Your next step
How to Apply
A straightforward guide to everything that happens between finding a role and starting your first shift - from your application to your first day.
Step by step
The Full Hiring Process
We keep our process simple and transparent. Here is exactly what happens at every stage so you always know where you stand.
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Browse Open Roles
5 minutesHead to the Jobs page and browse all current openings. Each listing shows the role, location, hours, and pay level. Click any role to see the full description including day-to-day duties, required checks, and what we look for in applicants.
Read the full job description before applying - it tells you exactly what the role involves day to day.Check the Requirements page to understand which compliance checks apply to your role before you start gathering documents. -
Submit Your Application
10-20 minutesClick Apply Now on the job listing and complete the online form. You will upload your resume, write a short cover letter, and answer a few questions about your experience and availability. That is it - no lengthy forms or portals to register with.
Your resume and cover letter do not need to be perfect - honesty about your experience matters far more than formatting.Make sure your contact details (phone and email) are correct - this is how we reach you.Tell us your available days and hours in the application so we can match you with clients from the start. -
Application Review
1-3 business daysWe review every application personally. We look at your experience, the care you put into your cover letter, and how well your availability matches our current client needs. You will receive an email from us either way - we do not leave applicants waiting without a response.
Check your junk or spam folder if you do not hear back within 3 business days.No experience in disability support? Do not be discouraged - we assess your values, attitude, and commitment as much as your history. -
Phone Screen
15-20 minutesIf your application is successful, we call you for a brief phone conversation. This is not a formal interview - it is a chance for us to learn a bit more about you and for you to ask any questions about the role before we both decide whether to move forward.
Pick up or call back promptly - we often have multiple applicants and move quickly.Have your availability ready to discuss - specific days and times you are free to work.It is fine to ask questions here about pay, clients, hours, or anything else on your mind. -
Interview
30-45 minutesOur interviews are relaxed and conversational. We meet either in person or via video call. We ask about your background, your motivation for working in disability support, and how you have handled real situations in the past. We also take time to answer all your questions about the team and what to expect.
We use values-based questions - we want to hear about your real experiences, not rehearsed answers.Prepare a few examples of times you helped someone through a difficult situation - they do not have to be work examples.Bring questions. Candidates who ask thoughtful questions about our clients and culture stand out. -
Reference Checks
1-3 business daysWe contact two referees - ideally a previous employer or supervisor. If you are new to the workforce, a teacher, community leader, or volunteer coordinator is fine. We ask straightforward questions about your reliability, attitude, and how you worked with others. References are confidential.
Let your referees know they may receive a call so they are not caught off guard.Personal references (friends, family) are not accepted - we need someone who has seen you in a professional or community setting. -
Offer and Acceptance
Same day - 2 daysIf everything looks good, we make you a verbal offer first and confirm the details - role, pay rate, hours, and start date. Once you accept, we send a formal employment contract by email. Take time to read it before signing. If anything is unclear, just ask.
Your pay rate is set by the SCHADS Award based on your qualifications and experience level - it is not negotiable, but it is fair and transparent.Read the full contract before signing - especially the hours, roster arrangements, and travel allowance clauses. -
Compliance Checks
2-8 weeks (running in parallel)Once you accept your offer, we guide you through completing any outstanding compliance checks - NDIS Worker Screening Check, Working with Children Check, First Aid, and Right to Work verification. We start this process as early as possible since the NDIS check can take several weeks. Full details are on the Requirements page.
Start your NDIS Worker Screening application immediately after accepting - it is the longest check and holds up your start date if delayed.We pay for or reimburse the NDIS Orientation Module and your First Aid training as part of onboarding.You can complete the free NDIS Worker Orientation Module (about 90 minutes online) while you wait for other checks to clear. -
Onboarding and First Shift
Your first weekOnce all checks clear, you complete a short onboarding orientation where we introduce you to our systems, policies, and the clients you will support. Your first few shifts are always with an experienced team member so you feel confident before working independently. We are with you every step of the way.
Onboarding is paid time - you are on the clock from the moment you sit down with us.Ask as many questions as you need during your first shifts - there is no such thing as a silly question when you are new.
Before you apply
What to Include in Your Application
A strong application does not need to be long - it needs to be honest, clear, and specific. Here is what we look for in each part.
