Community Services Skilling Plan (overview of initiatives)
Version 1
2012
Community Services Skilling Plan 2012 (overview of initiatives) (PDF, 306KB)
Background
The Community Services Skilling Plan 2012 (the Skilling Plan) continues the work of the Disability Services Skilling Plan (DSSP) and the Community Services Skilling Plan (2010 - 2011). The Skilling Plan aims to significantly contribute to the development of a capable, relevant and skilled workforce that will support the service needs of the community and enhance quality delivery across the community services continuum.
The Skilling Plan supports synergies across the community sector to enhance industry skills capacity and community well-being. It works with all relevant stakeholders through a range of strategies. These strategies are outlined below.
1. State-wide Vocational Education and Training Strategy
This strategy focuses on the linking of individual or cohorts of community services workers with relevant Vocational Education and Training (VET) qualifications to assist their skilling and professional development needs. These qualifications are from the Community Services Training Package (CHC08) or other relevant training packages, as required. The Community Services Skilling Plan underpins this strategy with roving Workforce Skilling Officers and Project Officers to identify needs, locate a range of possible funding supports and develop links with vocational education and training providers to collaborate to achieve the desired outcomes.
2. Indigenous Mentoring Program (15 mentoring pair places per program)
This program focuses on the implementation of regional mentoring programs customised for and with workers who identify with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. It utilises an Appreciative Mentoring framework and uses developed resources to support the program, Walking Together, Learning Together - A Mentoring Guide and Walking Together, Learning Together - Our Stories of Mentoring. This initiative will also convene (i) a 2012 New Trainer Program to support people who complete the Mentoring Program to roll out subsequent programs in their regions and (ii) establish the IMP Alumni through the "Community Door" website.
3. Cross Cultural Practice Development Strategy (Cross cultural training and resource development)
This strategy continues development of cross-cultural competency and fluency in the community sector. It has three components (i) the delivery of roving accredited training to community services organisations using the previously developed resources, (ii) a state-wide Cross Cultural Practice Facilitator Program for those who have completed the training and who wish to deliver it in their regions and (iii) Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Crossing Cultures Program which builds on the pilot program to continue to develop skills, attitudes, knowledge and resources to support community services organisations to respond to the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
4. Vocational Training Assistance Grant (3 rounds in 2012 - $1000 per person)
This initiative provides one-off training assistance grants to eligible individuals who are unable to access or need additional support to access State-wide Vocational Education and Training. Grants are available to undertake qualifications from the CHC08 Community Services Training Package. The primary target group is people who are workers, prospective workers, volunteers and carers in non-government community services organisations.
5. Service Practitioners' Development Grant (3 rounds in 2012 - $1000 per person)
This initiative provides for a one-off study and professional development grant to workers who identify with the following population groups:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
- Culturally and linguistically diverse communities
- Australian South Sea Islander communities.
This grant goes towards supporting an individual's participation in a program that leads to the attainment of a specialist skill or ability and enhances their practice and/or caring role capacity. The nominated program will be offered by a Queensland registered training organisation, a Queensland higher education institution or a Skilling Plan endorsed professional development agency based in Australia.
6. Homelessness Support Work Skills Set
Up to 50 staff involved in direct service delivery will be offered training in the Homelessness Support Work Skill Set. Priority will be given to staff of Indigenous women's shelters and people in rural and remote areas and then to direct service delivery staff involved with homeless people.
7. YARI-STAR
This program provides accredited training (Certificate IV in Community Services) for youth workers in non-government organisations funded under the Youth at Risk Initiative. Youth Justice funded services will also be included. YARI-STAR focuses on enhancing the skills of youth workers to respond to at-risk young people with complex needs and develop integrated service delivery, particularly focussing on partnerships with Youth Justice, Child Safety and Housing.
8. Child Protection Frontline Workers
The Community Services Skilling Plan significantly contributes to the development of capable, relevant and skilled child protection / family support frontline workers by developing a program for participants. Up to 40 workers statewide will have the opportunity to complete the Certificate IV in Child, Youth and Family Intervention (Family Support), utilising a workshop model of delivery.
Where can I get more information?
Fact Sheets and Application Forms:
You can obtain relevant information by telephoning Free Call: 1800 835 866 or by emailing: skillingplanenquiries@dete.qld.gov.au .
