Allied Health in the National
Disability Insurance Scheme Working together with participants
MAY 2024 AHPA DISABILITY WORKING GROUPDRAFT
About AHPA and the Disability Working Group
Allied Health Professions Australia (AHPA) is the recognised national peak association for allied health. Allied health is Australia’s second largest health workforce, and AHPA represents around 200,000 allied health professionals (AHPs) including 14,000 rural and remote AHPs.
AHPA’s Disability Working Group represents 16 different allied health professions that provide National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) services. AHPA and its members are committed to ensuring that all Australians, regardless of disability, can access safe, evidence-based services to assist them to realise their potential for physical, social, emotional and intellectual development.
Glossary of Terms
Scope of Practice
Describes the practices and services undertaken by Allied Health Professionals to support people’s physical, social, emotional and intellectual development, according to their registration, qualifications, experience and competencies.
AHPRa
The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency. AHPRa regulates many health professions through its 15 National Boards in the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme (NRA$) https://www.ahpr$.gov.au
NASRH P
National Alliance of Self-Regulating Health Professions. NASRHP is the independent body responsible for providing a quality framework for self-regulating Allied Health Professions https://nasrh p.org.au/
Allied Health
Audiology
Professions
Australia . . .
Scope Audiologists are allied health practitioners with specialised knowledge and skills in ear and hearing health. Audiologists are involved in the non-medical management of hearing loss and assess and treat people with peripheral or central auditory and vestibular (balance) function disorders and related problems in balance and communication. The current scope of practice for audiologists can be viewed here. How we assist NDIS participants
Audiologists provide hearing services and supports to participants of all ages aimed at maximising their ability to manage independently. Key supports for participants include:
- Providing assessments for hearing and balance to identify a participant’s hearing and/or balance disorder.
- Recommending, fitting and programming hearing devices, implantable devices and hearing-related assistive technology.
- Establishing personalised (re)habilitation plans for participants which may include communication training and auditory skill development.
- Providing specialised hearing services to participants with a profound hearing loss and/or an implantable device or complex communication needs.
- Providing other therapeutic supports aimed at maximising a participant’s functional capacity, including connection to other services, and education and counselling on the social, mental and emotional level.
Qualifications Audiologists undertake at least five years of university education, including two years in an Audiology Australia accredited Master’s level audiology program.
Regulation Self-regulated by Audiology Australia (AudA). AudA is a founding member of the National Alliance of Self-Regulating Health Professions (NASRHP). To provide government funded hearing services in Australia, our members must be an Audiology Australia Accredited Audiologist, which requires certification by AudA, completion of a full-time one-year clinical internship programme, fufilment of continuing professional development and recency of practice requirements and abidance of AudA’s Code of Conduct. otional aspects of hearing loss for individuals, families or groups. DRAFT
Australia Art Therapy
Allied HealthArt Therapy
Professions
Australia
. . .
Scope
Creative Arts Therapists are mental health clinical professionals who use art, media and the creative process (drawing, writing, sculpting, drama, clay, sand, dance and movement) to facilitate the exploration of feelings, improve self-awareness and reduce anxiety for clients. Creative processes can be a way for clients to explore and express feelings that may be hard to put into words and to improve mental health and well-being via evidenced based emotional regulation interventions.
How we assist NDIS participants
Our members offer individual and group supports to increase independence and improve capacity. We work with all age groups and Art Therapy is often particularly beneficial to people unlikely to respond to traditional talk therapy, such as non-verbal communicators or people with cognitive or communicative disabilities. We use creative processes as a means of communicating complex emotional states and work closely with other allied health professionals in multi-disciplinary teams to offer support to NDIS participants. For example, a Speech Pathologist may have a goal to improve understanding of a participant’s speech and our ANZACATA member will work on emotional regulation with the participant as clarity of speech is achieved.
####### ANZACATA has developed a resource which collates academic research on the effectiveness of art therapy. It includes studies on the use of art therapy for people with cognitive disabilities, behaviours of concern, anxiety, depression and trauma.
######## The NDIS recognises ANZACATA registered Masters-level trained clinicians (AQF level 9) for therapy support for participants on Qualifications the NDIS.
Regulation ANZACATA is the self-regulating body for all registered art therapists in Australia, New Zealand and Asia. ANZACATA is a qualifying member of NASRHP and abides by all NASRHP’s requirements for membership. DRAFT
Australia
Chiropractor https://www.chiropracticaustralia.org.au/DRAFT
Allied Health Professions
Australia
Qualification
Chiropractors undertake 5-year university education, which is accredited by the Council on Chiropractic Education Australasia.
