Getting employee classification right is arguably the most critical step in SCHADS Award compliance. Under-classify an employee, and you risk a massive back-pay claim. Over-classify, and you bleed margin on every shift.
The Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award 2010 (SCHADS Award) splits employees into different "Streams" and "Levels". This guide demystifies the two most common streams: Social and Community Services (SACS) and Home Care.
Social vs. Home Care: Which Stream?
Key Rule of Thumb
Home Care Stream: strictly for work performed in a private residence (aged care or disability).
SACS Stream: for community access, center-based work, group homes, and general social support.
Most NDIS Disability Support Workers (DSW) fall under the SACS Stream because their work often involves community access, not just in-home care. However, agencies focusing solely on in-home domestic assistance may use the Home Care stream.
SACS Levels: The Breakdown
The Social and Community Services (SACS) stream ranges from Level 1 to Level 8. For support workers, the battleground is almost always Level 2 vs. Level 3.
SACS Level 1: The "Supervised" Trainee
Who is this? Someone with no experience who works under close supervision.
- Strictly works under direct supervision.
- Not required to work alone.
- Often used for trainees or very junior staff.
SACS Level 2: The Standard Support Worker
Who is this? The bread-and-butter classification for most entry-level to intermediate support workers.
- Works under "general guidance" (not direct supervision).
- Can work autonomously in the community.
- Assists clients with personal care, daily living, and community access.
- Typically holds a Certificate III (or is working towards it) but it is not strictly mandatory if experience is sufficient.
SACS Level 3: The Experienced/Complex Worker
Who is this? A worker with significant experience, a relevant certificate (Cert III/IV), or who is performing complex tasks.
- Works with limited guidance.
- May coordinate a small team or roster.
- Deals with complex behavioral needs or high-needs personal care.
- Often holds a Certificate IV in Disability or similar.
SACS Level 4: Service Coordinator / Team Leader
Who is this? Staff responsible for designing programs, rostering others, or managing a house.
- Supervises Level 2-3 staff.
- Develops care plans and individual support plans (ISP).
- Requires a relevant degree or diploma + experience.
Common Classification Pitfalls
1. The "Default to Level 1" Trap
Employers often try to start everyone at Level 1. Caution: If you send a worker out alone to a client's house, they are arguably not under "close supervision". Courts have ruled that autonomous work often pushes a worker immediately to Level 2.
2. Ignoring Pay Points
Within each level (e.g., Level 2), there are "pay points" (Level 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4).
Employees generally progress one pay point each year of full-time equivalent service. If you keep a 5-year veteran on Level 2.1, you are underpaying them.
Need Help Classifying?
Copy and paste your job description into our AI Job Classifier. It analyzes the specific duties against the Award clauses to recommend the safest classification level.
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Disclaimer
This guide provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Classifications depend on specific duties and individual circumstances.