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AGED CARE TEAM LEADER

Gender Representation

83% Female

Median Age

46

Median Weekly Earnings

$1635

Average Weekly Hours

43 Hours

ROLE & RESPONSIBILITIES

An Aged Care Team Leader oversees a team of care workers, ensuring the delivery of high-quality care to elderly clients. Responsibilities include supervising staff, developing care plans, conducting assessments, and coordinating with healthcare professionals. They also handle administrative tasks such as scheduling, compliance monitoring, and staff training. Ensuring that care services meet regulatory standards and organisational policies is a critical aspect of the role. Employment settings include residential care facilities, community care organisations, and home care services. Essential skills encompass leadership, communication, problem-solving, and a thorough understanding of aged care practices. Relevant qualifications, such as a Diploma in Leadership and Management or equivalent experience, are typically required.

MARKET SIZE & ECONOMIC IMPACT

Australia’s aged care industry is one of the fastest-growing sectors, driven by an ageing population and increased demand for support services. As more Australians live longer, the need for aged care professionals continues to rise, creating strong job prospects and long-term career stability.
 

The industry plays a vital role in the national economy, contributing significantly to employment across the country. With ongoing government investment and reforms aimed at improving care standards, aged care remains a priority sector for both funding and development. Whether in residential facilities, home care, or community support settings, the aged care workforce is essential to Australia’s social and economic wellbeing.

EMERGING TRENDS & FUTURE OUTLOOK

The Australian aged care industry is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by changing preferences, demographic shifts, and government reform. A growing number of older Australians are choosing to age in place, leading to increased demand for home-based and community care services that provide personalised support in familiar environments.
 

A strong emphasis is now being placed on person-centred care, where services are tailored to the unique needs, values, and preferences of each individual. This shift includes recognising and respecting cultural safety, linguistic diversity, and inclusive practices—particularly for First Nations people, culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities, and LGBTQIA+ elders.
 

In response to the findings of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, the government has committed to a series of reforms aimed at delivering safer, more transparent, and higher-quality care. These reforms are reshaping workforce standards, increasing accountability, and encouraging ongoing training and professional development across the sector.
 

Looking ahead, the demand for qualified aged care workers is expected to surge. There will be growing opportunities for those with multilingual abilities, mental health training, or specialised experience in dementia and palliative care. Technology will also play a bigger role, with innovations such as digital health records, remote monitoring, and assistive devices enhancing the way care is delivered and documented.
 

Overall, the future of aged care in Australia promises a more responsive, compassionate, and inclusive system—one that offers fulfilling and impactful career opportunities for those passionate about making a difference in the lives of older people.

CURRENT & EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES

Specialise in High-Demand Areas

With more complex care needs emerging in aged care settings, Team Leaders are well-positioned to advance in:

  • Dementia Care – Lead staff in delivering structured, person-centred care for residents with memory loss and cognitive challenges.

  • Palliative Care – Coordinate end-of-life care with compassion and clinical insight, ensuring comfort, dignity, and family involvement.

  • Mental Health Support – Provide leadership in supporting clients dealing with anxiety, depression, or behavioural concerns, and ensure appropriate referrals and plans are in place.

These specialisms not only improve outcomes for clients but also open pathways to consultancy, education, or advanced practice roles.

Pathways for Further Study & Advancement

As a Team Leader, you're in a strong position to move further into leadership or clinical roles through additional qualifications and experience:

  • Pursue a Diploma of Community Services, Diploma of Leadership and Management, or Bachelor of Nursing to expand your scope.

  • Progress into senior roles such as Care Manager, Facility Coordinator, or Clinical Lead.

  • Explore opportunities in policy development, training and assessment, or quality and compliance auditing.

Ongoing Professional Development

  • Stay current through short courses and micro-credentials in areas such as trauma-informed care, behaviour support, cultural safety, and advanced communication.

  • Attend industry seminars, conferences, and leadership workshops to broaden your perspective and network.

  • Mentor junior staff, helping to build a stronger, more resilient aged care workforce.

Make a Lasting Impact Through Leadership

  • Shape the care experience for both clients and staff by promoting person-centred values, respectful workplace culture, and high-quality service delivery.

  • Develop and refine leadership skills such as conflict resolution, team motivation, and strategic thinking.

  • Lead with empathy and accountability—qualities that are in high demand as aged care services grow and evolve.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR GROWTH

CORE SKILLS YOU NEED

Leadership & Supervision

 Effective 
Communication

Care Planning & Coordination

Compliance & Documentation

Coaching & Staff Development

Do you see yourself guiding a team, ensuring high-quality care, and creating a positive, supportive environment for both clients and staff? Becoming an Aged Care Team Leader is a rewarding next step in your aged care career. It begins with the right mix of experience, leadership skills, and nationally recognised qualifications.
 

Whether you’re currently working in personal care or looking to upskill, the following qualifications can help you step confidently into a team leadership role:

  • Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing, Home & Community)

  • Certificate IV in Ageing Support

  • Certificate IV in Disability

  • Certificate IV in Mental Health

  • Diploma of Community Services or Diploma of Leadership and Management

  • First Aid & CPR (HLTAID011)

  • Manual Handling & Infection Control Training

  • Short Courses in Dementia Care, Palliative Care or Cultural Competency

GET QUALIFIED TO START YOUR CAREER

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