Regulation
The profession is AHPRA-regulated by the Chiropractic Board of Australia.
Scope
Chiropractors provide expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions of the musculoskeletal system, with a focus on spine-related conditions. Management involves a multi-modal biopsychosocial approach to care to assist people to be active, functional and able to engage in the community. Chiropractors help with treatments that can impact an individual’s lifestyle by reducing pain and improving function. This, in turn, helps people’s overall health and well-being. Chiropractic education focuses on understanding how the structure of the musculoskeletal system influences function and the role of hands-on treatment, exercise and patient education in improving people’s quality of life. Chiropractors focus on an evidence-based person-centred approach to managing musculoskeletal conditions across the lifespan, aiming to understand and assist people to achieve what is important to them.
How we can assist NDIS participants:
NDIS participants require care that helps improve their functional abilities, regardless of the disability encountered. Providing care for patients with disabilities requires an in-depth understanding of how structure influences function. Chiropractors assess movement and barriers to achieving optimum movement and function. By focusing on goals that are important to NDIS Participants, chiropractors can address the physical and psychosocial barriers to their participation by reducing pain, improving the movement of specific joints or body regions and empowering participants to improve their functional abilities to perform tasks and activities. Chiropractors form part of a multidisciplinary team based in the community affording easy access and a team-based approach to optimise clinical and social outcomes for participants. Chiropractic services play a vital role in shaping an individual’s lifestyle by providing treatments that enhance their confidence to engage fully in society. Disabilities can present obstacles in pursuing specific goals, but the care offered by chiropractors aims to address various musculoskeletal issues, including spinal health, while indirectly benefiting individuals psychologically.
Australia Dietetics
NEED WEBSITE
• • • •DRAFT
Allied Health
Dietetics Professions
Qualification
A four-year undergraduate degree or undergraduate plus Master’s degree accredited by Dietitians Australia.
Regulation
Self-regulated by Dietitians Australia (NASRHP member). The Dietitian and Nutritionist Regulatory Council (DNRC) is responsible for the governance of the profession’s regulatory functions. Dietitians must join the Dietitians Australia Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) program to be credentialed.
Scope
A dietitian is a health professional who applies food and nutrition science to support individuals, groups and communities to stay healthy, prevent and treat illness, optimise function and quality of life. They play a crucial role in enhancing a person’s quality of life by advising on nutrition and eating patterns that support physical health, social and economic participation, and the ability to perform daily activities.
How we can assist NDIS participants:
- Conduct comprehensive assessments of a person’s food, fluid, and nutrition intake, exploring the how, what, when, where, and why behind their food choices.
- Collaboratively develop and periodically review individualised meal plans.
- Contribute to the development and review of mealtime management plans.
- Support and guide participants in selecting foods that align with their nutritional needs, cultural preferences, and eating habits through diverse methods, including discussions, reading materials, interactive games, and recipe selection.
- Provide guidance on meal preparation, grocery shopping, budgeting for food, and cooking techniques.
- Offer comprehensive nutritional guidance to both participants and their support networks, ensuring their understanding of safety, health, and enjoyment of food.
- Provide recommendations on foods, drinks, or supplements to enhance nutrition, health and function.
- Formulate and review tube feeding regimens.
- Assist in selecting appropriate tube-feeding consumables.
Australia
Exercise Physiology
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Exercise & Sports Science Australia Home (essa.org.au) DRAFT
Allied Health
Exercise Physiology Professions
Australia
Qualification: Minimum 4-year Bachelor Degree in an approved program of study accredited by Exercise & Sports Science Australia
Regulation: Self-regulated by Exercise & Sports Science Australia (NASRHP member).
Scope Expertise to deliver exercise therapy to prevent, treat, and manage health conditions, including diseases, disorders, traumas, injuries, and complex chronic conditions.
- Exercise physiologists provide education about how movement, physical activity and exercise can improve disability, health and quality of life.
- Exercise physiologists prescribe, deliver, and adapt movement, physical activity, and exercise-based interventions to facilitate and optimise health status, function, recovery, independence. These interventions support and promote life-long participation in activities at home, school, work and in the community.
What we do in the NDIS Exercise physiologists provide expertise to improve and maintain health status and function, promoting and supporting reablement.
- Exercise physiologists screen, assess, measure and monitor capacity and function for participation in activities throughout all stages of life including activities of daily living and work-related activities.
