Top Skill Sets in Demand Right Now in Community Services and Health

Top Skill Sets in Demand Right Now in Community Services and Health

In recent years, the demand for skilled professionals in the community services and health sectors has grown dramatically. Driven by an aging population, increased awareness of mental health, complex care requirements, and evolving public health concerns, the workforce is under immense pressure to be better trained, more flexible, and highly responsive. As Australia continues to focus on person-centered care, workforce shortages in key areas, such as aged care, disability services, and palliative care, have highlighted the urgent need for specialised, job-ready training programs.

This is where skill sets—targeted, nationally recognised groups of units of competency—are proving to be invaluable. These modular qualifications enable workers to quickly upskill and respond to the evolving needs of both employers and clients.

DP Training is at the forefront of this transformation, offering a suite of highly relevant, in-demand skill sets that are aligned with the latest industry requirements. Whether you’re looking to enter the workforce, upskill in a current role, or meet compliance requirements, DP Training provides flexible, accessible, and practical learning opportunities that bridge the skills gap.

In this blog, we’ll explore the top skill sets currently in demand in the community services and health sectors, and how DP Training equips learners with the knowledge, confidence, and practical skills they need to thrive.

1. CHCSS00070 Assist Clients with Medication Skill Set

Why This Skill Set Is in Demand:

The safe administration of medication is a critical responsibility for many support workers, especially in residential aged care, disability support, and community-based services. With increasing client complexity and the need to support medication compliance outside traditional clinical settings, employers are seeking workers who are certified to assist with medication.

This Assist Clients with Medication Skill Set enables workers to safely and confidently support clients in taking prescribed medications under the guidance of a healthcare professional, reducing the risk of adverse drug events and improving quality of life.

Units Included:

• HLTAAP001 Recognise healthy body systems
• HLTHPS006 Assist clients with medication

Career Outcomes:

• Aged Care Worker
• Disability Support Worker
• Community Support Worker

How DP Training Supports Learners:

DP Training ensures a hands-on, practical approach to medication support training. Students learn how to read and follow medication charts, understand drug classifications, identify contraindications, and apply standard infection control practices. This makes graduates job-ready and confident in real-world scenarios.

Additionally, DP Training offers flexible learning modes, including blended online and face-to-face learning, to suit both new entrants and current workers looking to formalise their skills.

2. CHCSS00137 Palliative Approach – Community Services Skill Set

Why This Skill Set Is in Demand:

The aging population and increase in chronic illnesses have made palliative care one of the most critical and sensitive areas of community and health services. More than ever, workers are needed who understand how to provide dignified, compassionate, and person-centered end-of-life care.

This Palliative Approach skill set is designed for workers across the aged care, home care, and disability sectors who are supporting clients with life-limiting conditions.

Units Included:

• CHCCCS017 Provide loss and grief support
• CHCPAL001 Deliver care services using a palliative approach

Career Outcomes:

• Aged Care Worker
• Community Support Worker
• Palliative Care Assistant

How DP Training Supports Learners:

DP Training recognises the emotional and technical complexity of palliative care. Their training programs offer real-world scenarios and compassionate communication techniques, so learners are prepared to support not only the client but also their families.

Through its expert trainers and access to industry partners, DP Training provides practical insights into grief, bereavement, and symptom management, equipping learners to deliver meaningful care when it matters most.

3. CHCSS00128 High Support and Complex Care – Disability Skill Set

Why This Skill Set Is in Demand:

The NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) has transformed disability care in Australia, enabling more people with high and complex needs to access tailored support services. This has created a growing demand for disability workers who can deliver higher-level, technical care in both home and supported living environments.

This skill set provides essential training for those already working in disability support who want to upskill to handle complex conditions and behaviours.

