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Moments that matter in disability support

Default Author • Jul 21, 2021

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.


Tell us a bit about yourself


My name’s Janelle and I’m a disability support worker. I’ve been working with Edmen for nearly 2.5 years now. I became a support worker many years ago. Seeing people happy is one of the best parts of my job and I still enjoy it as much as I did when I first started as a support worker in 2011. I love seeing people achieve everything they want to achieve in their life.


Run us through a typical day at work with Edmen


I help people get ready for the day ahead. Whether it's personal hygiene, medication, going shopping, or heading out to a day program. I support my customers with all those normal things we ourselves do at home. Throughout all of this, I am working within a team and I find at Edmen, we have a really good team. The host companies we work for are really supportive and great to work alongside too.


What type of settings do you usually work in?


I usually work in group homes for people with disabilities. There are 5 residents in the home I work in, so there is lots of interaction, not just with our customers but also with the staff. We usually have a lot of fun!


What is the most challenging part of your job?


You know, I don’t really find it challenging anymore. I think when you start working in a new workplace the initial learning that is involved is probably the most challenging aspect of the job. You need to learn everything about your customers’ daily living requirements and preferences while also getting to know your colleagues. Then when you think you’ve learnt everything you need to know, something changes. You must get used to constant change every day. That’s the thing about disability support, the work is always changing and the people you support change too – just like we do.


Do you have any advice for people thinking about getting into the industry?


Open yourself up. Never think you know the job. There should never be a day that passes where you don’t learn something new. I think the day you stop learning is the day where you should go and find another career. Be open, be yourself, and put your heart into it.


From my own personal experience, know the people I support can feel the care I provide. I have worked with a lot of people with disabilities who have touched my heart in so many different ways. Your customers have to be able to trust you and know that you’re there to listen.


Have you had any memorable moments in your career to date as a disability support worker?


A lot. I think you forget about the individual moments but rather carry those times with you. I’ve been in many situations over the years where I’ve saved people’s lives since working in disability support. These are people I’ve worked with for a number of years, and I think it made that relationship and repour I had with them a lot stronger.


There was a day when I went into work and I was upset – I had an argument with my daughter of all things and as much as I left it at the front door, I was quite sad when I arrived at work. That was until one of my customers, sang to me until about 1:30 in the afternoon and suddenly, I was okay. I looked at him and said, “Mark, thank you. You’ve made Janelle very happy”. And strangely, I felt good. I went home and saw my daughter that afternoon with a totally different attitude and it was because Mark touched my heart.


What do you love most about working with Edmen?


I joined Edmen at a time when I didn’t think I was good enough. And I think when I started working with Edmen, I really shone. There has been once or twice where I’ve called my service coordinator upset about something that’s happened during a shift. Edmen have been there to listen and forwarded me on to the Employee Assistance Program (EAPs) which gives staff access to free consults with mental health professionals. I always know I can ring Edmen at any time to talk about my issues or concerns - they work alongside you. There have been times where I’ve had to cancel shifts due to illness, and I’ve never had a bad attitude about that from anyone at Edmen. To be honest, I can’t fault them.

Edmen Community Staffing Solutions Blog

Person sitting on scales balancing work and study
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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.
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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.
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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).
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​Tell us a bit about yourself and your role at Edmen My name is Gordon, I’m originally from Fiji and have been living in Australia since 2015. Before starting with Edmen, I used to work in Aged Care as an Assistant In Nursing (AIN).  I started in Edmen in December 2020 as a Disability Support Worker in New South Wales. What made you want to be a Disability Support Worker? I came from Aged Care and I was actually working in Newmarch House when the COVID outbreak occurred last May. It was obviously devastating for everyone involved and after 15 years in the sector, I said to myself “Okay, that’s it”. It was sort of a light blub moment for me where I thought I should do something else. I needed a change and I like challenges, so I thought I’d explore a new avenue. I’m also a man of faith so I applied to work with Edmen and everything worked out, so I think that was God’s will in my life. ​ What do you like most about working with Edmen? The flexibility – you provide your availability to Edmen and they work around you. For example, when I first started with Edmen I had a camping trip that I had booked far in advance. I didn’t want to inconvenience my new employer by taking time off so soon after starting. But then I found out employees submit their availabilities to Edmen so it wasn’t an issue. Edmen makes it easy to arrange your shifts around your lifestyle and commitments. Also, as part time casual worker, Edmen allows you to work other jobs around your schedule and shifts with Edmen which is great. I don’t have children, but I can see this being particularly handy for parents with young kids. How many hours on average a week do you work with Edmen? I work around 20 hours a week and my shortest shift is 5 hours. Every day is different. I work mostly day shifts, with the occasional sleepover. What is the most challenging part of your job? The nature of the work can be quite unpredictable. Supporting people with challenging behaviours requires a high level of empathy and requires you to always be on the ball. Do you have any advice for people thinking about moving from Aged Care to Disability Support? The pay is good! But also, I say give it go. I had a lot of questions on my first day when I first started as a Disability Support Worker asking myself ‘can I do this?’ but there comes a time where we need to step out of our comfort zone and try new things. I’m glad I did because I’m really enjoying working with Edmen. ​
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Edmen Community Staffing Solutions Blog

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By Marlyn Soulakelles 19 Mar, 2024
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.
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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.
Trauma informed care in Youth Work - why it matters.
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Illustration of a women standing in front of a window with dark sky and moon showing
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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.
Illustration of a kangaroo and outback setting on a green background with text
13 Dec, 2023
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:
Support and Supervision: Helping you succeed at Edmen
23 Nov, 2023
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flex fuel flourish logo and images of the wellbeing initiatives, fruit, stretches, outdoor meetings
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