Care Worker - Specialist Dementia Care Unit

Uniting NSW & ACT; Penrith; On-site; AUD 48,000 - 60,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary packaging up to $18,550 (NFP)

U Rewards program

Fitness Passport

Inclusive work environment

Career growth opportunities

Additional leave

Job summary

Uniting Edinglassie Lodge in the Penrith area is developing a Specialist Dementia Care Unit (SDCU). We are seeking experienced Care Service Employees to support residents living with severe and complex dementia and to help shape care delivery from the outset.

You will work in a hands-on role focusing on safe, person-centred care, recognising individual needs and responding with patience and empathy to distress.

Qualifications

• Certificate III/IV in Aged Care or equivalent with modules including Recognise Healthy Body Systems and Assist Clients with Medications.
• Residential aged care experience with dementia-care experience.
• Understanding dementia and how it can affect behaviour, communication and daily functioning.
• Experience supporting people with complex dementia-related or responsive behaviours.
• Confidence using person-centred behaviour support strategies.
• Trauma-informed care understanding.

Responsibilities

• Provide personal care, companionship and emotional support while encouraging residents’ independence and quality of life.
• Assist with showering, personal hygiene, dressing, meals and mobility.
• Support residents with medication administration.
• Recognise changes in behaviour or care needs and respond appropriately.
• Identify triggers and use tailored strategies to support residents.

Skills

Strong communication

Teamwork skills

Patience and empathy

Dementia care understanding

Trauma-informed care

Education

Certificate III/IV in Aged Care or equivalent

Job description

Care Service Employee | Specialist Dementia Care Unit

Care that sees the person, not the diagnosis.

Employment type: Permanent Part-Time and Casual opportunities

About the opportunity

Uniting Edinglassie Lodge is a 69-bed residential aged care home in the Penrith area, with nine beds transitioning to a new Specialist Dementia Care Unit (SDCU) in early January.

We’re looking for experienced and compassionate Care Service Employees to join the team and help bring this specialist service to life.

Our new SDCU will support residents living with severe and complex dementia. As part of this dedicated team, you’ll have the opportunity to help shape the way care is delivered from the beginning, creating a safe, supportive environment where each person is known, valued and supported to live with dignity, purpose and choice.

What you’ll be doing

This is a hands‑on care role supporting residents living with complex dementia, where understanding each person's individual needs, behaviours and triggers is an important part of providing safe and person‑centred care.

You’ll take the time to understand each resident, recognise what may be contributing to distress and respond with patience and empathy.

Your day may include:

• Providing personal care, companionship and emotional support while encouraging residents’ independence and quality of life.
• Assisting with showering, personal hygiene, dressing, meals and mobility.
• Supporting residents with medication administration.
• Recognising changes in behaviour, wellbeing or care needs and responding appropriately.
• Identifying individual triggers and using tailored strategies to help residents feel safe and supported.
• Using trauma‑informed care and de‑s‑…
• Supporting residents experiencing complex or responsive behaviours with calmness, respect and professionalism.
• Using positive and non‑pharmacological approaches to respond to distress and unmet needs.
• Supporting meaningful recreational and social activities based on residents’ interests and abilities.
• Promoting residents’ dignity, identity, choice, independence and supported decision‑making.
• Building trusted relationships with residents, families and the wider care team.

About you

You’re an experienced aged care worker who genuinely understands dementia care. You know that good dementia support isn't simply about completing tasks. It’s about understanding the person behind the behaviour and adapting your approach to what they need in that moment.

You’ll bring:

• A Certificate III or IV in Aged Care, Individual Support or equivalent qualification with completed modules including, Recognise Healthy Body Systems and Assist Clients with Medications.
• Previous residential aged care experience, with demonstrated dementia‑care experience.
• An understanding of dementia and how it can affect behaviour, communication and daily functioning.
• Experience supporting people with complex dementia‑related or responsive behaviours.
• Confidence using person‑centred behaviour support strategies.
• An understanding of trauma‑informed care and de‑s‑…
• The ability to identify triggers and use individualised strategies to support residents.
• The ability to remain calm, compassionate and professional when situations become challenging.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• A genuine commitment to residents’ dignity, safety, independence and quality of life.

Why join Uniting Edinglassie Lodge?

This is an opportunity to bring your dementia care experience to a dedicated specialist team and help shape a new service from the beginning.

You’ll have the opportunity to:

• Help shape the culture and approach of a brand-new SDCU.
• Build your experience and capability in complex dementia care.
• Work as part of a team committed to understanding the individual needs of every resident.
• Make a meaningful difference for residents living with severe and complex dementia and their families.

What we offer you

• A rewarding career with a leading human services organisation.
• Up to $18,550 NFP salary packaging available. (permanent positions Only)
• Access to our U rewards program with exclusive discounts.
• Access to Fitness Passport – Live your best life.
• A supportive, inclusive, and collaborative work environment.
• A commitment to offer opportunities to grow your career.
• Purchase of additional leave. (permanent position only)

If you’re an experienced carer who brings patience, empathy and confidence to dementia care, we’d love to hear from you.

What to expect

Please know that employment with Uniting will require a National Police Check, and Reference Checks.

Who is Uniting

Uniting NSW.ACT contributes to the work and mission of the Uniting Church in NSW and the ACT through social justice advocacy, community services and spiritual care. We provide care and support for people through all ages and stages of life, with a focus on people experiencing disadvantage and vulnerability. Our purpose is to inspire people, enliven communities and confront injustice. Uniting is a Child Safe Organisation committed to promoting the safety, wellbeing and inclusion of children and young people.

Empowered by diversity

At Uniting, inclusion isn’t just something we value – it’s how we work. Our culture and practice reflect the vibrant diversity of our colleagues, and the clients and communities we serve.