Workforce census is coming

Mental Health Victoria has been funded by the Department of Health to conduct a census of Victoria's community mental health workforce.

The purpose of the census is to understand workforce supply, composition and distribution demands and gaps, and to respond to these needs and risks into the future.

Aligned with the recommendations of Victoria's mental health Royal Commission, the census will inform the design and implementation of a workforce strategy for the community health sector.

Why do we need the census?

At present, access to data about the diversity of the mental health workforce is limited, especially for occupations not regulated by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Authority and community and private sectors.

Over the longer term, this data will enable the Department to better identify and respond to need in different parts of the system, and to drive future workforce reforms. The census is intended to establish a baseline for what will eventually be an annual reporting process.

What's next?

Services will be supported to provide input through 1:1 sessions, information sessions, and other engagement processes to be announced.

They will be asked to provide numbers of full-time equivalent staff (actual and vacancy) and headcount numbers for staff employed across all locations, roles and settings, as well as those employed in education, administration and management positions.

We'll have more information to share soon. If you have any questions in the meantime please contact Dave Peters at d.peters@mhvic.org.au.