The non‐government alcohol and other drug workforce in Australia: Findings from a national survey

Abstract

Introduction There is growing interest in the role of the non‐government sector in the alcohol and other drug (AOD) service delivery system. This study examined the demographic profile of AOD workers in the non‐government (NGO) compared to government sector, to ascertain their professional development needs, job satisfaction, retention and turnover. Methods This study utilised cross‐sectional data from an Australian AOD workforce online survey that assessed participants' demographics, employment profile, professional development needs and barriers. The sample comprised 888 workers in direct client service roles. Results Binomial logistic regression analysis indicated that NGO workers were more likely to be younger (<35 years), have AOD lived experience and have an AOD vocational qualification. NGO workers were more likely to earn below the national average salary and report job insecurity; but nonetheless were more likely to feel respected and supported at work, believe their work was meaningful and be satisfied working in the AOD sector. Their top professional development barrier was personal financial cost. NGO workers were more likely to report employer financial costs as a professional development barrier, whereas government workers were more likely to report staff shortages. Discussion and Conclusions AOD services in Australia rely increasingly on the NGO sector. Quality services and care pivot on the size, capability and maturity of the workforce. This study highlights the need for systemic interventions addressing structural issues, and the professional development and ongoing support needs of the NGO AOD workforce. Without such support, Australia's AOD services will be potentially jeopardised.

Workers with Lived and Living Experience: Characteristics and Wellbeing in the Australian AOD Sector

“…The current study is the first to examine lived experience in the Australian AOD sector nationally across both the NGO and government workforces. Preliminary evidence has suggested a substantial proportion of Australian AOD workers identified as having lived experience in relation to drugs and alcohol (Chapman et al, 2020; Meumann & Allan, 2019; Roche & Skinner, 2021); the current research confirms and extends these results in a national context.…”

Methamphetamine and emerging drugs of concern: A training needs analysis of Australian alcohol and other drug helplines

“…The size of the sample has some impact on generalisability, approximately 45% of the national AOD helpline workforce responded (the number is approximated as some staff work across multiple helplines) and 26% completed the full questionnaire. Nevertheless, participant demographics reflect those of the government AOD workforce in general in Australia (in relation to age, qualifications, experience) [32], indicating our sample may be representative of the AOD helpline workforce. As frontline service providers in the AOD sector, it may be that the results here provide insight into emerging themes that may be shared across other areas in the sector.…”

Substance use disorders, physical health and recovery capital: Examining the experiences of clients and the alcohol and other drug workforce

“…This is reported to have flow-on effects causing resource constraints [14,16,17] and deprofessionalisation of the AOD workforce [18], both of which can hamper efforts to address client physical health by treatment services [14,18]. The physical health sequalae of substance use places additional demands on an already overextended AOD workforce [19,20], who, outside of detoxification services are not typically medically trained [16,21]. While clinical practice guidelines can help to inform treatment for substance use disorders, their utility in supporting the AOD workforce to address the physical health needs of clients is limited [22].…”