Training and developing workforces encompasses the training of young people and the community, as well as people who are new or re-entering the mental health industry. Training has been defined as the process of acquiring new skills and sustainably implementing support for providers currently in place, enabling people to use deductive reasoning, flexibly apply knowledge to problems, and use collaborative work to arrive at new knowledge to overcome challenges. (National Library of Medicine).
The dialogue and feedback that occurs throughout training and developing grows the training recipient's ability to work autonomously, in line with professional goals. The ongoing contact that occurs through coaching and follow-up visits is also important as a result of the length of time required to build proficiency in a new practice, and to provide an opportunity for active learning. (National Library of Medicine).
In 2021, there were 2,600 accredited mental health social workers in Australia, and this number continues to grow. (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare).
The community managed mental health workforce in 2021 was found to be experiencing a workforce growth of 6.5% per annum. (Mental Health Coordinating Council).
Mental Health Support Workers are the primary make up of the workforce (55%), however there are significant numbers of Support Coordinators (12%) and Peer Workers (14%) contributing to the workforce composition. (Mental Health Coordinating Council).
