In the world of community service organisations, the challenge of balancing operational costs with uncompromised service delivery is more pronounced than ever. Amidst the backdrop of a rising cost of living, organizations are on a quest to find sustainable ways to cut down expenses without sacrificing the quality of support provided to those in need. One strategic approach to achieving this balance involves the meticulous management of overtime, particularly when rostering community support workers. Alison Farley, National Manager of Client Service and Delivery, sheds light on how a disciplined approach to overtime can serve as a linchpin in operational efficiency and service excellence. Overtime: A Last Resort, Not a First Option At the heart of sustainable operations is the principle of treating overtime as a measure of last resort. This philosophy is not just about cost-saving; it's fundamentally about safeguarding the welfare of community support workers and, by extension, the quality of service they provide. Overtime, when overused, can lead to worker fatigue, which poses risks not only to the employees themselves but also to the organisation and those it serves. The Edmen Approach: Striking the Right Balance Edmen Community Staffing Solutions exemplifies how a strategic approach to overtime can yield significant benefits. By prioritising this as a last resort, Edmen not only facilitates financial savings for community service providers but also champions the well-being of workers. The approach is two-fold: Firstly, implementing a clear and stringent approval process for overtime ensures that it is used judiciously and only in times of absolute necessity. This fosters a culture of accountability and emphasises the critical nature of planning and resource allocation. Secondly, the power of data cannot be overstated. Edmen's commitment to transparency and control is exemplified through comprehensive reporting and the provision of real-time dashboards for their clients. Surprisingly, regular reporting on overtime is not a universal practice, which can obscure visibility and hamper effective management. By making overtime data accessible and digestible, Edmen empowers its clients with the insights needed to make informed decisions and adjustments. The Edmen Advantage: Expertise and Scale What sets Edmen apart is not just their approach to managing overtime but their deep-seated expertise in the community services sector. This, combined with their extensive pool of support workers and an ongoing recruitment strategy, places Edmen in a unique position to offer scalable solutions tailored to the specific needs of community service organisations. Their exceptional service delivery model ensures that client partners and workers alike receive the support and resources they need to thrive, even in the face of operational and financial challenges. A Blueprint for Sustainable Service Delivery As community service organisations navigate the complexities of operating in a cost-conscious environment, the management of overtime emerges as a critical lever for ensuring both financial sustainability and the well-being of support workers. Alison Farley's insights underscore the importance of a disciplined, data-driven approach to overtime, highlighting how strategic rostering can pave the way for more efficient and effective service delivery. Through a combination of expertise, accountability, and innovative use of technology, Edmen showcases how organisations can maintain high standards of support while also adhering to stringent operational budgets. In doing so, they offer a blueprint for community service organisations looking to achieve a delicate balance between cost efficiency and uncompromised care. In essence, the journey towards operational efficiency and exceptional service delivery is multifaceted. It demands a commitment to strategic planning, a culture of accountability, and an unwavering focus on the well-being of both workers and those they support. As community service organisations look to the future, embracing these principles will be paramount in their quest to deliver meaningful support in the most sustainable way possible.

Hello there! I'm Samantha, a Service Delivery Manager at Edmen. Today, I want to share some tips on how you can really make the most out of being a casual disability or youth support worker with Edmen. Casual work offers flexibility, diverse experiences, and plenty of benefits. So, let's dive in and discover how you can make it work for you. Q: How can I build a good relationship with my Service Coordinator? A: Building a strong relationship with your Service Coordinator is key to succeeding as a casual support worker. Here are a few tips to help you out: Stay in touch: Communication is crucial! Keep your Service Coordinator updated on your availability, preferred types of work, and any changes to your circumstances. Be reliable: Show them you're dependable by being punctual and fulfilling your shifts responsibly. If you encounter any issues, make sure to communicate them promptly. Seek feedback: Don't be afraid to ask for feedback on your performance. It will help you improve your skills and show your willingness to grow. Maintain professionalism: Always conduct yourself professionally. Respect confidentiality, establish clear boundaries, and demonstrate your genuine passion for the work. Q: Why is it important to communicate and update availability and preferences in advance? Communicating your availability and preferences in advance is important for several reasons: Finding suitable assignments: By keeping your Service Coordinator informed, you increase the chances of being assigned to shifts that match your availability. Optimising your schedule: Regularly updating your availability allows you to plan your personal commitments effectively. It helps you prioritise shifts that work best for you and enables the Service Coordinator to allocate shifts efficiently. Demonstrating reliability: Consistent communication and timely updates show your Service Coordinator that you're committed and dependable. This can lead to more opportunities in the future. Edmen has made this easy for staff via their app, which enables workers to set their ongoing availability for up to 90 days as well as adjust on a day basis.

