Meet Mardee: Support Worker

The flexibility I need

I have worked for Aruma (formerly House with No Steps and The Tipping Foundation) for nine-and-a-half years, during my time I have had the great opportunity to work across nine different services both in Accommodation and the Community, Social and Recreational Services.

When I started working, I was employed as a Support Worker, and stayed in the role for about three years learning as much as I could and getting to know our customers. After about three years I was given the opportunity to act in the role of Project Coordinator for three months.

I loved doing this role, as I got to work with fantastic people and also learn new skills in management – I really had the best of both worlds. It gave me a chance to get to know, not just the people we support but also their families, other specialists in the lives, and to network with similar companies.

It also gave me a chance to encourage people to go as far as they wanted with their hopes and dreams, and to support them in each step. Luckily for me I was successful in receiving a permanent position and continued to work in this role up until I took maternity leave in 2013.

When it came time for me to return to work, Aruma was extremely accommodating in allowing me to return in my role as Coordinator in a part time/job share position, five days a fortnight. It is through this flexible work agreement that I am able to balance my home and work life.

I continued to work in my Team Support Role until July this year, which is when I decided that it was best for me to go to a Support Worker role. Once again Aruma was very supportive.

I feel that this was the best decision for me to make as I am truly happy in my work when I am working directly with the people we support, I feel that this is where you can make the best changes and support people to do whatever they want with their lives.