ACADEMY 4 LEARNING

Initiative Overview:

We are excited to be launching Homelessness Qld Academy of Learning, a division of HQ dedicated to building and strengthening the Specialist Homelessness Services (SHS) Sector. Beginning in early 2025, this initiative will deliver a robust suite of professional development offerings, including a 12-month calendar of training events, webinars, and support mechanisms for SHS providers to implement new initiatives in the workplace and the workforce. Through this division of HQ, we aim to elevate workforce competencies, improve service delivery, and foster leadership across the sector, striving for enhanced support for individuals and families facing homelessness.

Key Program Components

  1. Monthly Reflective Practice Training – 12-Month Professional Development Calendar

The Academy will provide a year-long series of tailored, practice-focused sessions aligned with a comprehensive framework specific to SHS. Monthly topics will equip professionals with essential skills and knowledge, covering areas such as trauma-informed care, leadership, case management, cultural humility, and collaborative approaches. Each session will offer practical tools and strategies to enhance daily work and improve outcomes within homelessness services.

  1. Webinar Series (4 Sessions)

The Academy will release four foundational webinars to support skill-building within the SHS workforce:

Workplace Wellness: Self-care and managing vicarious trauma in the SHS workforce.

Collaboration Practices: Strengthening cross-sector partnerships.

Supervision and Mentoring: Promoting professional development, growth and leadership within SHS teams.

Embracing Lived Expertise: Integrating lived experience to enhance service delivery.

    1. Monthly Case Review Sessions

    These structured, facilitated virtual sessions provide an opportunity for practitioners to engage in reflective practice through the analysis of de-identified cases. By examining successful strategies and exploring innovative approaches, participants gain new insights and develop practical skills to address complex challenges. The sessions foster collaborative learning and contribute to improved service delivery and client outcomes.

    1. Individual/ Group Practice Supervision Options

    Tailored supervision services are available with a SHS Practice Specialist to individuals and groups, offering a supportive confidential environment for professional growth and practice enhancement. These sessions focus on reflective practice, skill development, and alignment with best-practice frameworks, such as the Specialist Homelessness Services Housing Professional Practice Framework. Supervision is designed to assist practitioners and leaders in addressing challenges, fostering resilience, and achieving continuous improvement in their roles.

      1. Organisational/Program Support

      This service offering is to support leaders/managers to further develop their service delivery and practice approaches to work from a continuous improvement lense.  Providing consultation sessions and support options to assist individuals or teams of people on recognising areas of improvement in an SHS practice environment.  These sessions are offered by one of our experienced practice professionals and are offered as virtual sessions – by appointment only.  If you would like to elevate yourself and/or your team to be offering service excellence, contact us to explore further how was can assist.

      1. SHS Orientation Workshop

      A dedicated orientation module has been developed to support new and existing professionals in the sector. This comprehensive resource introduces the core principles, frameworks, and best practices of Specialist Homelessness Services. The module equips practitioners with foundational knowledge and practical tools to deliver high-quality, person-centred services and ensures consistency in practice standards across the sector.

      Additional: Regular Tools, Resources and Events throughout the year are advertised as extra events that are low cost or free.