- Exercise physiologists design and deliver education and movement-based interventions addressing participant’s preferences, needs, barriers, and goals to minimise impairments, limitations, activity restrictions and build capacity
- Exercise physiologists coach and motivate to support behaviour change, self-management, reduced fear of movement and increased self-efficacy in movement, physical activity and exercise.
Music Therapy
Qualification
Registered Music Therapists (RMTs) are Bachelor and Masters-level qualified and accredited. Current RMT graduates have achieved an AQF9-level education. RMTs are registered with the Australian Music Therapy Association (AMTA). They must meet professional competency standards, abide by the AMTA Code of Ethics, and meet other regulatory requirements to maintain registration.
Regulation
AMTA is a member of the National Alliance of Self Regulating Health Professions (NASRHP).
Scope
Music therapy is an evidence-based allied health profession that uses advanced and specialist knowledge about the therapeutic use of music to achieve health and wellbeing outcomes for people across the lifespan. With a person-centred focus, RMTs use their knowledge of how music affects the brain to design and deliver interventions that help clients achieve their goals. Participants do not need music skills to benefit from music therapy.
What we do in the NDIS
RMT’s collaborate with participants and their support team to achieve capacity building goals via motivating, engaging and interactive music experiences. RMTs assess participant’s functioning across all functional domains to support NDIS capacity building goals. They plan, deliver and evaluate evidence-based therapeutic supports via a range of music therapy methods. RMTs support participants’ progress towards their goals, including:
- Communication: supporting verbal and non-verbal communication via singing, vocalising, and musical play
- Physical: supporting fine and gross motor skills, motor planning and functional movements though playing instruments, moving to music and dance.
- Mood/Behaviour: supporting emotional awareness, expression and regulation by creating and listening to music.
- Cognition: enhancing cognitive development such as memory, attention, and executive processing through rhythmic instrumental play, singing and song writing.
- Social skills: playing and interacting musically to enhance interpersonal relationships and connections, building capacity to access community music events, activities and vocations.
Occupational
Allied Health Australia Therapy
Qualification
Bachelor Degree or equivalent, in an approved program of study accredited by the World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT)
Regulation
AHPRA regulated by the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia
Scope
Occupational therapy is a client-centred health profession concerned with promoting health and wellbeing through occupation. The primary goal of occupational therapy is to enable people to participate in the activities of everyday life. Occupational therapists achieve this outcome by working with people and communities to enhance their ability to engage in the occupations they want to, need to, or are expected to do, or by modifying the occupation or the environment to better support their occupational engagement (WFOT, 2012).
- Occupational therapists provide services across the lifespan and have a valuable role in supporting people living with developmental disorders; physical, intellectual, chronic and/or progressive disability; and mental health issues.
- Occupational therapists work in a diverse range of practice settings including acute hospitals, rehabilitation settings, private practice, community, primary health and in the home.
How we can assist NDIS participants:
- targeted, goal-focussed capacity building, for example, use of evidence-based interventions and compensatory strategies to increase participation in activities of daily living (ADL)
- prescription and implementation of assistive technology and/or environmental modifications;
- positive behaviour support;
- disability-related chronic disease management;
- functional capacity assessment; and
- driving assessments (when specifically trained to do so)DRAFT
Australia Orthotics and Prosthetics
Allied Health
Orthotics and Prosthetics
Qualification:
Minimum of a Bachelor Degree in an approved program of study accredited by the Australian Orthotic Prosthetic Association
Regulation:
NASRHP-recognised self-regulation through the Australian Orthotic Prosthetic Association
Scope
Orthotist/prosthetists are tertiary qualified Allied Health Professionals who assess and treat the physical and functional limitations of people resulting from illnesses and disabilities, including limb amputations. Orthotist/prosthetists are trained to prescribe, design, fit and monitor orthoses and prostheses.
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Orthotist/prosthetists treat a wide variety of clients such as children born with congenital limb deficiency or cerebral palsy, people who have had an amputation following an accident, patients with muscular weakness after a stroke or spinal injury, patients with diabetic foot ulcers or the elderly who have lost a limb as a result of vascular disease.
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The tasks of the occupation are clearly defined in the AOPA Scope of Practice and the Occupation Summary.
What we do in the NDIS
Orthotist/prosthetists provide expertise and assistive technology that will improve the function and participation of NDIS participants
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Orthotist/prosthetists assess a person’s physical mobility, function, strength, range and gait, identifying if and what type of orthosis/prosthesis would assist the participant in meeting their goals.
