NDIS Workforce Initiative

A program that will teach disability service providers how to deal with workforce changes created by the National Disability Insurance Scheme has been launched in Western Australia.

The National Disability Services (NDS) announced recently that the National Disability Workforce (Disability WIN) had commenced in Australia’s largest state.

“Funded by the Australian Government Department of Industry to run until May 2016, Disability WIN will build providers' knowledge of workforce planning and capability to respond to workforce challenges under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS),” a statement from NDS said.

“Jackie Vernon, Workforce Adviser, is based in the West Australian NDS office. She will liaise with key staff from organisations who will work with stakeholders including industry associations, local councils, educators and employment services providers.

“They will prepare collaborative responses to skilling challenges in target regions.”

The objectives of the initiative are to;

• Assist disability service providers to commence evidence-based workforce planning through customised training.

• Support providers to build, implement and continue to monitor workforce planning through routine data collection and analysis against core indicators.

• Assist providers to undertake their own workforce development projects and use common elements to create localised workforce action plans.

• Develop communities of practice that identify, describe and disseminate good practice from the disability and related sectors.

• Encourage providers to optimise investment in high-quality training targeted at critical skills needs.

“A sustainable workforce is essential for the success of current reforms,” NDS said.

“Disability WIN will link to other NDS national workforce initiatives, including advice to government on a National Disability Workforce Strategy by an NDS-led consortium.”