What is the industry award?
Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award (SCHADS):
The Social and Community Services Award covers employers and their employees who fit within the classifications of the award and are in the following sectors:
- social and community services
- crisis assistance and supported housing
- home care
- family day care scheme.
This sector also includes:
- organisations who primarily engage in policy, advocacy or representation on behalf of organisations carrying out such work.
For more information, visit the Fair Work website: Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award [MA000100] – Fair Work Ombudsman
Who the Social and Community Services Award doesn’t cover.
Examples of employees not covered by the Social and Community Services Award includes:
- care workers in the family day care industry
- clerical and administrative employees in the home care and crisis assistance and supported housing.
The Social and Community Services Award doesn’t cover employers and employees when they are covered by one of the following awards:
- Aged Care Award
- Amusement Award
- Children’s Services Award
- Fitness Award
- Health Services Award
- Nurses Award.
Not the right award?
If your industry or work isn’t covered above, you can also check:
- Aboriginal Health Award summary
- Aged Care Award summary
- Children’s Services Award summary
- Health Services Award summary
- Nurses Award summary
- Clerks Award summary.
Once you know which award you fall under, check the award for full information on coverage and classifications. Rates of pay: P.A.C.T – (fairwork.gov.au)
Salary Packaging
What is salary packaging?
Salary packaging is also known as salary sacrificing or total remuneration packaging. You and your employer agree for you to receive less income before tax and in return your employer pays for certain benefits of similar value for you. This means you pay less tax on your income.
A salary sacrifice arrangement reduces your taxable income, meaning you may pay less tax on your income.
Many community sector organisations have charity status, that means you can salary package – pay for items and services while using your pre-tax income making your salary more valuable.
To find out more about salary packaging visit the ATO website: Salary sacrificing for employees | Australian Taxation Office (ato.gov.au)
Check with your employer or future employer which salary packaging options are available. Options vary on employer.
Working with Vulnerable People Scheme
The Working with Vulnerable People (WWVP) scheme is a program designed to minimise the risk of harm or neglect to vulnerable individuals. Those who work or volunteer in regulated activities involving vulnerable people need to obtain WWVP registration.
The process aims to ensure the safety and welfare of vulnerable individuals by assessing the suitability of individuals working or volunteering in regulated activities involving them. Here’s a breakdown of the process:
Application Process:
- Applications can be submitted online, in person at an Access Canberra Service Centre, or by post.
- The application requires personal details, criminal history disclosure, and consent for a risk assessment.
- There’s a fee for paid work purposes, while for volunteering purposes, registration is free.
- Proof of identity documents are required, including one with a photo.
Maintaining Registration:
- Registration is valid for 5 years.
- Reporting new charges or offences is mandatory.
- Changes in personal details, such as name or gender, must be updated.
- Renewal reminders are sent about 12 weeks before expiry.
- Renewal fees apply, with different rates for paid work and volunteering.
Renewal Process:
- Renewal forms must be submitted before expiry.
- The renewal form requires unique letter ID, WWVP registration number, and payment details if applicable.
- Renew your registration: Apply for or renew a WWVP registration – Access Canberra (act.gov.au)
Read about applying for a WWVP registration.
Union Support
The Australian Services Union (ASU) is the largest union of workers in the social and community services (SACS) sector.
The ASU covers workers in what is commonly termed the “non-government social and community services industry”. The term non-government can be misleading as most organisations or services receive funding from the government; however, workers are not employed by the government. Workers are generally employed by community based management committees, boards or collectives. These employers administer government funds and oversee the management of an organisation or service.
For more information, please visit the Australian Services Union: SACS – the ASU is your union in SACS (Social and Community Services)
