The Riverine Herald - Career, Education, Training and Employment
Reap the rewards of a caring career
Careers in the care and disability service sector have never been stronger, offering diverse opportunities and career pathways.
Alicia Weaver is a direct support professional with Community Living & Respite Services (CLRS). She said the best part of the job was supporting clients to achieve their goals.
“Whether this is a long-term goal they’ve been working towards or more basic shortterm goal,” Alicia said.
“There are always going to be some challenges, but to be a part of their achievements, however big or small, is the best — it’s a privilege, I think.”
Community Living & Respite Services is a not-for-profit organisation based in Echuca that provides support services for people with disability, the aged and their families.
Direct support professionals, like Alicia, play a vital role in the everyday care of clients.
“I feel like I’ve found something I’m passionate about and enjoy in life — supporting clients to live their best lives and educating others along the way that people with disabilities are just like everyone else, they may just need a little extra support sometimes,” she said.
It’s work that has real impact, providing high quality of life to the most vulnerable in the community.
“From staff, to clients, to clients’ families, to people in the community you meet while supporting clients, there are some really great people out there doing really great things,” Alicia said.
There are so many opportunities that CLRS offers — sector-specific roles such as direct support professionals and support co-ordinators, as well as administration and management roles in areas such as finance, human resources and information technology. CLRS supports staff to complete further education and training, and even takes on student placements from secondary schools, TAFES and universities to enable people to get industry experience.
“Every day is interesting, engaging and challenging; whatever your career pathway you will reap the benefits of working in the sector,” human resources manager Anna de Vrieze said.