MORE than 370 Ipswich and Scenic Rim BlueCare aged care workers will receive an additional five per cent boost to their pay packets this week on top of recent federal increases.
The payrise is a recognition by BlueCare of the worker’s contribution to the aged care sector and the rising costs of living.
This increase comes on top of the recent increases to award rates of pay as a result of the Fair Work Commissions’ Work Value Case decision which awarded 15% increases to certain roles working in aged care and a 5.75% increase as part of the national minimum wage decision.
In addition, BlueCare Nurses also recently received 11 – 15% pay increases, when BlueCare passed on the Work Value Case increases.
UnitingCare’s Executive Cathy Thomas said improving remuneration was the first step in ensuring BlueCare had the right workforce in place to meet the needs of the local community.
Our wage increases coincide with the introduction of BlueCare Neighbourhoods, a new operating model that will future proof our in-home service offering, enabling staff to deliver more coordinated and personalised care locally to clients
BlueCare is currently recruiting for an additional 27 aged-care workers for its Ipswich and Scenic Rim neighbourhoods.“BlueCare neighbourhoods will enable staff to have much greater level of communication and collaboration with colleagues, customer and families, while enjoying greater benefits and working locally within their own communities,” she said.
Ms Thomas said despite the increases to rates and benefits, staff continue to report the personal benefits they receive from caring for clients as the greatest motivator for coming to work each day.
“Getting to be that human connection for clients who are often living alone, taking care of their needs and often just spending time with them over a cup of tea, really does make a meaningful difference to their lives,” she said.
Ms Thomas said it was fitting to be announcing a fresh new chapter for BlueCare as it celebrated its 70th birthday this month.
For more information on opportunities to join the BlueCare’s go to bluecare.org.au/careers