Embarking on a journey as a youth worker or disability support worker while simultaneously pursuing studies is no small feat. The unique challenges and rewards that come with such roles require a delicate balance between education and practical experience. In this blog post, we'll explore practical tips and offer encouragement to help students successfully navigate this balancing act, making the most of their roles and education. Effective Time Management One of the key skills to master when juggling work and studies is effective time management. Create a realistic schedule that allocates dedicated time for both work and study commitments. Utilise tools like calendars, planners, or productivity apps to stay organized and ensure deadlines are met. Communication with Edmen Service Coordinator Your Edmen Service Coordinator is there to support you on your journey. Regular communication is crucial – keep them informed about your study commitments and work availability. This will help them tailor your work schedule to accommodate your academic responsibilities, fostering a collaborative and supportive environment. Maximising Support and Supervision Sessions (for Youth Workers) Engage actively in support and supervision sessions provided by Edmen. These sessions offer valuable insights, guidance, and a platform to discuss any challenges you may be facing. Share your goals and concerns to receive personalized advice and mentorship, helping you grow both professionally and academically. Leveraging Edmen’s Free Counselling EAP Services As a student juggling work and studies, it's normal to experience stress and pressure. Edmen offers access to Employee Assistance Program (EAP) services, including free counselling sessions. Don't hesitate to reach out when needed; these resources are designed to support your mental well-being, providing a confidential space to discuss any challenges you may be facing. Self-Care Matters Balancing work and studies can be demanding, so prioritize self-care. Allocate time for activities that bring you joy and relaxation. Whether it's exercising, reading, or spending time with loved ones, taking care of your well-being is essential to maintain a healthy work-study-life balance. Set Realistic Goals Establish achievable short-term and long-term goals. Break them down into manageable tasks and celebrate your accomplishments along the way. This approach will keep you motivated and focused, providing a sense of direction during busy times. Collaborate and Network Connect with fellow students, colleagues, and professionals in the field. Sharing experiences, insights, and tips can be mutually beneficial. Attend networking events or join online communities to expand your support system and gain valuable perspectives. Optimising Work-Life Balance with Edmen's Active App Edmen's Active app streamlines managing your work-life balance. Use it to proactively update your availability, especially during intense study periods or holidays, when your availability may change. By blocking out or updating your schedule in advance, you help your Service Coordinator schedule shifts more efficiently. Utilise University Support Services Remember, your university or educational institution is invested in your success. If you find yourself struggling with the demands of study and work, don't hesitate to reach out for help. Universities and training organisations often offer a range of support services, including study planning, advice, and feedback. Additionally, many institutions provide dedicated well-being services to support students during challenging times. Check with your organisation to explore the available resources and make the most of the support offered to ensure a well-rounded and successful academic journey.  Balancing studies and a career in youth or disability support can be challenging, but with effective time management, open communication, and a focus on self-care, it's entirely possible. Utilise the support available through Edmen and your university or training provider, make the most of supervision sessions, and don't hesitate to access the counselling services provided. Remember, this journey is a learning experience, and each step forward is a step toward both personal and professional growth. Embrace the challenge, stay positive, and enjoy the rewarding journey of making a difference in the lives of others.

Let's face it, unpaid placements can create barriers for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. A recent article in the ABC highlighted the case of a social worker student who had to take almost a year off from university just to be able to save up for a 1,000 hour or 10 month placement. Amid a cost of living crisis, this is not an isolated incident. Many students face similar challenges, limiting their access to valuable work experience and potentially hindering their future career prospects. Now under the spotlight, unpaid placements have been flagged as an area in need of serious reform by the largest review of the university sector in decades. Mandatory work placement serves as a cornerstone to many university degrees and courses. Placement hours students are required to complete varies but are significant. For example, to become a Youth Worker is between 120-400 hours. Students studying a certificate in disability support need to complete at least 120 hours. While nursing students need to complete at least 800 hours of placement. Generally, these positions are unpaid. Paying students for their placements is not just the right thing to do; it's also beneficial for employers. Here at Edmen it’s something we’ve committed to. Our Kickstart program supports Queensland students studying a recognised qualification for residential youth work. Under the program, students earn while they learn and get paid for their placement hours, whilst working in a supportive environment with our community service partners. We’ve seen firsthand that paying students to complete their placement hours improves the work that they do. They are more likely to be motivated and committed to their roles, leading to better outcomes for students, service providers and our community at large. It’s my view that Youth Workers are a vital profession in our community and all students should have access to paid placements in much the same way trade students undertake apprenticeships. For this to happen though, serious reform is needed along with more government funding. But while there’s still a lot of work to be done when it comes to making student placements more equitable, we see Kickstart as a step in the right direction. If we want to attract the students that the youth support service sector desperately needs, working for free shouldn’t be a requirement to kickstart careers. Following the success of the Kickstart program, we have launched our Kickstart event series aimed at students and prospective youth workers in regional centres. Our first event will be held in Toowoomba on March 20 th and 21 st at Toowoomba City Library. Register now to secure your free ticket.

