An expected jobs boom in the St George and Sutherland Shire disability sector is set to bring welcome work to the region within the next five years.
More than 1880 new disability jobs will be created in areas including Hurstville, Rockdale, and Kogarah.
New figures from the National Disability Insurance Scheme reveal that nationally, the number of people working in disability care will double from about 70,000.
In 2020, the scheme will enable people with a disability to have a greater say in their support.
Project manager of carecareers, Mike Field, says the boom will be powered by demographics and the roll-out of the scheme, which will drive demand for a more diverse range of jobs.
“The disability sector offers the kind of flexibility, support and job satisfaction that many people are now looking for in a fulfilling career,” he said.
“It offers a broad range of career choices, from speech pathologists and occupational therapists to drivers, gardeners and IT professionals.
“The person-centric service delivery model for the scheme will mean an even greater mix of jobs on offer, as people with disability choose for themselves the type of support that best suits them.
“In addition to the desire to participate in the workforce, their broader goals can encompass everything from cooking, social events, travelling to sailing.
“Students and young people, return-to-work parents and career changers will play a vital role in filling job vacancies and providing high-quality support services in the future.”
Sylvanvale Foundation at Kirrawee provides support to people with a disability in the employment sector.
It employs more than 600 staff who provide support to more than 730 people with an intellectual and other disabilities.
Sylvanvale’s Cathy Quinn says the National Disability Insurance Scheme is driving unprecedented growth in the disability sector.
“Organisations such as Sylvanvale will need to recruit a growing number of disability support workers to meet this demand,” she said.
“There will also be an increased need for people with the other skill sets that help businesses succeed such as customer service, marketing, and finance.
“Best of all, this growth will provide many more local job opportunities, meaning more locals supporting locals.”
To help prepare individuals, families, carers, and professionals working the sector, disability service provider Northcott will be hosting free information sessions about the National Disability Insurance Scheme this month.
Workshops are from 6pm-8pm on June 20 and from 10am-midday on June 21 at Northcott Hurstville, suite 2.02, 12 Butler Road.