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Orthotist/prosthetists promote social inclusion and participation in the workforce by providing orthoses/prostheses to participants, enabling them to walk, stand, mobilise, complete manual tasks and/or reduce pain.
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Orthotist/prosthetists work in multidisciplinary teams alongside other allied health and medical professionals. They participate in case conferencing and joint sessions (e.g., orthotic/prosthetic and physiotherapy combined consultation).
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Orthotist/prosthetists routinely measure participant outcomes, will document these, and include them in reports provided to participants, their families, the NDIS and other professionals.
Submission • 192 • - Attachment 1
Professions Osteopathy Australia
Qualification:
Osteopaths are university trained for 4-5 years through either a double bachelor’s or bachelor’s/ master’s program. University courses must be accredited by the Australasian Osteopathic Accreditation Council.
Regulation:
Osteopathy is one of 16 Government regulated professions under the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
Scope
·Underpinned by biopsychosocial principles, osteopathy is an allied health profession that focuses on the health and mobility of the body’s neuromuscular system, which comprises bones, muscles, nerves and other tissues that support the human body and control its movements. ·Osteopathy includes thorough primary care and functional assessments and the application of a range of manual and movement-based therapies, prevention and health promotion strategies tailored to the individual, that aim to optimise functional and health outcomes.
How we can assist NDIS participants: · Osteopaths working in disability may conduct functional assessments and develop programs that relate to activities of daily living and support the individual to work towards functional goals. ·Using manual therapy interventions, exercise prescription, dry and other needling, program prescription, advice and education, osteopaths seek to enhance: o Mobility skills; o Physical coordination and movement integration; o Fine and gross motor skills; o Muscle control and tone; o Posture and body weight distribution; o Gait; and o Overall physical function. ·The biopsychosocial approach of osteopaths integrates the functional needs of a person, their family and carers and considers how good outcomes can be supported or maintained across life domains and life transition points. DRAFT
Professions
Physiotherapy - Australia
Qualification
- 4-year Bachelor Degree in an approved program of study accredited by the Australian Physiotherapy Council.
Regulation
- Ahpra-regulated by the Physiotherapy Board of Australia.
Scope
Expertise in the assessment and treatment of motor impairments or movement disorders including the sensory, musculoskeletal, and neurological contributors to these and the impact these may have on mobility, physical function and participation.
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Physiotherapy is a clinical discipline that integrates core principles of diagnosis, management and treatment of patients with movement disorders holding broad skills depth across a range of areas and interventions and modalities.
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Physiotherapists have expert knowledge in understanding how people move and learn to move, and the development of movement, specifically as these relate to the health, wellbeing and quality of life of people of all ages.
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Physiotherapists are trained in the biomechanics of movement, combining knowledge of physics, physiology, and anatomy to analyse movement and determine movement difficulties.
What we do in the NDIS
Physiotherapists provide expertise in improving function, participation and building capacity of people with disability.
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Physiotherapists analyse an individual’s quality of movement, identify motor impairment, and investigate the interrelationship between movement and other neurological and physiological factors such as sensory perception and pain. Physiotherapists conduct rigorous assessments for eligibility and planning, and continually monitor participants’ function and mobility.
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Physiotherapists promote social inclusion through optimising a person’s function and encouraging participation and inclusion in the economic and social life of the community. Physiotherapists also trial, prescribe, tailor and fit out a range of assistive technology.
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Physiotherapists work in multidisciplinary and transdisciplinary teams to support capacity building goals and the functional and participation outcomes of participants. These supports will often occur in natural environments such as homes, day care, workplaces and in the community, in order to achieve participation outcomes. Often supports will require communication with both a participant’s family, and their formal and informal supports.
Draft
Australia Pedorthics www.pedorthics.org.au
Allied Health Professions Australia
Qualification
Pedorthist Custom Makers require a minimum qualification of a Bachelor Degree in an approved program of study accredited by the Pedorthic Association of Australia.
Regulation
Self-regulated by the Pedorthic Association of Australia. To hold the title of a Certified Pedorthist Custom Maker (CPedCM Au), pedorthist custom makers must hold registration with the Pedorthic Association of Australia, and are required to meet professional competency standards, abide by the PAA Code of Ethics and Standards, and meet other regulatory requirements to maintain registration.
