Creating pathways in youth and community services

This case study describes Allambi Care’s partnership with education providers to design training and education for new and existing staff.

Co-designed with Bradford Institute of  Advanced Education, Allambi’s comprehensive orientation and job training program for new staff counts towards earning a Diploma of Community Service, which staff can elect to complete after orientation and probation. Completion of the Diploma is also a pathway for staff to enter the Australian Catholic University’s (ACU) Bachelor of Human Services program.

Key insights include:

• The approach allows direct application of learning to practice in the workplace, closed loop learning, and creates a collaborative safe space for staff to reflect on their development and practice.
• The approach is proactive to the holistic development of staff within the organisation, rather than relying on recruiting qualified staff.
• Staff are more motivated to continue their education, with their view of their work transforming from being  job to being a career.
• Staff turnover is reduced, creating stability for the organisation and the clients, which contributes to improved client outcomes.
• Should a staff member decide to leave, the sector benefits from increased availability of highly skilled human service practitioners.
• Time invested in building partnerships leads to sustainable, long term mutual benefits for all parties.