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How to Become a Care Manager: Australian Careers in Aged Care

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What is a Care Manager?

What will I do?

What skills do I need?

Resources

What is a Care Manager?

A Care Manager leads the delivery of care to people who need support. They work in aged care homes, hospitals, and community health services across Australia. Their job is to build care plans and run a team of carers. They make sure each client gets the right support.

The role covers a wide range of tasks. Care Managers check each client’s needs and design a personal care plan. They work with nurses, allied health staff, and families to carry out that plan. They review progress often and update plans as needs change. Good talking skills are key, as the role involves daily contact with clients and health teams.

Care Managers also handle the admin side of their service. They manage budgets, keep records up to date, and ensure the service meets all aged care standards. Many also train and support care staff, helping build a skilled and caring team.

Most employers ask for a certificate or diploma in aged care, nursing, or community services. Hands-on care experience is also important. As Australia’s population ages, the demand for skilled Care Managers is growing across the country.

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Career snapshots For Care Managers

Care Manager is one of Australia’s most in-demand health management roles. The aged care sector is growing fast due to the country’s ageing population. The Australian Government projects strong demand for Care Managers over the next five years (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025).

Care Managers earn an average of around $113,000 per year in Australia (recent data, 2025). Most roles are full-time and based in aged care homes, community care services, or hospitals. The sector is mostly female, with women holding the majority of Care Manager roles.

As Australia’s population ages, the need for skilled Care Managers will keep growing. The Aged Care Act 2024 has raised quality rules and expanded the duties of Care Managers. This makes the role more valued, with clear paths into senior leadership positions.

What will I do?

A Care Manager runs the day-to-day care for clients in aged care and community health settings. The role mixes care work with team leadership and service management. Care Managers make sure each client gets the right support at the right time.

  • Assess Client Needs – Check each client’s physical, emotional, and social needs to inform their care plan.
  • Develop Care Plans – Build individual care plans that set out the services and support each client needs.
  • Coordinate Services – Work with health staff, community services, and families to deliver joined-up care.
  • Lead the Care Team – Supervise and support care workers, giving guidance and on-the-job coaching.
  • Monitor Client Progress – Review care plans often and adjust them as client needs change.
  • Advocate for Clients – Speak up for clients’ rights and wishes when working with health providers.
  • Keep Accurate Records – Maintain up-to-date notes for each client, including care records and incident reports.
  • Ensure Compliance – Make sure all care practices meet the Aged Care Quality Standards and relevant rules.
  • Support Clients and Families – Offer guidance on available services and care options.
  • Run Training Sessions – Organise staff training to keep skills current and improve care quality.

What skills do I need?

Care Managers need a strong mix of leadership, people skills, and time management. They lead a care team, so they must be able to motivate others and solve problems fast. Good contact skills are vital, as the role involves daily work with clients, families, and health staff.

A solid base in aged care, nursing, health admin, or business management is the best start. Care Managers also need to know the Aged Care Quality Standards and how to apply them. The ability to adapt is also key, as care needs can change fast and without warning.

Skills/attributes

  • Leadership and team management
  • Clear and caring communication
  • Client assessment and care planning
  • Knowledge of aged care rules and quality standards
  • Budget and resource management
  • Problem-solving under pressure
  • Time management and organisation
  • Empathy and client-centred practice
  • Staff training and mentoring
  • Accurate record-keeping and documentation

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About the author

Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.