Hunter-based community nursing and home care provider, Newcastle and Hunter Community Health (NHCH), aims to build skills and increase capacity through the introduction of a new traineeship program.

A Certificate III in Individual Support is a nationally recognised qualification reflecting the skills of workers who implement individualised plans for person-centred support.

NHCH Managing Director, Alison McQueen said the introduction of the traineeship is a reflection on the need to build the capabilities of workers in the community care sectors.

“The aged and disability sectors have exploded due to increased government support in recent years through home care initiatives and the NDIS,” Alison said.

“At the core of these programs are support plans unique to the needs of the individual. Implementing individualised plans involve using discretion and judgement, as well as theoretical knowledge of the concepts and practices required to provide person-centred support.

“By introducing this traineeship, NHCH is showing our commitment to raising the bar in relation to the development of the unique skills required to deliver the highest quality of care and support in the community.”

Core units of study to gain a Certificate III in Individual Support include support for independence and wellbeing, communication skills, safe work practices for direct client care, legal and ethical practices, working with diverse people, and healthy body systems.

Specialisations can include aged, disability, and home and community care, and to achieve the qualification at least 120 hours of practical experience is required.

“NHCH introduced this traineeship program to grow our own talent to meet our current valued clients’ needs and support future organisational and sector growth,” she said.

“As a provider responsible for the delivery of aged and disability services we feel that by supporting the development of these important skills we are helping to build a sustainable future for the industry.

“This also gives NHCH the opportunity to harness the knowledge and skills of our experienced team members and give them increased job satisfaction through mentoring,” Alison concluded.

The two-year Traineeship in Individual Support will commence in August under the guidance of NHCH’s Clinical Care Manager with remuneration equivalent to a first-year Nursing Assistant.

People interested in the traineeship are encouraged to apply via the NHCH website.

IMAGE | The Newcastle and Hunter Community Health team outside their new HQ in Mayfield.