Scope
Certified Pedorthist Custom Makers are tertiary qualified allied health professionals working autonomously and practicing within an evidence-based paradigm. The practitioner is involved in all clinical, technical, and service delivery aspects of pedorthics. They are actively engaged in the practice of assessing, treating, and providing evidence-based services for people with foot and lower limb conditions in addition to provision, fabrication, alteration, modification, repair, and dispensation of prefabricated and custom-made pedorthic footwear and/or orthotic appliances.
How we can assist NDIS participants
Certified Pedorthist Custom Makers assess, prescribe, and supply assistive technology including prefabricated, modified, and custom made pedorthic (orthopaedic) footwear and lower-limb orthotics to support and improve the mobility, function, and participation of NDIS participants.
Allied Health
Podiatry Professions
Qualification
: 4-year Bachelor’s Degree with postgraduate options: Master of Podiatric Practice and Doctor of Podiatric Medicine
Regulation
Regulated through the Podiatry Board of Australia (AHPRA)
Scope
- Podiatry focus on the assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of foot, ankle, and lower limb disorders. They provide comprehensive care for conditions such as foot and ankle injuries, musculoskeletal disorders, neuromuscular/neurological disorders, diabetic foot care, network/developmental conditions, nail and skin conditions, gait abnormalities, and sports-related injuries
- Podiatrists are trained in performing various procedures, such as nail surgery, wound management, biomechanical assessments, orthotic prescription, falls prevention and footwear advice. They work in various settings, including private practices, hospitals, community health centres,sports clinics, disability services and rehabilitation facilities
- Additional training is available to afford podiatrists the ability to prescribe certain drugs and medicines and gain certification in Paediatrics andsports
What we do in the NDIS
- Podiatrists conduct thorough assessments and diagnose foot and lower limb conditions that may impact a participant’s mobility, independence, or overall well-being.
- Podiatrists utilise evidence-based assessments to support individual goals that are reviewed with validated outcome measures.
- Podiatrists provide a range of treatments and interventions tailored to the participant’s needs. This may include foot and ankle exercises, orthotic prescription, footwear advice/prescription, mobility aids, wound care, and management of foot-related pain or discomfort, whilst all the time focusing on the participants goals
- Podiatrists are vital in educating participants about their foot health and self-management strategies. They empower participants and their carers/support person with knowledge about proper foot care, injury and disease prevention, and exercises that can support a participant’s goals
Allied Health Psychology Professions Australia
Qualification To become registered with the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA), psychologists are required to complete at least six years of education and training either through a combined four-year degree with two years supervised practice, a five-year degree with one year of supervised practice or a six-year degree. Some psychologists complete a registrar program following their formal education and receive an Area of Practice Endorsement in one of nine areas. RegulationI There are more than 36,000 registered psychologists in Australia. Psychologists are regulated by the Psychology Board of Australia (Ahpra), which sets out the scope of practice, ethical standards and continuing professional development applicable to practitioners.I Scope Psychologists apply evidence-based practices to conduct assessments and provide interventions, treatments and prevention activities to foster optimal personal, social, educational and occupational wellbeing and development.I How we can assist NDIS participants
- Provide individual and group based therapeutic supports to promote capacity and independence
- Conduct assessments (including cognitive, neurodevelopment and psychosocial), and providing reports to planners, NDIA and other health and disability practitioners.
- Specialist Behavioural Intervention Support
- Early Childhood Interventions
- Parent support/parent training for parents of a child with disability
- Participate in multidisciplinary team care arrangements.
- Coordinate and facilitate supports for participants with other professionals or agencies or with the participant’s planner, support coordinator, local area coordinator, early childhood partner or the NDIA
- Provide supervision to psychologists and other NDIS professionals
- Conduct research and development of the evidence base in relation to disability and NDIS supportsDRAFT
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National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Getting the NDIS Back on Track No. 1) Bill 2024 [Provisions]
. . . .
