This Evidence Check examined barriers to, and effective strategies for, recruitment and retention of AOD (alcohol and other drug) health professionals in Local Health Districts and non-government organisations. Regarding recruitment the report makes 16 recommendations across four overlapping themes. The authors then propose six strategies to increase recruitment: 1) Post-graduate scholarships; 2) Consistent funding; 3) Creation of specified AOD positions particularly for allied health, Indigenous and peer workers; 4) Appropriate renumeration/workloads and professional development opportunities; 5) Increasing professional development opportunities for non-AOD workers to upskill; and 6) Review permanent funding models to ensure long-term, stable non-outcomes focused funding. Regarding retention, 13 recommendations are made across three themes and propose three strategies: 1) Increase supervision, mentoring and ongoing professional development; 2) Appropriate renumeration, workloads and job security; and 3) Survey staff on conditions.
Citation
Bailey K, Dray J, Skelton E, McEvoy M. Workforce recruitment and retention for alcohol and other drug services: an Evidence Check rapid review brokered by the Sax Institute for the NSW Ministry of Health, 2019. 
