Allied Health Assistant
A worker supporting allied health professionals across Aged Care and disability.
An Allied Health Assistant (AHA) supports allied health professionals such as physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech pathologists and dietitians. Working under their direction and delegation, an AHA carries out exercise programs, mobility practice, equipment setup and routine therapy tasks. The role spans both Aged Care and disability, which is why it is a cross-cutting position rather than sector-specific.
Most allied health assistants hold a Certificate III or IV in Allied Health Assistance. Screening depends on where they work: an AHA in Aged Care needs Aged Care worker screening (a police certificate issued under 3 years ago, or an NDIS Worker Screening Check), while one working in NDIS-funded supports needs an NDIS Worker Screening Check. Either way, the police history sits inside that screening rather than being a separate check.
For workers who pick up shifts across both sectors, this dual obligation is easy to lose track of. A Career Passport holds the qualification and the relevant clearances in one place so a provider can confirm currency quickly. See allied health Aged Care screening.
This is general information, not compliance advice. Always confirm requirements with the relevant regulator, and remember that providers keep the legal responsibility to sight credentials and decide who can work.
We work hard to keep it accurate, but the rules change and we will not always get every detail right. If you think something here needs updating, email us at resources@koora.care. We would genuinely rather know, because we all do better when we help each other get it right.
Allied health in Aged Care: screening for AHPRA-registered practitioners
Why a physio, OT or podiatrist contracted to an Aged Care provider still needs worker screening on top of AHPRA registration, and how to track both.
Read guideAll sectorsCare sector worker screening and compliance in Australia: the 2026 guide
A plain-English overview of worker screening and credential compliance across Aged Care, disability and childcare in Australia, and how the rules differ by sector.
Read guide