Understanding the workforce needed to support the successful operation of the NDIS in Queensland is the focus of new research commissioned by Jobs Queensland.
Jobs Queensland Chair Donna Bonney said Strengthening Queensland’s NDIS workforce investigates the workforce challenges and opportunities associated with the operation of the NDIS in Queensland.
“The NDIS represents one of the most significant social policy reforms in a generation and is creating new jobs across Queensland, which is important during this recovery period,” Ms Bonney said.
“NDIS-related occupations are projected to be some of the fastest growing occupations in Queensland in the coming years so a strategic approach to developing the NDIS workforce is needed to support the effective roll-out, particularly in regional and remote areas.”
Strengthening Queensland’s NDIS workforce was authored by WorkAbility Queensland, in partnership with Jobs Queensland, as part of a multi-year NDIS workforce skills research project.
“The availability of suitably skilled and qualified workers is central to delivering positive outcomes for NDIS participants across Queensland,” Ms Bonney said.
“Strengthening Queensland’s NDIS workforce profiles the NDIS workforce in Queensland, including a snapshot of its workforce demographics, workforce demand and workforce skills requirements.”
The report highlights the findings from extensive research and data analysis, including the findings from six region-specific reports
“NDIS providers and workers across Queensland have actively shared their experiences and views, which highlight some of the complex challenges the disability support sector in Queensland face in developing its workforce.”
Workshops, surveys and forums were conducted with NDIS providers and stakeholders in different areas, including Brisbane, Ipswich, Toowoomba, Townsville and Mackay.
The research identifies six key areas for action, including:
• support for local workforce approaches
• coordinated career promotion
• the development of new entry level traineeship pathways
• undertaking action research to help establish allied health assistant roles, particularly in rural and remote locations
• improved NDIS workforce data collection
• improved accredited and non-accredited training options.
Community Services Industry Alliance on behalf of WorkAbility Queensland, worked with the Central Queensland University, CSIRO Data 61 and Global Community Resourcing to undertake the project and develop the report.
To read Strengthening Queensland’s NDIS workforce, visit www.jobsqueensland.qld.gov.au/ndisworkforce
Last updated 22 July 2021