The Human Services Skills Organisation (HSSO) is pleased to announce its involvement in the Home Care Workforce Support Program for Victoria and Tasmania as part of a consortium.
Along with other organisations, Aged & Community Services Australia (ACSA), MEGT and Powerhouse Hub, the HSSO will lend its expertise and connections to the delivery of the program.
The Home Care Workforce Support Program, an initiative of the Australian Government, will provide funding over two years from financial year 2021-22 for targeted support to assist the aged care sector to increase the size of the personal care workforce. $21 million has been allocated to Victoria, and $2 million has been allocated to Tasmania.
HSSO Chief Executive Officer Ms Schmidt said the organisation was proud to be involved with such an important piece of work.
“There is a plurality of voices that acknowledge the need to implement high quality training solutions for the aged care sector that help us prepare for demand into the future.
“Australia needs workforce development and training solutions that are high quality, relevant and responsive to industry needs, particularly where our personal care workforce is concerned.
“The growth in demand for the aged care services provided by the workforce combined with the need to provide skilled workers in the right place at the right time is one of our most pressing challenges nationally.
“Between 2020 and 2025, we’re expecting to see the health care and social assistance sectors grow by more than 7 per cent, to over 2 million workers. We need more people to consider a role in the sector, training solutions that create a new benchmark of care and finally, we need those workers to stay in those roles—that’s why the program is so important.
The consortium will kick-off the program this financial year, which will include state-wide and regional marketing campaigns, engagement with stakeholders and government agencies, and making connections between candidates and employers. Home care workforce providers will receive support through ACSA to development engagement and retention strategies. The HSSO will support collaboration between the aged care sector and the vocational education sector and will oversee the implementation of skills programs.
“The Human Services Skills Organisation will lead a team of sourcing and training specialists in Victoria and Tasmania to find new workers suited to the industry, build their capability, and enhance the skills of existing workers.
“We will be working in close partnership with home care providers to access talent from employment services and education and training providers.
“The HSSO will be working with a network of TAFE institutes and other registered training organisations (RTOs) to help deliver specialised training,’ said Ms Schmidt.
A specialist technology solution provided by Powerhouse Hub will also help ensure individuals are the right fit for the industry.
“Our engagement with the industry shows that alignment to the role, and organisational values is a major concern for the industry. The solution provided by Powerhouse Hub will help improve retention by ensuring best fit,’ said Ms Schmidt.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
The Home Care Workforce Support Program is a $91.8 million initiative of the Australian Government aimed at strengthening the personal care workforce, and helping older people live at home for longer. For more information about the initiative visit the Department of Health website.