Nicole Gulevski, Operations Manager at Edmen, shares her experience of returning to work after maternity leave.

We sat down with Edmen Youth Support Worker, Precious, to chat about what he gets up to in a typical day at work supporting young people at the Department of Child Protection in South Australia. Read on to hear what he has to say about his job, what made him pursue a career in youth work with Edmen and why he doesn't look back.

In this blog post, we'll explore what it means to provide trauma-informed care in Youth Work and why it's an essential approach to fostering healing and resilience.

Understanding Active Night Shifts Are you considering a career as a youth worker, or have you recently started your journey in this field? If so, you may have heard about something called an "Active Night Shift." In this blog post, Rana Kutup, Edmen Service Leader, sheds light on what an Active Night Shift entails, what's expected of you, and the vital importance of adhering to a code of conduct designed to protect the safety of both you and the young people you're responsible for.

Youth and Disability Support Workers Jobs in Rural and Remote Australia Are you looking for a thrilling change? Do you hold a rural and remote visa or dream of exploring some of Australia's regional communities? Edmen has exciting opportunities waiting for you in regional, rural and remote communities across the country. Discover why you should consider this exciting change:

We sat down with Edmen Youth Support Worker, Precious, to chat about what he gets up to in a typical day at work supporting young people at the Department of Child Protection in South Australia. Read on to hear what he has to say about his job, what made him pursue a career in youth work with Edmen and why he doesn't look back.

Introducing Monica, Edmen's Youth Worker

In our latest installment of Day in the Life, we sat down with Edmen Disability Support Worker, Eunice. We chat about how she first got into the sector, what she loves most about working with Edmen and get her advice for others thinking about a career in disability support.

Before becoming a Youth Worker, Chris was stuck in a career rut. Having spent the good part of 7 years working in the same sales and marketing role for the Not-for-Profit sector, he was ready for a new chapter, one that preferably didn’t involve stopping strangers at shopping centres.

We sat down to chat with Dele, about his career change from teacher to Youth Support Worker.

We sat down with Disability Support Worker, Judy, to learn about her career change from Aged Care.

Tell us a bit about yourself I’m a Residential Youth Worker with Edmen in the Central Coast. I started working with Edmen at the beginning of the year and I support young people in out of home care. I’m also currently studying a Bachelor of Social Work. What do you want to do after finishing university? I’m currently studying social work which aligns well with Youth Work. I want to go into child protection after uni so having this background and experience in the Youth sector is helpful. I’ve gained a wide variety experience working in the residential houses. What type of settings do you work in? I work at three main types of houses that provide different levels of support. There’s a house that runs a 13 week program for young people so that’s shorter term care. I also work in houses that provide 1 to 1 support and group homes. What does a typical day at work look like? A typical day would involve a morning activity after the young people wake up, this could involve cooking or cleaning. Our role is to help them develop their skills so once they grow up, they can look after themselves in the adult world. During the day we do all sorts of things, we go to the beach, we go to the park, we go shopping. How old are the young people you support? They are anywhere between 8 to 16 or 17. What do you like most about working with Edmen? The thing I like most about working with Edmen is the flexibility. They [Edmen] have a lot of contracts with out of home providers so there are a lot of places for us to work. I’m a university student so it’s hard to find a job to fit in with my schedule but Edmen works well because I can go and do what I need to do while also making a decent living. Do you have any advice for people wanting to get into Youth Work? If you want to get into Youth Work, firstly you must have a passion for supporting children and young people in their transitional years. It does take a lot of patience and you have to be passionate about it. I think it’s also worth noting that you need good communication skills and de-escalation skills, as well as self-confidence. You’ve got to know yourself - you can’t go into this job insecure. Do you have any highlights or moments that have stuck with you as a Youth Worker? There was one instance where a young person I support was having a bad day and there’s this TikTok game called ‘Randonautica’ which gives you a random location to go out and explore. This young person suggested we go out and play this game so we did and her mood completely changed. Once we got home, all she could talk about was how much fun we had on our scavenger hunt. It’s these little things like this that you think are insignificant which stay with these young people. Our job is to make this time of their lives as positive as possible. Have the young people taught you anything? Yes, they’ve taught me so much. I always joke that I know what all the kids are into now days. But on a personal level, I’ve learnt so much about myself and really developed my communication skills. What’s next for you? I should graduate in June next year so I hope to use my experience gained at Edmen to work at Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ).

We recently sat down with Edmen Disability Support Worker, Jannelle to get her first-hand insights into working in residential care. Read on to her discover what a typical day at work looks like and hear about the memorable moments in her career to date.

We sat down with Residential Youth Worker, Jack, to learn what led him to a career supporting young people and why it has been his best job yet. Find out what he has to say about working with at-risk youths and get his words of wisdom for anyone thinking about getting into the sector.