NDIS workforce solutions: addressing the growing demand for skilled disability support workers

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) has transformed disability care in Australia, providing participants with greater choice, control, and access to services that enhance independence and quality of life. However, as the scheme grows, so does the demand for qualified, reliable, and compassionate disability support workers. Providers must ensure they have access to a skilled workforce capable of delivering high-quality care tailored to each participant’s needs.

Health On Call plays a critical role in meeting this demand by supplying trained disability support staff, including personal care workers and allied health assistants. Our approach ensures that participants receive consistent, person-centred care while giving providers the flexibility to manage workforce challenges efficiently.

Understanding the demand

Several factors contribute to the increasing need for NDIS support workers:

• Rapid scheme expansion: More Australians are accessing NDIS services, requiring additional support staff.

• Diverse participant needs: Participants may have physical, cognitive, or complex health requirements that necessitate specialised skills.

• Workforce turnover: High demand and challenging workloads can lead to staff attrition, creating gaps that must be filled promptly.

• Geographic disparities: Rural and regional areas often experience shortages of qualified support workers.

Meeting these challenges requires a proactive and strategic approach to workforce planning, recruitment, and training.

Effective workforce solutions

1. Targeted recruitment

Health On Call focuses on sourcing candidates with the skills, experience, and values necessary for high-quality disability support. Strategies include:

• Outreach to vocational institutions and NDIS training programs

• Recruitment of experienced professionals from healthcare and allied sectors

• Screening for both technical competencies and interpersonal skills, ensuring candidates are empathetic, reliable, and adaptable

2. Upskilling and specialised training

NDIS participants often have complex or unique support requirements. Health On Call provides ongoing training for support workers, covering areas such as:

• Personal care and mobility assistance

• Communication strategies for clients with cognitive or speech challenges

• Behaviour management techniques

• Health and safety compliance, including medication administration and infection control

Continuous upskilling ensures staff are competent, confident, and able to deliver safe, person-centred care.

3. Flexible staffing solutions

NDIS providers need workforce flexibility to meet fluctuating service demands. Health On Call offers:

• Temporary and casual placements to cover staff leave or increased participant needs

• Long-term engagement options for continuity of care

• Flexible rostering that accommodates both participants’ schedules and staff availability

This approach helps providers maintain high-quality support without overburdening permanent staff.

4. Person-centred approach

At the heart of NDIS workforce solutions is a commitment to person-centred care. Health On Call ensures that support workers understand participants’ goals, preferences, and needs. By fostering a collaborative relationship between staff, participants, and families, care is tailored, respectful, and effective.

5. Compliance and quality assurance

NDIS providers must meet stringent regulatory standards. Health On Call ensures all staff placements comply with relevant legislation, standards, and best practices, giving providers confidence that care is delivered safely, ethically, and consistently.

Benefits for providers and participants

Implementing these workforce solutions offers clear advantages:

• Reliable staffing: Reduces gaps and ensures continuity of care for participants.

• Enhanced care quality: Skilled, trained workers provide safe and effective support tailored to individual needs.

• Workforce sustainability: Flexible solutions and upskilling reduce turnover and promote long-term engagement.

• Peace of mind: Providers can focus on participant outcomes knowing their workforce is competent and supported.

Conclusion

The growth of the NDIS presents both opportunities and challenges for providers. Ensuring a reliable, skilled, and flexible workforce is essential to delivering high-quality care and supporting participants’ independence and wellbeing.

Health On Call is committed to addressing this demand by connecting providers with qualified, trained, and adaptable support workers. Through targeted recruitment, ongoing training, flexible placements, and a person-centred approach, we help providers meet the evolving needs of NDIS participants while strengthening the disability support workforce across Australia.