RESUMEN
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of human service workers (HSWs) in engaging with Aboriginal participants of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with HSWs engaging with Aboriginal participants of the NDIS on Kaurna Country (Adelaide, South Australia). Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: In total, n = 10 HSWs participated in the study. Three themes impacting upon HSWs ability to effectively engage with Aboriginal participants were identified: (1) lack of access to training, support and supervision, (2) difficulties in navigating assessment and intervention, and (3) limited availability of culturally specific services. CONCLUSIONS: This study contributes to Australian disability policy and practice with insights gained from the experiences of human service workers engaging with aboriginal participants of the NDIS. Systemic changes are required within policy and funding arrangements to create a system flexible enough to respond to the needs of Aboriginal Peoples with disability.
Aboriginal peoples with disability are underrepresented within the National Disability Insurance SchemeConcerns exist over the adequacy of the knowledge and skills of the disability workforce associated with the National Disability Insurance SchemeThis study highlights three key barriers human service workers face in effectively engaging with Aboriginal participants of the National Disability Insurance SchemeThese barriers reflect both organizational and policy constraints and highlight the need for systemic changes to the way disability services are delivered to Aboriginal Peoples.
RESUMEN
Objective To explore the training needs of the home care workforce in supporting the social and emotional wellbeing (SEWB) of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples receiving aged care services through the Home Care Package (HCP) Program. Methods A mixed-methods design including (1) a focus group and interview with coordinators of HCP Program services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across metropolitan and rural South Australia in April and June 2022, and (2) a desktop review of training, professional development opportunities and resources for existing and pre-entry workforce addressing the SEWB of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in aged care across the Vocational Education Training and higher education sectors in South Australia, the Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet, the Department of Health and Aged Care website and aged care email alerts between December 2021 and September 2022. Results Five themes representing workforce training needs were identified: cultural safety, trauma-informed care, case management, compliance with funding rules and preferred formats for training. The desktop review identified a paucity of formal training, professional development and resources within the context of addressing the SEWB of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in aged care. Conclusions These findings suggest that ongoing practice-based professional development learning opportunities are needed within organisations to enhance peer-learning and support. These need to be available together with dedicated formal training programs and practical resources on meeting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples' SEWB in aged care.