This section outlines the key elements for an effective aftercare workforce, including the structure, development and wellbeing of the workforce.
Employing a diverse workforce that reflects your local community is crucial to delivering universal aftercare.
An effective aftercare workforce involves:
- roles with lived and living experience of suicidal crisis
- onboarding, training and education programs that focus on community connections; safe and inclusive practice; and consumer and worker safety
- access to wellbeing support and resources, including reflective practice.
Workforce diversity
Some people from priority populations are less likely to access aftercare services. A diverse aftercare workforce that represents these communities will improve this.1
There is a recognised shortage of aftercare providers with lived and living experience, and Aboriginal peer workers.2 Workforce shortages, particularly in smaller rural areas, may limit the ability to recruit a diverse workforce. If so, connect with local partners to ensure staff are informed on the most appropriate ways to engage with different priority populations.
Workforce structure
The roles and responsibilities of peer workers, care coordinators, team leaders and mental health clinicians in aftercare.
Workforce development
Explore the key elements for supporting and enabling professional development in the aftercare workforce to improve the quality of care and staff retention.
Workforce wellbeing
Key considerations to support the wellbeing of the aftercare workforce.
References
- Right From The Start: Report On The Design Of Australia’s Universal Aftercare System. Sydney (AU): Suicide Prevention Australia; Dec 2022 [cited 25 Sept 2024].
- Mental Health Workforce Solutions: Towards A Strategy For Community-Managed Mental Health In NSW. Sydney (AU): Mental Health Coordinating Council; 2024 [cited 25 Sept 2024].