If you’re an NDIS provider or support worker, you’ve probably heard the term “High Intensity Support Skills” thrown around a lot.

But here’s the reality:
Most people either overcomplicate it… or miss the point entirely.

And that’s where risk creeps in. Not just for participants, but for your staff and your organisation.

Let’s break it down simply.

What Are High Intensity Support Skills?

High Intensity Support Skills refer to supports that involve increased clinical risk and require workers to have specific training and demonstrated competency.

These are outlined by the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission and include supports like:

• Enteral feeding

• Dysphagia (swallowing support)

• Complex bowel care

• Urinary catheter care

• Diabetes management

• Seizure management (including midazolam)

These aren’t just “extra skills”—they’re high-risk tasks that require the right systems behind them.

The Biggest Misconception: “Just Send Staff to a Course”

This is where many providers go wrong.

Sending a staff member to training (even a really good one) does not automatically make them competent under NDIS requirements.

The NDIS framework is very clear:

Training is only one part of the equation.

Providers are responsible for ensuring workers can:

• Apply the skill safely in real-life situations

• Follow the participant’s individual care plan

• Recognise and respond to complications

What the NDIS Actually Requires

To stay compliant (and more importantly, keep participants safe), providers need to ensure:

1. Training is Relevant and Practical

Generic training isn’t enough.

Workers need:

• Hands-on practice

• Exposure to real equipment

• Training that reflects the actual environment they work in

For example:
Learning enteral feeding using a generic setup is very different to using the exact pump and protocol in a participant’s home.

2. Competency Must Be Assessed

A certificate doesn’t equal competency.

Workers should:

• Demonstrate skills practically

• Be observed performing tasks

• Be signed off as competent before working independently

3. Training Must Be Individualised

This is one of the most overlooked requirements.

Support workers must be trained in:

• The specific needs of the participant

• Their care plan

• Their risks and escalation procedures

4. Clinical Oversight Matters

Many high intensity supports require:

• Delegation from a registered nurse or clinician

• Ongoing access to clinical support

• Clear escalation pathways

5. It’s Ongoing (Not One-and-Done)

Competency needs to be maintained.

That means:

• Regular refreshers

• Updates when equipment or care plans change

• Additional training after incidents

Why This Matters More Than Ever

As the NDIS continues to evolve, there is increasing focus on:

• Participant safety

• Provider accountability

• Evidence of competency (not just attendance)

Providers who get this right:

• Reduce risk

• Build staff confidence

• Deliver higher quality care

Providers who don’t… often only realise it when something goes wrong.

So Where Does Training Fit In?

Good training should:

• Bridge the gap between theory and real-world care

• Provide hands-on, practical experience

• Be flexible enough to adapt to your participants and equipment

If your current training doesn’t do that, it’s worth reassessing.

If You’re Reviewing Your Current Training…

Start by asking:

• Does this training reflect the actual supports we provide?

• Are our staff being assessed for real competency?

• Can we demonstrate this in an audit?

If the answer is “not really” to any of these—you’re not alone. But it’s something worth addressing early.

Where to Next

If you’re looking to better align your team with NDIS High Intensity Support Skills, you might find these helpful:

NDIS Support Worker Courses: Explore our NDIS High Intensity Support Skills training

Enteral Feeding: Enteral feeding training for support workers

Dysphagia Training: Dysphagia and mealtime support training

Manual Handling: Practical manual handling training using real equipment

Medication Administration: Assist clients with medication safely and confidently

Are you an NDIS provider looking to certify your staff and meet compliance?
Enquire about training for your team by emailing us at info@firstaidinstitution.com.au. We can deliver training onsite for group bookings, or you can attend one of our public courses.