Meet Our Team

When did you start working with NWDS and why?

I started working for NWDS in 2007 as a program assistant in their Post-School-Options programs at Conie Ave, Baulkham Hills. I came to NWDS after working at a local pub doing bar-work for a few years. I wanted a job that was active and creative and that gave me a sense of contribution to my community. It was suggested to me that I look into Disability Work as this field is in constant need of skilled workers, so I walked in off the street and handed my resume in at NWDS.

What exactly does your position involve?

My position now as a coordinator involves planning and managing Flexible Respite packages for my case load of families who are referred to NWDS through the RIAP process and are allocated a set amount of funding and hours of service. Flexible Respite is a service that is designed to give families a much needed break, and provide the children with fun and meaningful activities to participate in. Day to day I liaise with parents and family members, community groups and other organisations to work out respite options and programs, as well as matching and coordinating staff with respite shifts and particular families. I plan weekly respite shifts as well as school holiday programs, camps and overnight stays and individual 1:1 programs.

What’s the most rewarding part of your job?

In my role I have the chance to meet face-to-face with my families and service users and hear their story. I meet a range of different people, from different cultural backgrounds and walks-of-life, that for whatever reason may be struggling in some way and are in need of support. The most rewarding part of my role, is that I can provide that much needed respite and continue to assist in maintaining and supporting relationships between the person with a disability and their family. I feel like I’m making a difference in people’s lives.

How did you get to your current position?

I started as a program assistant and NWDS signed me to a Traineeship for Certificate III in Disability Work and then supported me to continue a Traineeship in Certificate IV in Disability Work and onto the Diploma. During this time I gained promotion to a Line Facilitator - our 1st Line Supervisory position and key worker for up to 8 service users and then gained promotion to a Co-ordinator when a vacancy arose. NWDS has continued their encouragement and support with training as I am now studying at University. Their support with training has helped to enable me to pursue a great career in the Disability / Social services field.