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5 Ways to Grow Your Lived Experience Workforce Effectively

Blog thumbnail highlighting the Ways to Grow Your Lived Experience Workforce Effectively

A lived experience workforce refers to professionals who have personal experience with disability—either as individuals with disabilities or as carers. Their insights bring unique perspectives, empathy, and deeper understanding to NDIS services, improving participant outcomes.

Introduction: The Value of a Lived Experience Workforce

The demand for lived experience professionals is growing in the disability sector. As NDIS providers look to expand and enhance their teams, hiring individuals with lived experience is a powerful way to create more inclusive, person-centred services.

At Posity Online, we help providers build strong, compliant, and well-supported teams through business coaching, NDIS policy development, and workforce planning. Here’s how you can grow your lived experience workforce effectively.

1. Develop a Targeted Recruitment Strategy

To attract the right candidates, NDIS providers need to be strategic in their hiring approach.

Strategy

Benefits

Identify the Right Candidates

Look for individuals who have personal experience with disability and a passion for supporting others.

Partner with Community Organisations

Work with advocacy groups and disability networks to connect with potential hires.

Use Inclusive Job Descriptions

Ensure job ads reflect the value of lived experience and use accessible language.

By actively engaging with the community, providers can create a diverse and skilled workforce that brings real-world insights to NDIS service delivery.

2. Provide Comprehensive Training and Support

A strong lived experience workforce needs proper training and ongoing support to succeed.

Training & Support

Why It’s Important

Internal Auditor Training

Helps ensure compliance with NDIS Practice Standards, improving service quality.

Business Coaching

Equips lived experience workers with leadership skills and career development opportunities.

NDIS Policy & Procedures Templates

Standardised policies help streamline onboarding and compliance processes.

By investing in structured training, NDIS providers can empower their lived experience staff to excel in their roles and provide high-quality participant support.

3. Create a Supportive Workplace Culture

A workplace that values lived experience is one that supports, respects, and uplifts its employees.

Key Initiatives

Impact on Workforce

Peer Mentoring Programs

Encourages shared learning and support among staff with lived experience.

Inclusive Work Environments

Fosters a culture of belonging where all employees feel valued.

Mental Health Support & Development

Provides access to counselling, training, and self-care resources.

Creating a safe, supportive workplace helps lived experience workers thrive and improves job satisfaction and retention rates.

4. Leverage NDIS Funding and Grants

Many NDIS funding options support the growth of a lived experience workforce. Understanding these resources can help providers expand their teams more effectively.

Funding Option

How It Supports Workforce Growth

NDIS Price Guide

Offers funding for employment pathways and capacity building.

Grants for Workforce Development

Government grants help fund training, mentorship, and upskilling.

Starting an NDIS Business

Providers can access financial support to build a strong, diverse team.

By tapping into these funding opportunities, providers can invest in lived experience professionals and strengthen their workforce.

5. Strengthen Career Progression Pathways

For a lived experience workforce to succeed long-term, there must be clear pathways for career growth and leadership development.

Career Development Strategy

Benefits for Workers & Providers

Leadership Opportunities

Helps lived experience workers advance into management and specialist roles.

NDIS Internal Audits & Compliance Roles

Encourages employees to engage in quality assurance and governance.

Ongoing Training & Skill Development

Equips staff with the tools they need for continuous professional growth.

By nurturing career progression, providers can retain talented staff and build a highly skilled, experienced workforce.

Bottomline

Growing a lived experience workforce requires a strategic approach—from targeted recruitment and comprehensive training to workplace support and career development.

The Long-term Benefits include:

  • Better participant outcomes:
    Leverage lived experience insights to enhance service delivery.
  • Stronger workplace culture:
    Foster an inclusive and diverse environment.
  • Skilled and compliant workforce:
    Build a motivated team for sustainable business growth.

 

At Posity Online, we help NDIS providers develop effective workforce strategies, stay compliant, and optimise operations.

Ready to grow your lived experience workforce? Explore our NDIS consulting services today!

We love helping businesses become Registered NDIS Providers.

Ready to simplify your journey? Book a FREE consultation now! 👇

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Posity Online

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