Employment Support Officers : Currently working at Eagle Farm
From left to right: Prema & Linda
Linda
How long have you worked at HELP?
3.5 years
What inspired you to become a support officer?
I have a corporate background but wanted to move into a role where I could really help people. I started in a high care position working to assist people with disability in HUB and community environments before I came to HELP. My experience with high care clients has given me some valuable insights into the lives of people with disability so that I can do my job with more empathy and understanding.
What do you like most about your job?
I get a real sense of satisfaction from watching, and helping people achieve their goals. It’s the little things like seeing the joy on someone’s face when they learn how to label a bottle, that really make you appreciate the little things in life.
When you invest your time in training and supporting someone with disability it’s a two-way relationship – you feel their appreciation, their excitement – their achievement is your achievement too.
When you come back from holidays or are away sick there is always a crowd of smiling faces waiting to welcome you back. It’s more than just work, it’s a place where everyone bonds together like a family.
What’s your most memorable moment at work?
There are so many moments it’s hard to pick just one! Every day we try to get the team singing and dancing. My nickname at work is dancer on the floor, and we even have a cute team mascot!
What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about Supported Employment or starting work as a Supported Employee at HELP?
- Do a trial
- If you’re feeling nervous just take your time, every day is a new day
- Chat to your team mates
- Supported Employment is a good way to break away from routine, learn new skills and explore different possibilities
- No matter what your background or situation is we can help you find a job that suits your needs
Fun facts about me...
- I’m not short, I’m fun sized
- I used to be an IT Manager
- My fur baby’s name is Ellie May Clampett
- My favourite song to dance to is Summertime by Kid Rock
My hobbies
I love music and also enjoy writing poetry, verse and songs.
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Prema
How long have you worked at HELP?
5 years
What inspired you to become a support officer?
I have always wanted to help people. After completing my Bachelor’s degree in social science I was able to get experience working in a respite centre with a range of different clients. One day I saw an ad in the local paper calling out for support workers at HELP, and the rest is history.
What do you like most about your job?
- Working with all of our amazing Supported Employees
- Seeing people achieve their goals
- Working as a team to meet deadlines is rewarding
- It’s stress free!
- HELP is a place where people have purpose
What’s your most memorable moment at work?
There are so many! Anytime a team member achieves one of their EAP goals it’s always a memorable moment. It’s a special feeling when someone tells you that you helped them reach their goal.
What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about Supported Employment or starting work as a Supported Employee at HELP?
- Meet the team and take some time to observe what’s happening so you can familiarise yourself with the job.
- No matter what your situation or skill level is, we will always find a job for you.
- We’ll help you find something that you are good at give you the opportunity to try new things.
Fun facts about me...
- I enjoy a good joke and love to have a laugh with the team
- I have two grandchildren (my grandson can recite over 18 dinosaur names)
My hobbies
- I love gardening and grow my own chillies, eggplants, dragon fruit and passion fruit.
- In my spare time I like to cook and whip up my favourite Indian dishes like chutney, curry, and roti.
