About the Role Meals assistants help NDIS participants and aged care clients prepare, cook, and sometimes eat meals. This is personal, everyday work that has a direct effect on someone’s health and quality of life.

Responsibilities - Plan meals with participants based on their preferences and dietary requirements, shop for ingredients, cook in the participant’s own kitchen, portion and store meals safely, and clean up afterward.

- Assist participants who need help eating, adjusting seating and positioning, adapting utensils, or providing hands‑on support at mealtimes.
- Follow guidelines set by the participant’s care team and flag any changes in appetite or food intake that might indicate a health concern.
- Work with participants who are older Australians or NDIS participants with mobility, cognition or disability challenges, ensuring cooking is safe and practical.
- Recognize the social value of mealtimes and sit with participants while they eat.

Qualifications and Experience - Practical cooking experience across a range of meals and cuisines.

- Solid understanding of food safety and kitchen hygiene.
- Ability to prepare meals that meet special dietary requirements (texture‑modified, diabetic‑friendly, low‑sodium, allergen‑aware).
- Patience and attentiveness when assisting participants with eating and drinking.
- Ability to follow meal plans set by dietitians or healthcare professionals.
- Willingness to shop for groceries and manage a basic pantry.
- Positive communication and a relaxed manner during mealtimes.




- Reliable transport and current driver’s licence (recommended). Checks and Credentials - Police Check – current, 5‑year validity, 4‑8 weeks processing time, cost $110–$160.
- NDIS Worker Screening Check – current, 3‑year validity (renewed by employers), processing time within days, cost $50–$80.
- Food Handling Certificate – online course, a few hours, valid 3 years, cost $20–$150.
- CPR – 1‑day course, valid 3 years, cost $90–$160.
- First Aid – half‑day to 1‑day course, refreshed annually, cost free to $150.
- Driver’s licence renewal – ongoing, remain current, cost $30–$100 per year.

Pay Meals assistants delivering and preparing meals in home care are generally paid under the SCHADS Award home care stream at the entry classification (Level 1); those in residential aged care are covered by the Aged Care Award.

- Weekday: $27–$32 per hour.
- Saturday: $40–$48 per hour.
- Sunday: $53–$63 per hour.
- Public holiday: $66–$79 per hour.
- Casual loading of 25 % on top of these rates (roughly $34–$40 per hour for ordinary casual hours). Rates are indicative and subject to provider agreements. General information only, not financial advice.

Employer Details

Carevo is a curated availability directory that connects support workers with NDIS and aged care providers across Australia. Register your availability, credentials, and be visible to multiple providers without applying to fixed listings. Providers contact you directly; you choose which roles to accept.

📌 Meals Assistant (Australia)
🏢 MD Homecare
📍 Australia