Patches Therapy Services was a recipient of a Jobs Market Fund grant funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services, to develop an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Allied Health Assistant (AHA) workforce across Western Australian and the Northern Territory.
The role of an AHA is varied and has been customised to the needs of patches participants and their families. The AHA’s work with and are trained by Allied Health Professionals to deliver therapy plans to participants, maintain regular communication with mentors and the Allied Health team. The AHA is able to advocate for the needs and feelings of participants and their families and identify people in the local community with NDIS plans or eligibility for NDIS and refer to Patches or community connectors.
There are community roles for the AHA also, including educating visiting therapists about the community’s history, culture and customs. They introduce visiting therapists to important people and Elders in the community, provide translation services, and support both therapists and participants with cultural and communication needs during therapy sessions.
The project team developed a customised training package inclusive of virtual modules, a printed handbook, and extensive on-the-job training. The virtual modules are available on USB to enable AHAs to stay in communities and complete training. Feedback is continually collected from AHAs and cultural advisors to ensure content is culturally appropriate and accessible.
Patches completed a recruitment drive, securing six people in the role of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Allied Health Assistant. The project team will continue recruitment aiming to employ people in remote and very remote communities.
Patches Therapy Services currently has AHAs located in Port Hedland, Kununurra, Darwin and Broome. The AHAs also travel to remote Aboriginal communities to provide therapy programs and liaise with participants and their families. We are pleased to welcome our new employees and are excited about the opportunity to provide culturally appropriate and thoughtful care to all participants and their families.
The Jobs Market Fund team presented the project to the Kimberley Disability Forum on the 9th and 10th of November in Broome WA. The presentation was well received and enabled the project team to inform community connectors and other key stakeholders about the JMF project.
Patches Australia are still seeking further applicants to work as Allied Health Assistants throughout Pilbara, Kimberley, and NT. Contact Jen.leahy@patches-paediatrics.com.au for more details.