Current employees in the disability sector

Case studies

• Kelly - Supported Independent Living Practice Coach

  Kelly is a teacher and mentor who enjoys inspiring disability support workers and the people they support to become more independent.

  Kelly’s interest in disability support work was first sparked by her experience supporting her sister who has an intellectual disability to live independently.

  A desire to help others continually improve disability services is what drives Kelly's work. Starting off as a disability support worker, she progressed over six years – first to a position leading the implementation of Supported Independent Living (SIL) at Scope, to eventually became a SIL Practice Coach.

  “Changing to the SIL model is a gradual process. I visit houses and observe what’s happening with people with disability and the interactions that go on, sometimes this includes coaching staff to step back to help build stronger independence for the people they support,” Kelly says.

  “it’s about supporting them where and when they really need it. People are often surprised at the progress that can come from small changes.”

  Kelly enjoys engaging with staff and the people with disability they support to get down to the conversations that will spark change and create a positive momentum within teams.

  “Some of our facilities are at different stages on their journey to implementing the SIL model. I’ll often visit the same facility several times before organising a staff meeting to give feedback. We have great discussions about what we can do for each person in that home.

  “I really enjoy going back into a home after setting some tasks over 12 months and for staff to see the benefit of what they did. When we sit down together and list all the little ways people are participating and becoming more independent, we can really see the areas where they’ve learned new skills.”

  Reflecting on how different her career in disability has been from her expectations, Kelly is eager to challenge some of the common perceptions of support work.

  “I used to think of disability support work as meal assistance and bathroom changes but it’s so much more than that. It’s about connecting with people, supporting them to grow, to be out in the community, to advocate for them – helping them achieve what they want in life.”

  Kelly notes that the disability sector offers significant training and professional development opportunities.

  “After your basic training, there are many opportunities to expand your knowledge and learn new skills in important areas, such as communication, teaching people to use new devices, supporting people with complex behaviours.”

  Aside from skills and knowledge, she believes certain bedrock personal qualities are essential for building a successful career in disability support.

  “You need to have empathy and you have to be caring. You must be patient and be willing to step back rather than rush to do something for somebody and you must know what it means to empower someone.

  “If you’re wondering about disability support work, go and give it a try. Volunteer with an organisation that runs art or exercise groups, or social connection groups. Working with people with disability can lead to a career full of meaning and satisfaction.”

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  Kelly’s story is one example from the many organisations and individuals dedicated to supporting people with disability in Victoria. Organisations may offer services and work opportunities that differ from those described here.

• Jake - Division Manager

  Jake oversees management of service facilities across Melbourne and works closely with area coordinators to ensure consistent delivery of high quality services.

  When Jake started working as a disability support worker, he had no idea he would one day oversee management of six different services across Carnegie, Syndal, Boronia, Mitcham, Lilydale and Ringwood.

  Six years on, Jake has built a wealth of skills and experience and has worked his way up to become manager of Day and Lifestyle Options services in Scope’s East Division.

  “When I entered the disability sector I didn’t know my current role even existed, or that I could do it. After three years as a support worker, I told my manager I’d like the opportunity to step up. I moved into a team leader role, then became a coordinator managing one service,” Jake says.

  After finishing high school Jake wanted to be a teacher’s aide for children with disability in primary schools but going to university was the last thing on his mind.

  “I ended up doing my Certificate IV in Disability after a friend who was working in the sector recommended it. After graduating I started working in a small community house before moving on to where I work now.

  “I could have started working before graduating but having a qualification behind you is important for getting a job and for progressing your career.”

  Jake works Monday to Friday between 8am and 4pm; these are the operating hours of the services he oversees.

  “I start my day in the office, making sure service agreements are being signed off, checking if there are any issues that staff need our support with and managing the financial performance of all the services.”

  A big part of Jake’s role is spending time at the facilities he is responsible for, engaging with both staff and people who use services to understand their different concerns. It’s a part of the job he particularly enjoys because he gets to build on the personal connections he made in former roles.

  “I worked in most of the services I now oversee, so when I became manager, I knew I wanted to maintain my regular contact with the people with disability that use our services and not just focus on staff.”

  It’s this personal approach and talent for making connections that has served Jake well over the years and helped him keep ahead of the curve.

  “I always approach my manager if I have gaps in my knowledge and learning, and there are always short courses or meetings with business partners to learn from. This helped me adapt what I know and how I do things to overcome challenges."

  When asked what personal qualities and values he thinks are needed to work in disability, Jake is quick to highlight the benefits of diving in and giving it a try.

  “Resilience, patience and being able to self-reflect are very important. But I think it’s equally important for someone considering a career in disability support to get that first experience and ask lots of questions.

  “Whether that’s through direct employment or volunteering, finding out and trying it for yourself is the best way to understand the support worker role and what’s needed to do it well.”

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  Jake’s story is one example from the many organisations and individuals dedicated to supporting people with disability in Victoria. Organisations may offer services and work opportunities that differ from those described here.