What does your role entail at CPSN?
My role as Quality, Risk and Practice Lead is a relatively new role for CPSN and is agreat opportunity to add value to the services we provide. The main focus ofthe role is ensuring CPSN provides services of the highest quality and meets it's obligations for registration as a NDIS provider under the NDIS Practice Standards and Quality Indicators.
I’ve worked in the disability sector for many years, at both management and operational service delivery levels within the NGO sector and Government including the NDIA. I just happened to see the CPSN role advertised on Seek and jumped at it. I thought it would be something I would really enjoy
“Contributing to people with disability living inclusively in their community and the opportunities the NDIS brings can change their lives, this is what really motivates me in my work.”
What do you think the sector still gets wrong - or overlooks, when it comes to supporting people with a disability?
Oh, where to start in terms of the NDIS. This historic reform is internationally best practice for it's participants, but it is still a ‘teenager’ in terms of its life span and is full of unintended consequences.
Many things are not as they should be for people with disability, families and providers; however, everyone is learning and it is evolving. When the NDIS becomes a ‘full-blown adult,’ it will be amazing.
“We must always remember because of the NDIS, many people have supports and future goals that were never available to them previously.”
Is there a moment or story that’s stayed with you during your time at CPSN (so far) that you'd like to share with our community?
I’ve now been working at CPSN for just over six months, and my favourite thing so far is still the inclusive and welcoming culture.
A highlight so far would be meeting the people we support and their families at our recent Melbourne Zoo friendship day.
Everyone should be very proud of this open and inclusive culture.
What are your top three tips you can share that you’ve learnt from doing your role/having the life experience you do etc?
First, everyone is doing their best
Second, everyone has strengths
Third, none of us get it right all the time, we are all learning
Fourth, have fun
How has your perspective on disability inclusion evolved over time?
Appreciating the advocacy from people with disability, their families and carers and how they have shaped the progress of how Government and the community responds to their needs.
Working in this space for such a long time, people who have had lived experience of disability have taught me the power of the human spirit.
Outside of work, what are we most likely to find you doing? What are your hobbies and interests?
I love cooking with my six-year-old granddaughter and cleaning up the aftermath, cooking and entertaining friends and family. I love to travel. In May last year I travelled for the third time to Cortona, Tuscany which is my favourite place. I also have a passion for gardening, both ornamental plants, and particularly growing food. I am also a qualified Life Coach. Thank you for the opportunity to be interviewed!
At CPSN, we take the time to ensure that we recruit the right people for the right roles like Pam. From time to time we have various roles available to join our team. You can find out more about our current employment vacancies here. If you prefer, call us on (03) 9478 1001. We're here to help.
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