Your Resume
Your Cover Letter
Documents to Have Ready
Interview preparation
What to Expect at Your Interview
Our interviews are a two-way conversation - we want to find the right fit for you just as much as for our clients. Here is what to expect and how to prepare.
Format
In-person at a location near you, or by video call if you prefer. We work around your schedule - early mornings, evenings, and weekends are all available.
Duration
About 30-45 minutes. We cover your background, values-based questions, and leave time at the end for all your questions about the role.
What to Wear
Smart casual. We work in a community setting and want you comfortable. You do not need to arrive in formal business attire - just be neat and tidy.
What Impresses Us
Genuine care for people, specific real-life examples, good questions about our clients and team, and honesty about what you do and do not yet know.
Common Mistakes
Vague answers with no real examples, claiming to be perfect, and not asking any questions. We want to see how you think and what matters to you.
After the Interview
We aim to follow up within 2 business days. If you have not heard back, feel free to send a brief email or call us - we are always happy to provide feedback.
Sample questions
Questions You Might Be Asked
Tell me about a time you supported someone who was upset or distressed. What did you do?
Why do you want to work in disability support, and why Safe Hands specifically?
How do you handle a situation where a client refuses to do something that is part of their support plan?
Describe a time you had to work with someone whose background or needs were very different from your own.
What does person-centred care mean to you in practice?
What would you do if you noticed a change in a client's health or behaviour that concerned you?
How do you manage your time and stay organised when supporting multiple clients in a week?
Is there a situation from your past where you made a mistake? How did you handle it?
Getting started
Your First Week at Safe Hands
From the moment you sign your contract, you are part of the team. Here is what your first week looks like.
Welcome Call
A quick call from your team lead to introduce themselves, run through what to expect, and answer any questions before you start.
Day 1Orientation Session
Meet the team, get set up in our systems, review policies and emergency procedures, and receive your client introductions and schedule.
Day 1-2Shadowing Shifts
Your first shifts are alongside an experienced worker. Watch, ask questions, and get comfortable before working independently.
Day 2-4Solo Shifts Begin
Start working your own shifts with clients you have already been introduced to. Your team lead is always available by phone if you need support.
Day 4-5Check-in
A brief check-in with your team lead at the end of your first week to see how you are going and address anything on your mind.
End of week 1Common questions
Application FAQ
Questions we hear a lot from applicants - answered honestly.
No. We hire people with no prior disability experience all the time. What we are looking for is genuine compassion, reliability, and a willingness to learn. If you have life experience caring for a family member or volunteering in your community, that counts. We provide full training and will support you as you build your skills.
Yes. Apply now and start getting your checks sorted after you receive an offer. The most important thing is to start the NDIS Worker Screening Check process as soon as possible since it can take 2-8 weeks. We will guide you through every step and make sure you know exactly what to do and in what order.
It depends mostly on how long the NDIS Worker Screening Check takes in your state. In most cases, from the day you apply to your first shift is around 4-8 weeks. If you already have all your checks in place, it can be as fast as 1-2 weeks. We work as quickly as we can and keep you updated throughout.
Yes. We offer flexible arrangements ranging from a few hours a week to full-time positions. You nominate your available days and hours during the application, and we work to match your availability with client needs. Your roster is built around what works for you, not the other way around.
Please apply again. We sometimes have more applicants than current openings, and circumstances change. If you have added new experience or completed additional training since your last application, make sure to include that. We consider every application fresh - there is no disadvantage to having applied before.
For most support worker roles, yes - a reliable car and a current unrestricted licence are required because you will often transport clients to appointments and community activities. We pay a travel allowance per kilometre and require that your vehicle has comprehensive insurance. If you are applying for an administration or coordination role that does not involve client transport, this may not apply.
We work hard to give workers consistent client allocations because stability matters to our clients and to our team. That said, you may be asked to cover for other workers occasionally or take on new clients as they join. We always discuss any changes with you first and take your preferences into account.
Yes. Many of our team leads and coordinators started as support workers. We actively encourage professional development and will support you with training, mentoring, and study assistance if you want to build towards a higher-level role. Just let us know your goals and we will work with you on a path forward.