Coordinators in our Community Living Team play a pivotal role in ensuring the Autistic people and families we support access the highest standard of care and are able live their lives, their way.
But what does being a Coordinator at the Association really mean and what does the role involve?
We sat down with Conor, who joined the team 16 months ago, to learn more about why he loves what he does.
What’s the first thing you do when you start your day to get into “work mode”?
Get a coffee of course!
Describe your role in 3 words?
- Fulfilling
- Leadership
- Relationships
What is the best thing about your role?
Working with people that align with my values to support people with Autism. It’s awesome seeing the quality of life of the individuals we work with improve through working closely with the individuals themselves, families, and support teams.
Can you tell us what a day or week looks like in your role?
In my role, I help manage a team across five homes, supporting Autistic people with their routines, goals, and daily living needs. My time is divided between the homes and our Shenton Park hub, as this is where I go to attend meetings with other departments such as scheduling, therapy and maintenance to ensure everything is coordinated as it should be.
Working as a Coordinator involves a balance of direct support and administrative tasks, focusing on ensuring that the Autistic people in their homes receive consistent care and that the teams working with them also has the support they need. I also get to collaborate with other departments to ensure that the care we provide to people is well-rounded and that any challenges are addressed promptly.
The role is so varied, and every day is different but if I was to describe a typical week it would include the following:
- Regularly meeting with staff for one-to-one catch ups, as well as team meetings.
- Overseeing individuals’ routines and ensuring their care plans are being followed.
- Collaborating with different teams to address any needs or concerns.
- Participating in ongoing training to stay informed on best practices.
Are there any unexpected or spontaneous parts of your day that you enjoy?
One of the best parts of my day is when the teams I work with share unique updates about a person we are supporting. It’s always rewarding to hear about the small moments or progress that may not be planned but are meaningful in the overall care journey.
Why did you choose a career in Autism?
I have a genuine desire to make a positive impact in people’s lives and I feel I can do that working in this field, while enjoying the journey that comes with it.
What motivates you at work?
I definitely have to say my colleagues. They are a really good group of people with great values. I often feel inspired by the innovation that occurs around me, and they are also a genuinely fun group of people.
What advice would you give to someone who is interested in pursuing a similar role?
The role is equal parts challenging and rewarding. At the end of the day, you will go home feeling rewarded. It is a great role for anyone who really gets invested in their work.
How do you like to spend time away from work?
Family time is very important to me, and I look forward to watching Hawthorn win the AFL premiership this year.
Tell us something no one knows about you.
I have twins!
Learn more about the different roles at the Association and how every person contributes towards supporting people with Autism and their families to live their best life.
Careers – Autism Association of Western Australia