This works for me
I was on the Board for 10 years and I enjoyed it. We were just a small organisation then, not many Members, and less than 10 staff. We were very close. Over the years, I’ve seen a lot of changes with more Members and lots of new technologies, and systems.
I am used to hiring my own Support Workers. At the beginning it was a little bit scary because I hadn’t had that experience. But lucky back then, it wasn’t that hard to hire people. I’d put an ad in the local newspaper and usually get quite a few people to come for an interview. I could attract experienced people, sometimes nursing students. Now it’s harder to find Support Workers that way. Since the NDIS came, people have other platforms to look for jobs easily. That’s why I’m using an agency as it’s easier because they have platforms to look for Support Workers.
I prefer to manage my own staff because then you can talk directly together. You can discuss how they feel and if they’re happy with the job. It’s more direct and easier and you don’t have to talk through a third person. It’s important that everyone who works with me are honest, trustworthy, and tries their best. It’s very personal duties they do for you.
I’m lucky to still have one Support Worker who’s been with me for seven years. We understand each other. Sometimes she’ll do a little bit more to help, and sometimes when she’s busy, I understand.
“I prefer to manage my own staff because then you can talk directly together. You can discuss how they feel and if they’re happy with the job. It’s more direct and easier and you don’t have to talk through a third person.”