Submission 192 - Attachment 1
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Allied H~alth
Profes~1ons
Australia
Rehabilitation Counselling
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Submission 192 - Attachment 1
Allied Health Rehabilitation Professions I Australia counselling Qualification Postgraduate tertiary qualifications in Rehabilitation Counselling. ASORC members are required to undertake a professional supervision or mentoring program for 6 - 12 months. Regulation Rehabilitation Counselling is a self-regulated health profession. Post merger with the Rehabilitation Counselling Association of Australasia (RCAA), Australian Society of Rehabilitation Counsellors (ASORC) is the peak body representing Rehabilitation Counsellors throughout Australia and sets the standards for practice, accreditation, continuing professional development and Ethics. Scope Rehabilitation Counsellors are uniquely skilled, tertiary qualified and specifically trained professionals that work across the biological, pychological and social domains (biopsychosocial), to assist people with disability, health conditions and disadvantage, participate in employment or education, or live independently and access services in the community to achieve their personal, educational and vocational goals. Rehabilitation counsellors provide vocational evaluation and counselling, job analysis and modification, job development, and placement services. As specialised counsellors we have a deep understanding of the impact of disability, health conditions & disadvantage on people’s capacity to participate. How we can assist NDIS participants: Rehabilitation Counsellors work with clients on strategies to overcome obstacles and personal challenges they may be facing, a Rehabilitation Counselor provides practical approaches to assist clients to achieve their personal, educational and vocational goals. For example:
- a person of school leaving age who requires vocational guidance, holistic assessment and individualised planning to progress towards their stated goals
- a continuing NDIS participant who has had their physical requirements met and is now seeking assistance with participation goals such as employment and education
- a hospital inpatient who has recently been affected by trauma and/or injury that may affect their financial wellbeing in the future The key points of difference for Rehabilitation Counsellors are their specialised skills in:
- vocational assessment
- labour market research and analysis
- job task analysis, job placement and aptitude matching
- case management expertise in co-ordinating and engaging other allied health and medical professionals to optimise outcomes for clients
- personal counselling and adjustment to disability counselling
- service coordination DRAFT
Australia Speech Pathology
NEED WEBSITEDRAFT
Allied Health Professions
Speech Pathology
Qualification
A recognised bachelor or graduate entry master’s degree. Australian universities offering speech pathology programs (recognised by Speech Pathology Australia) and their accreditation status are available online.
Regulation
Speech Pathology Australia regulates its’ members as a self regulating health profession, and is also a founding member of The National Alliance of Self Regulating Health Professions (NASRHP). NASRHP is committed to providing assurance to consumers, government and other entities regarding the safety and quality of self-regulating health services, through an evidence-based national framework of regulatory standards.
- To work in Australia, most employers, insurance schemes and funding bodies require speech pathologists to be a Certified Practising Speech Pathologist (CPSP) which requires membership of Speech Pathology Australia and a number of professional development and supervision requirements, or to be eligible for membership of Speech Pathology Australia.
Scope
Speech pathologists diagnose and treat communication and swallowing or eating disabilities, including difficulties with speaking, listening, understanding language, reading, writing, social skills, stuttering and using voice. They work with people who have difficulty communicating because of developmental delays, autism, stroke, brain injuries, intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, dementia and hearing loss, and many other conditions.
How we can assist NDIS participants:
Speech pathologists provide therapeutic supports, early childhood intervention, disability related health supports (dysphagia), and training in meal time management. Speech pathologists may also provide positive behaviour support when certified, and assistive technology such as communication devices and equipment for mealtimes.
Australia
Social Work www.aasw.asn.au
National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Getting the NDIS.
Back. on Track No. 1) Bill 2024 [Provisions]
Submission 192 - Attachment…1 .
Allied HealthSocial Work AProfessions Australia
Qualification:
4-year Bachelor’s Degree, or 2-year qualifying Master’s Degree.
Regulation:-
The Australian Association of Social Workers sets the standard for social work practice, ethics and education. e• All social workers providing social work services in the NDIS must be members of the AASW.e
- AASW members with specialist expertise are eligible for the Advanced Social Work in Disability Credential. Aasw.as.au
Scope
Social workers partner with people to address personal difficulties and structural barriers in their lives. They celebrate differences and the social work role itself is incredibly diverse. Social workers support people through one-on-one counselling, groupwork, avocacy and policy formulation. They take the time to develop relationships with people so that together they can consider all aspects of their situation ,including their strengths and capacities, as well as where they need help The values of ‘Choice and Control’ are consistent with social work values of self-determination and empowerment. In all roles social workers enhance participants’ agency in their lives and opportunities to fulfill their potential.
What social workers do in the NDIS
Social workers are in multiple roles in the NDIS, including planners, Local Area Co-ordinators, managers , supervisors and providers of the following supports: terapeutic supports (individual and group) • early intervention supports for early childhood • behaviour support : eligibility assessment and development of support plans • assistance in coordinating or managing life stages, transitions and supports • assistance to access and maintain employment or higher education • assistance with obtaining or retaining accommodation and tenancy • group and centre-based activities • support coordination. DRAFT