2 October, 2024
5 Ways Carers Can Ensure They Are Paid Fairly Under the SCHADS Award
NDIS latest news
6 min read
Being a carer is more than just a job, it’s about providing support, compassion, and assistance to people who need it most. Working under the Social, Community, Home Care, and Disability Services (SCHADS) Award adds a layer of structure, but it also requires carers to stay on top of their rights and entitlements. It can feel like a lot to navigate, but getting familiar with what you’re entitled to under this award is essential to ensure you’re being compensated fairly for the incredibly important work you do.
Understanding Your Pay Classification Under the SCHADS Award
Let’s start with the basics. Your pay as a carer is tied to a “classification.” This is based on your qualifications, experience, and the type of work you do. If you’re new to the field, you might find yourself at Level 2, Pay Point 2, especially if you’ve completed a Certificate IV or Diploma. Over time, as you gain more experience or higher qualifications, like a degree, you can move up to higher levels—and that means better pay.
Make sure your classification accurately reflects where you are in your career. If you’ve been at it for a while, or you’ve recently gained new qualifications, it’s worth having a chat with your employer to see if your pay classification should be bumped up. Don’t wait for someone else to make sure you’re getting what you deserve—take control of your situation.
Accurate Tracking of Hours to Secure Fair Pay
Working as a carer isn’t always straightforward, sometimes, the hours can be a bit all over the place. That’s why keeping an accurate log of your hours is so important. The SCHADS Award has built-in protections for carers, like overtime pay and allowances for working during unsociable hours. So if you’re working night shifts, weekends, or even split shifts where your workday is broken up, make sure you’re tracking everything.
For example, did you know that if you work a night shift, you could be entitled to 15% more pay? And if you’re working on a public holiday, you might get paid 150% of your normal rate. These small details can make a big difference in your paycheck, so keeping tabs on your hours is key.
Maximizing Penalty Rates and Overtime Compensation
Carers often go above and beyond, which can mean working overtime or taking on shifts during holidays or weekends. The SCHADS Award recognizes this and ensures that you get compensated for these extra efforts. That’s where penalty rates come in—they’re higher rates of pay that apply when you work outside normal hours or during special times like public holidays.
For instance, any hours worked beyond your standard 38 hours a week should be paid as overtime, and if you’re working during a public holiday, you’re entitled to 150% of your usual pay. Make sure you’re checking your payslip to see that you’re being paid the correct penalty rates and overtime. It’s easy for these things to slip through the cracks if you’re not paying attention.
Claiming Travel, On-Call, and Sleepover Allowances
Allowances might seem like small potatoes, but they add up. If you’re traveling between clients or taking on responsibilities like being on-call or staying overnight, there are specific allowances designed to cover these extra duties. The SCHADS Award has provisions for these allowances, but you need to make sure you’re actually receiving them.
For example, if you’re traveling during your shift, you should be getting a travel allowance to cover your transport costs. Similarly, if you’re on-call or doing sleepovers, there are special allowances to compensate for the added responsibilities. These might seem like little things, but over time, they can make a big difference to your income.
Staying Informed About SCHADS Award Changes for Fair Pay
The Fair Work Commission regularly updates the SCHADS Award, which can lead to changes in pay rates, conditions, and allowances. Staying informed about these changes is essential for carers to ensure they are being paid fairly under the most recent regulations.
- Annual Wage Review: Every year, the Fair Work Commission conducts a review of the minimum wage rates under the SCHADS Award These reviews typically result in wage increases that come into effect from the first full pay period after July 1st. Make sure you are aware of these changes and check that your employer is implementing the updated rates.
- Fair Work Updates: You can subscribe to updates from the Fair Work Commission to receive notifications about changes to the SCHADS Award. These updates can help you stay informed about any adjustments to your entitlements.
Keeping track of award updates will ensure that you are always receiving the correct pay and benefits.
How RotaWiz Simplifies Compliance with the SCHADS Award
- Shift Setup: Our intuitive shift setup feature allows carers to organize their hours efficiently, ensuring compliance with SCHADS regulations.
- Expense Tracking: With built-in expense tracking, you can easily monitor and claim travel and other allowances, making sure you’re getting all the entitlements.
- Compliance: RotaWiz helps you stay up-to-date with SCHADS Award requirements by automatically calculating pay rates and allowances based on your shift data, ensuring you are compensated correctly.
Final Thoughts: Ensuring Fair Pay Under the SCHADS Award
Ensuring that you are paid fairly under the SCHADS Award requires vigilance and a solid understanding of your rights as a carer. From knowing your pay classification to staying informed about changes in the award, these five steps will help you safeguard your income and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for your hard work.
Imagine a world where disability services are readily accessible, customised to meet the needs of every individual, and supported by the latest technological advances. This objective has become a reality in Australia with the establishment of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), which has completely changed how disability services are provided.
. . .
