WorkAbility Qld and Jobs Queensland have released the Allied Health Assistance Good Practice Guide for NDIS service providers or those delivering NDIS type services to implement the role of an Allied Health Assistant.

The Guide is a free and practical resource available for download, developed in consultation with Industry peaks and Allied Health specialists following state wide research undertaken by the University of Sunshine Coast.

The Guide presents nine case studies from across Australia that showcase good practice, successful models and proven strategies that have been employed by organisations in the use of Allied Health Assistants.

It also provides an understanding on the benefits to employers, and provides steps, considerations and pathways to take in workforce planning.

Allied Health Assistants play a critical role in supporting NDIS service delivery and freeing up Allied Health Professionals’ valuable time.

The emergence of the Allied Health Assistants Good Practice Guide responds to the increasing demand for Allied Health workers as the NDIS continues to grow rapidly in Queensland.

Research conducted to support the project shows the number of Queenslanders receiving supports under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) has almost doubled from 55,000 in 2019 to more than 102,000 at 31 December 2021.

The NDIS growth is forecast to more than double over the next decade, meaning demand for additional workers to enter the sector will continue, with NDIS-related occupations predicted to be some of the fastest growing jobs in Queensland in coming years.

The research shows Allied Health Professionals were in the top two largest categories of workers most in demand by employers; with direct support workers (98 per cent), allied health professionals (74 per cent) and support coordinators (50 per cent) – with 29% of the respondents indicating that allied health assistants were also in demand.

Read more and download the Guide or case studies here