Care worker Jaron finds ‘perfect job’
WITH a collection of body art covering his muscular frame and a passion for heavy metal music, Jaron Kingston is not your typical disability care worker.
In fact, the athletic 26year-old expected his appearance might exclude him from work in the sector.
Previously working long hours in retail, he thought, ‘I don’t have the studies, I’ve got tattoos, I’m into the heavy music. I just can’t see myself being accepted in that area’.
But his sister was working in disability support and encouraged Mr Kingston to ‘give it a go’.
As it turns out, strong, capable young men such as Mr Kingston are exactly what the sector needs.
Recent workforce data released by the National Disability Services peak body shows that 30 per cent of carers are male and the overall age range of the workforce is older than Australian all-industry worker figures.
“Increasing male uptake of work in disability is a must if the sector is to thrive and truly reflect the needs of the community they serve,” the NDS said.
NDS Tasmania state manager Alice Flockhart agreed.
“The disability sector in Tasmania has workforce shortages across the state,” she said.
“The sector supports a diverse group of people, so it is important that the workforce reflects this diversity.”
A senior manager at one of Hobart’s leading independent disability support services would also like to see the workforce grow.
“There is absolutely a skills shortage,” she said.
“We have some high complex needs clients who will only respond to male workers.
So, we have to be targeted in the way we recruit.”
And Mr Kingston is a perfect fit for clients who need a relatable, physically fit, male support person.
“My brother is nearly 18 years old. He needs a strong male carer,” the sister of one of Mr Kingston’s clients said.
Family is front and centre in Mr Kingston’s life and his clients treat him like family.
“I just want to be half the man my Dad is. I want to be like a brother, best friend, and a kind of father – an all in one role model for them,” he said.
“I want to help people with disability live the life that we do. If you care about people, it’s the perfect job.”
Outside of work, Mr Kingston hits the gym and spends time with his partner, their two young daughters and his extended family.