5 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 |
|
Helps ensure compliance with NDIS Practice Standards, improving service quality. |
|
|
Equips lived experience workers with leadership skills and career development opportunities. |
|
|
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.
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! 👇
New to NDIS?
Let us help you set up your business and become a Registered NDIS Provider
Already Registered?
Maintain your compliance with internal audits, templates, and more!
Business Mastery Workshop
We will assist you reduce friction, improve efficiency, and productivity by using automations and software
WHS & Risk Management
for your offices, SIL Homes, SDA Houses & Group Centres
