Disability support work the right career move

Have you considered a career in disability support work?

Theresa van Zelm switched careers 18 months ago when she took up a disability support role with Anglicare Tasmania 18 months ago.

Theresa had worked for 15 years in the aged care sector but felt the need for a change.

She was encouraged by someone she knew to consider moving into a disability care role with Anglicare. She put in her resume and was quickly called in for an interview. Only a couple of days went by before she got a call to say she had been successful.

Theresa works at Lomandra, a facility owned by the MAIB and managed by Anglicare. There are currently four residents living there. Two residents have high and complex needs. She also occasionally provides attendant care in people’s homes.

Before she started work Theresa undertook a suite of training, including first aid, manual handling and medication management.

Disability support work provides variety, every day

“I love my job,” she says. “Every day looks a bit different. I shower the residents, give them their breakfast and medications and then they have therapy in the mornings. I have washing and cleaning duties that I fit in before and after lunch, when the residents have more therapy sessions.”

Theresa says the Anglicare values – Hope, Respect, Compassion and Justice – resonate well with her.

I feel part of a team. I find it’s so rewarding knowing that we are providing good care to our residents. We are all committed to giving them 110 per cent.

If Theresa’s job sounds rewarding and interesting to you, click here to go to Anglicare’s careers page and find out more.