The Ultimate Guide to Employment Checks and Clearances in South Australia

Navigating the landscape of employment checks and clearances in South Australia can be daunting for job seekers and employers. We’ve compiled an essential resource guide to ease this process and ensure you’re fully prepared for your next job application or hiring decision. This guide outlines the various types of employment checks, their importance, and practical steps to obtain them, specifically tailored to South Australian employment requirements. 

Why are Employment Checks and Clearances Important?
Ensuring workplace safety, integrity, and professionalism is paramount in today’s employment landscape. Employment checks and clearances verify a candidate’s qualifications, experience, and suitability for a role. They help employers make informed decisions while protecting the community and maintaining compliance with South Australian and national regulations.

Types of Employment Checks and Clearances in South Australia

1. Working with Children Check (WWCC)

People working or volunteering with children in South Australia must, by law, have a Working with Children Check. People need a Working with Children Check if they are in a ‘prescribed position’. This means people who:

• are in paid or volunteering roles where it is reasonably foreseeable that they will work with children;
• run or manage a business where the employees or volunteers work with children;
• are employed to provide preschool, primary or secondary education to a child.

A Working with Children Check assesses whether a potential employee or volunteer could pose a risk to the safety of children based on criminal history and child protection information. You can apply for a Working with Children Check yourself online via the Department of Human Services.

Apply Online: Department of Human Services (DHS) Screening Unit

2. National Police Check

A National Police Check is a check for any potential police history information. After a check is conducted, you will receive a certificate stating the number of disclosable court outcomes recorded. An employer will utilise this certificate to determine your eligibility for employment. You can follow many avenues to obtain a National Police Check, including the Australian Federal Police or Australia Post. Based on our experience, the quickest and easiest way to obtain a National Police Check is via an online service such as National Crime Check. These checks can be completed 100% online may be processed within 24 hours, and are guaranteed valid Australia-wide

You can apply for a check that includes coverage for working with vulnerable people for no extra cost. This means you are eligible to work in organisations that require such a check (such as some aged care/disability). It doesn’t cost any extra and is still valid for normal businesses.

• Select the Check type: ‘Unsupervised access’ and then Paid Employment
• Occupation/Position: Working in Health and Aged Care with Vulnerable People
• Proposed Place of Work: Various Work Assignments

Apply Online: National Crime Check 

3. NDIS Worker Check

A worker engaged by registered NDIS providers in a risk-assessed role must have a valid and current NDIS worker check. This means a worker who is:

• involved in the direct delivery of specified supports or specified services to people with disability;
• likely to have more than incidental contact with people with disability as a normal part of their duties;
• a key personnel member, for example, holds an executive, senior management or operational position.

NDIS Worker Check Guide

NDIS Clearance Instruction Manual

4. Visa and Work Rights Verification (VEVO)

As an international job seeker, having the correct visa and work rights to work in Australia is crucial. Employers must verify your visa status and work rights to ensure compliance with immigration laws. Make sure you have the required documents, such as passports, visas, and work permits, to demonstrate your eligibility to work in the country.

Visit: Department of Home Affairs

5. Reference Checks

Reference checks are a standard part of the employment process. Employers may contact your nominated previous employer as a referee to gain insights into your work ethic, capabilities, and character. It is important to nominate a referee who can vouch for your skills and experience.

6.  Medical Clearances

In certain industries like healthcare or emergency services, employers may require medical clearances to ensure you are physically and mentally fit for the job. This may involve health assessments, medical examinations, or drug and alcohol testing. Being prepared for these assessments can increase your success in these fields.