Units Included:

• HLTHPS006 Assist clients with medication
• HLTAAP001 Recognise healthy body systems
• HLTWHS002 Follow safe work practices for direct client care
• CHCCCS015 Provide individualised support

Career Outcomes:

• Disability Support Worker (Complex Care)
• Residential Care Officer
• Support Coordinator (Specialised Services)

How DP Training Supports Learners:

DP Training is highly responsive to the evolving needs of the disability sector, providing scenario-based training in managing epilepsy, PEG feeding, mobility equipment, complex behavioural needs, and more.

Their approach combines practical workshops, including simulation environments, with digital learning tools, enabling learners to gain confidence in applying complex procedures in real-time settings.

Additionally, DP Training’s alignment with industry best practices ensures that students graduate not only with competence but also with compliance in areas such as WHS, documentation, and person-centered planning.

4. CHCSS00127 High Support and Complex Care – Aged Care Skill Set

Why This Skill Set Is in Demand:

Aged care is no longer limited to basic personal care. With residents now living longer, often with multiple chronic conditions, workers need to be equipped to manage complex health needs such as dementia, mobility impairments, diabetes, continence care, and medication management.

This Aged Care skill set is designed for experienced care workers transitioning into advanced care roles within residential aged care facilities, palliative care units, or community settings.

Units Included:

• HLTHPS006 Assist clients with medication
• HLTAAP001 Recognise healthy body systems
• HLTWHS002 Follow safe work practices for direct client care
• CHCCCS011 Meet personal support needs

Career Outcomes:

• Aged Care Team Leader
• Personal Care Assistant (Advanced)
• Residential Aged Care Worker (High Needs)

How DP Training Supports Learners:

DP Training bridges the gap between standard aged care and high-support roles by offering evidence-based training in clinical procedures, including wound care, manual handling, and supporting individuals with cognitive decline.

With a strong emphasis on safety and empathy, DP Training ensures that students not only master technical skills but also understand the emotional and ethical dimensions of aged care.

The course also includes real-world placements and assessments, providing learners with the practical experience and employer-ready capabilities essential for higher-level care positions.

Why These Skill Sets Matter More Than Ever

The Australian community services and health sectors are facing an unprecedented workforce crisis. According to the Aged Care Royal Commission and various reviews of the disability sector, employers urgently need staff with advanced, targeted competencies to meet new quality and safety standards.

By enrolling in these nationally recognised skill sets, workers can:

• Respond quickly to emerging sector needs
• Improve client outcomes through specialised care
• Gain a competitive edge in the job market
• Increase career mobility and earning potential
• Meet compliance and accreditation standards for service providers

Whether you’re seeking a promotion, switching sectors, or re-entering the workforce, short skill sets offer a fast, affordable, and practical pathway to career advancement.

Why Choose DP Training?

DP Training is more than just a Registered Training Organisation (RTO)—it’s an industry partner.

• Industry-Aligned Curriculum

All skill sets are developed in collaboration with community service providers, aged care organisations, NDIS coordinators, and leaders in the health sector.

• Flexible Learning Options

With blended learning models, weekend workshops, and online modules, students can effectively balance work, family, and academic pursuits.

• Experienced Trainers

DP Training’s educators bring decades of combined experience in palliative care, aged care, disability support, and clinical settings.

• Work Placement Opportunities

Strong partnerships with providers across Queensland and beyond allow students to complete placements in real working environments.

• Compliance-Ready Graduates

All training meets the latest industry regulations, ensuring learners are ready for both accreditation audits and everyday workplace requirements.

Final Thoughts: Building the Workforce of Tomorrow

The future of care in Australia depends on a well-trained, adaptable, and skilled workforce. With the rising complexity of client needs and the increasing expectations of regulatory bodies, specialist skill sets are no longer optional—they’re essential.

Whether you are an individual seeking to upskill or an organisation looking to train your team, DP Training offers responsive, industry-driven programs that deliver real impact. Through skill sets like CHCSS00070, CHCSS00137, CHCSS00128, and CHCSS00127, DP Training is actively shaping the next generation of care professionals—those who lead with confidence, compassion, and capability.