Meet Our Out of Home Care Coordinators

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It takes a diverse group of people to provide the many types of disability and youth supports we offer at MADEC. In this series we chat with our staff about their roles and spotlight some of the friendly faces in our team! For our fourth instalment, we had a chat with our Out of Home Care (OOHC) Coordinators, Karly and Amy.

What does an Out of Home Care Coordinator do?

Karly: As an OOHC Coordinator, I work with stakeholders and our team of amazing Youth Workers, Key Support Workers and Team Leaders to provide therapeutic care to the young people living in our residential houses.

My role includes providing support and guidance to ensure that the standards of care are being upheld in our residentials and advocating for the young people in our care to be provided with the support they require to have the best quality if life and reach their goals.

Amy: As an Out of Home Care (OOHC) Coordinator, I create a safe and supportive environment for children in care by managing staff and ensuring regulatory compliance. I lead a dedicated team, provide guidance, and conduct performance evaluations to maintain high-quality care. I design programs that promote the physical, emotional, and social well-being of children and collaborate with social workers and educators to develop individualized care plans. I also handle emergencies, focusing on de-escalation and maintaining a calm environment. By ensuring our facilities adhere to regulations and conducting regular evaluations, I uphold high standards of care. Additionally, I facilitate effective communication among staff, families, and external agencies and provide ongoing training to enhance staff skills, fostering a compassionate and knowledgeable team.

What do you love the most about your job?

Karly: The thing I love most about my job is the small wins, when young people open up to their carers because they feel safe, when they learn how to complete jobs around the house and take pride in their home, organising a holiday for a young person and seeing the absolute joy that these experiences bring them. Each smile and new experience are a win!

Amy: What I find most fulfilling about my role is the opportunity to witness success stories unfold. In the field of youth work, while the challenges can be significant, the rewards of seeing young individuals thrive are immeasurable.

Each day presents unique difficulties, from navigating complex emotional and behavioural issues to ensuring the safety and well-being of the children in our care. However, these challenges are also what make the work so impactful. When a child makes progress—whether it’s overcoming personal hurdles, developing new skills, or building healthier relationships—it reaffirms the purpose of our efforts.

What’s one thing people might not know about you?

Karly: I was born without an appendix!

Amy: I have approximately 16 years of experience in community settings. My career began as a school-based trainee, and I have since gained expertise in Aged Care Coordination, Disability Coordination, and Youth Services. Additionally, I am an Enrolled Nurse and currently work weekends in Mental Health.

What motivated you to work in the youth support sector?

Karly: I worked in the administration side of the support industry for about 5 years, I always admired the work that the people in the youth support sector did and made connections with some of the young people being supported by the companies I worked for.

I took a leap of faith and moved from rostering to youth work and my passion for helping young people has only continued to grow from there!

Amy: I started my journey in youth work while I was studying nursing, and right from the beginning, I felt a strong connection to this field. I loved the energy and vibrancy of working with young people, and each day brought something new and unexpected. Whether it was engaging in meaningful conversations, planning activities, or helping them navigate challenges, I found joy in every aspect of the work. The diversity of experiences kept me inspired and motivated, reinforcing my desire to be in this sector and make a positive impact on the lives of young people.

Interested in a career at MADEC?

Check out the available positions below and apply today to join a passionate, dedicated, and capable team. We encourage people of all ages and abilities to apply, as we are interested in creating more career opportunities for persons with a disability. 

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