penalty rates work.
Note: Percentages shown are of your ordinary base rate. Casual workers also receive a 25% casual loading on top of the penalty rate. Exact rates depend on your classification level and are confirmed in your employment agreement.
Travel reimbursement
Getting Paid for Every Kilometre
Many support roles involve driving - transporting participants to appointments, community activities, shopping, and between client homes. At Safe Hands, every eligible kilometre is reimbursed. You should never be out of pocket for doing your job.
What qualifies for travel reimbursement:
- Transporting a participant in your vehicle during a shift
- Travelling between two participant homes within the same shift
- Travelling to a community activity or appointment as part of support
- Authorised travel for work-related meetings or training
What does not qualify:
- Travel from your home to your first shift of the day (ordinary commute)
- Travel from your last shift back home
Vehicle Requirements
- Your vehicle must be registered and roadworthy
- You must hold comprehensive car insurance
- A current, unrestricted Australian driver's licence is required
- You will be asked to provide evidence of insurance before transporting participants
Leave entitlements
Your Leave
Permanent and part-time employees receive the following leave entitlements under the National Employment Standards. Casual workers receive casual loading (25%) instead of most leave types.
Annual Leave
Accrues from your first day of employment. Taken by agreement or at the direction of the employer in certain circumstances.
Personal / Sick Leave
Use when you are ill or need to care for a sick family member. Paid at your ordinary rate.
Compassionate Leave
Paid leave for the death or serious illness of an immediate family or household member.
Parental Leave
Unpaid parental leave of up to 12 months for eligible employees. Government-funded parental pay also applies where eligible.
Community Service Leave
Unpaid leave for voluntary emergency management activities (e.g. SES, RFS). Jury duty leave also applies.
Professional development
Training and Learning
We invest in our team's skills. All mandatory training is fully paid and completed before your first shift. Ongoing development is actively supported throughout your time with us.
NDIS Worker Orientation Module
The mandatory NDIS e-learning module completed by every worker before their first shift. Covers NDIS values, rights, and safeguarding.
Paid TimeFirst Aid and CPR
If you don't hold a current First Aid and CPR certificate, we support you in obtaining one before starting. Training cost is discussed at offer stage.
SupportedManual Handling
Practical manual handling training provided before you support any participant who requires physical assistance. Your safety is non-negotiable.
Paid TimeMedication Management
Training on medication prompting and administration provided to relevant workers before they are required to assist with medications.
Paid TimeSafeguarding and Reporting
Training on your obligations under the NDIS Code of Conduct, mandatory reporting, and how to handle safeguarding concerns correctly.
Paid TimeOngoing Professional Development
Access to sector webinars, online courses, and training workshops throughout your employment. We support workers who want to grow.
Supported