Meet ConnectAbility Disability Support Worker Naomi Page
Ask Naomi what she loves most about her job as a disability support worker (DSW) with ConnectAbility and she will tell you it’s the people. We sat down with Naomi recently to find out more about the most rewarding aspects of her role.
- Why did you choose to become a Disability Support Worker? There are many reasons I wanted to become a DSW. One is that when I was younger and mum worked in a nursing home I loved painting the ladies’ nails in the school holidays as they told me their memories. I also have a family member with schizophrenia and have seen first-hand how certain supports can help people. I completed my Certificate 3 in individual support, and I have also done other courses such as in suicide prevention, accidental counselling and coordinator of support as I enjoy challenging myself.
- What’s the most rewarding part of your day as a Disability Support Worker? Seeing the pure excitement on customers’ faces when they complete a goal they have been working hard at. I also love seeing customers out in the community enjoying life to the absolute fullest, trying new adventures and challenges.
- In what ways does ConnectAbility’s culture make you feel supported and appreciated? The culture within ConnectAbility is different to any previous job I have had. ConnectAbility’s management team are very approachable, understanding, welcoming and knowledgeable. All management have taken time with me to ensure I am happy and feel supported in my role. I have had many positive experiences within the company.
- What’s one thing you wish people knew about the impact of disability support work? As a disability support worker, we show up each day to support and assist customers. Having a familiar face and building a trusting relationship with customers impacts how they enjoy each day. For example, sometimes I put on music and dance around with the customers of a morning to get ready for the day. I find doing this really brightens their morning and sets them up with a positive mind to start the day and face the big world.
- Can you share an example of how you helped a customer overcome a challenge or reach a milestone? I had a customer who really wanted to get her first tattoo for her 40th birthday. I did the research with the customer to find a tattoo artist she was happy and comfortable with. On the big day, she was nervous and very excited, and when the tattoo gun started the customer became a little emotional. I sat at the same eye level with her and we talked it through. I helped her get into a better position, held her hand, wiped her tear and she felt more confident. She sat through the tattoo process easily after that and the obvious happiness she felt from doing something that challenged her was so heart-warming to see.
- How do you foster trust and strong connections with the people you support? In building a strong connection with the people I support I have learnt that no day is going to be the same. Just as we do, the customers have their good and bad days. Some days they might be emotional and need more support and lifting up. Building that strong relationship with customers will also show them they can trust us. They can be vulnerable and we will support them in any way we can to help them get through those days. When they have good days, seeing their happiness and the joy within them will honestly bring the biggest smile to your face.
- What advice would you give a new team member starting at ConnectAbility to help them thrive and feel part of the team? Remember that each customer we support relies on us to help them with everyday things. Each customer will require different levels of support. Some things we are required to do might be personal for the customer. It’s important to remember the customer may be feeling vulnerable and to try your best to make the experience as pleasant as you can for them. If you work in SIL/SDA housing, remember that this is their home, not just our workplace. Always start your day with a positive mindset. Starting the day with a smile each day can really make a difference to how your customer starts their day.
- Who on your team has inspired you the most – and why? Larissa has always inspired me. Larissa is a colleague who works full-time in our house, and she has always been the most understanding and positive colleague not only to myself and staff but she is always like this with the customers as well. Larissa has a heart of gold.
- Tell us about a client relationship that really touched your heart. What made it special? When we had a new customer move into our property, I assisted with the transition in moving in. This was the customer’s first time living out of the family home. I had many conversations with the customer’s family to ensure they were aware that the customer would be treated as if she was our family. I shared some family history so they were aware I could empathise with the heartache of their child moving out. I know they aren’t technically family, but when you spend at least five days a week with them you definitely build a relationship with all the customers.
- How did you first come to work at ConnectAbility, and what motivated you to stay? I first came to ConnectAbility as a casual working in a few different houses. At the time I was also working in a permanent part-time role at another company, and after seeing the positive culture within ConnectAbility I decided to come over permanently. I have been with the company for a few years now and I have really enjoyed my time here. I have an incredible team who have always been supportive, and I am lucky that we all have the same goals as myself and the customers we support.
If you have a loved one looking for a new home, please check out our current SDA vacancies at: ConnectAbility Australia
Naomi shares a short video of taking her customer out for her first tattoo on her 40th birthday below: