The National Disability Insurance scheme commenced on 1 January 2018 for eligible people with disability under the age of 65. The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a fundamental reform to the delivery of disability care that will change the lives of people with disability.
The Scheme’s model of customer-directed purchasing of care supports (built in combination as a package) funded through the NDIS is being progressively implemented in South Australia.
It is estimated that the number of people receiving disability support across South Australia will almost double from 17,000 to around 32,300 by full Scheme, an increase of 88 per cent. There will be significant job creation across the state to meet the increase in demand for disability services. New and different forms of services and providers will enter the sector and bring diversity, competition and innovation. The disability sector workforce is estimated to increase in the Yorke and Mid North region from 175 full time equivalent positions (FTE) up to a forecasted 725 FTE positions. Given higher levels of casualisation and part-time work in the sector, the actual number of jobs and number of individuals required to fill them, will be higher. In addition to this growth, the workforce will need to adjust its current profile to ensure it is flexible and adaptable enough to deliver a person-centred model.
The assist local workforce, the Government of South Australia has committed resources over the next two years (July 2017 to July 2019) for project activities to support the State’s workforce capacity to meet expected demand from the Scheme for both delivering services and jobs. The Yorke and Mid North Disability Workforce Hub is coordinated through Regional Development Australia Y&MN.
The hub will be a ‘one-stop-shop’ for organisations, workers and job-seekers looking for support and assistance when engaging with the disability sector.
It will help disability service providers across 11 council regions engage with and secure workforce supply in response to the NDIS rollout.
Larissa Mackrill, the Disability Workforce Hub Coordinator, will help identify local workforce needs and training opportunities in the region.
Are you considering work in the disability sector or looking to upskill?
Are you looking to find a registered NDIS provider or just some more information about how the Hub can support you?
Further information on the Disability Workforce Hub can be found HERE.
Larissa Mackrill, Y&MN Hub Coordinator can be contacted on 1300 742 414.
Useful links
Registered NDIS Providers & Support Organisations Directory Yorke and Mid North