How to Write a Care Needs Post That Gets Good Responses
20 October 2026
A good care needs post says what help you want, how often you want it and what matters to you, in plain words and in a few short paragraphs. The clearer it is, the easier it is for a support worker to decide whether the work suits them.
This guide shows how to write one, what to include, what to leave out and how to check it before you post. It goes into more detail on the second step of the guide to hiring an independent support worker.
What a care needs post is for
A care needs post is a short description of the support you are looking for. Think of it as the answers to the first questions a support worker would ask: what, when, where and what suits you.
A clear post lets each reader judge quickly whether the work suits them, and it gives you a record of what you asked for when you compare replies.
Before you write: picture an ordinary week
The hire guide gives a short prompt for this step. Here is a way to go further. Take a pen and walk through a typical week in order, from the first morning to the last evening. Mark each point where an extra pair of hands would make the day easier or safer.
Those marks become the tasks in your post. Next to each one, jot down how long it usually takes. If the post is for someone else, sit down with them first and let their own words shape the list. It keeps the post true to what the person actually wants.
What to include
A strong post answers the questions a support worker would ask before replying. You do not need to write much, but each of these points helps.
The type of support. Name the tasks plainly, for example "help showering and dressing" or "light cleaning and cooking dinner".
How often and when. Give the days, the usual times and whether the need is ongoing or short term.
Where. Give the suburb, not the street address.
Your preferences. Mention language, gender or the kind of experience you would like, if they genuinely matter.
Your main contact. Name one person to contact first, whether that is the person receiving care or someone in the family.
Anything that helps them picture the role. A pet in the house, stairs at the entrance or a quiet routine can matter.
What to leave out
Keep the first post light on personal detail. You can share more once you have chosen someone to talk to and are comfortable with them.
Leave out the full street address, phone numbers, email addresses, financial details and detailed medical history. Describe the help you need rather than every diagnosis. If something about a health condition changes how the support worker should work, you can raise it later.
Words like "urgent, start today" add pressure without adding information, and no post can guarantee a reply, so write the post you would be happy to have answered in a few days.
A simple example
Here is a short example written from a family member's point of view. Change the details to suit your situation.
"My mother lives alone and would like help three mornings a week, Monday, Wednesday and Friday, from about 9 am to 11 am. Tasks are help with showering and dressing, making breakfast and light tidying. She speaks Greek and English and would prefer a female support worker. There are two steps at the front door. Please contact me, her daughter, to arrange a time to meet."
It runs to around 65 words, names the tasks and the days, states the preferences and gives a contact. That is enough to start a useful conversation.
Check it before you post
Read your post once more as if you were a stranger who knew nothing about your family. Then check it against this list.
Could someone tell what the tasks are without asking?
Are the days and times clear?
Have you kept out personal details that can wait?
Does it name one person to contact first?
Is it kind and respectful of the person receiving care?
Once it is live, read the replies carefully and ask questions before you decide. A list of questions worth asking before choosing a home support platform is a good place to start, and independent support worker vs agency explains the difference if you are still deciding which route suits you.
Frequently asked questions
How do I write a job post for a support worker?
Describe the tasks, the days and times, the area and any preferences that matter, in a few short paragraphs. Keep the tone friendly and practical, and leave out personal details such as your full address until you have chosen who to talk to.
What should I include when posting for a support worker?
Include the type of support, how often you need it, the suburb and any preferences such as language or gender. It also helps to name one main contact.
How long should a care needs post be?
A few short paragraphs is enough. The example above is around 65 words. Shorter posts can leave out the details a support worker needs, and very long ones can bury them.
Can I change what I ask for later?
Yes. Needs change over time, so it is reasonable to tell the support worker what is different and talk through what the role should now involve before anything is agreed.
Where to go next
When you are ready to start, you can find support through CareVicinity. See also the guide to hiring an independent support worker and how it works.
Sources
CareVicinity, "How to Hire an Independent Support Worker Through CareVicinity" (carevicinity.com.au/hire-a-support-worker-guide), read 20 October 2026: Step 2 on posting care needs, and the service agreement in Step 4.