The Iemma Government will provide 100 new case managers for people with a disability across NSW.
NSW Minister for Disability Services Kristina Keneally said that this was part of the Government’s Stronger Together plan to further improve the way services are delivered to people with a disability.
“We will recruit 100 new case managers and 15 senior specialist staff to work with people with complex needs,” Ms Keneally said.
“Case management is a critical component in the effective delivery of services to people with a disability, their families and carers.
“Case managers work closely with individuals and aim to ensure they access the right services at the right time.
“Case managers can also play a vital role in ensuring people with a disability get access to a range of other community services.
“The role of a case manager is one of gatekeeper and triage, responsible for the packaging and providing of the most appropriate services.
“To ensure better quality outcomes for people with a disability the Department of Ageing Disability and Home Care (DADHC) has developed a new case management structure,” Ms Keneally said.
“This new structure will also allow us to meet the increasing needs of people with a disability.”
Ms Keneally said that the changes to case management would also improve access to therapy and other intervention services provided by and through DADHC responding to the individual needs of each person.
“The new positions, together with the restructuring of existing positions with case management roles, will enable DADHC to introduce a fair and transparent entry to services.”
Ms Keneally said that recruitment for the new positions would begin in early 2008.