Staff Matters March 28, 2019 Issue 198 Week 39
CARING ABOUT OUR STAFF STRENGTHENING OUTCOMES – DES AND SLES JOIN FORCES By working as a team, we can achieve better things together. This is exactly what our DES and SLES teams are doing and they are succeeding in supporting more clients achieve their employment goals. Last year, the DES and SLES teams realised that each had networks and connections that could come together to support SLES trainees realise their work goals. During the last year of the SLES program, SLES trainers introduce trainees to DES Employment Consultants, who can work closely with trainees to understand their employment goals and provide advice about opportunities available. With support of SLES trainers, trainees are supported to explore their interests, develop their skills and gain confidence in their abilities to manage life in the workforce. The second year then becomes a chance for trainees to start thinking about their work futures and begin making the right connections to easily transition into the workforce at the end of their time in the SLES program. One trainee, Ben, has successfully achieved open part-time employment, thanks to the blend of support by SLES and DES. Ben began with work experience at Sizzlers in Campbelltown for one day a week for several months during his time at SLES. Ben's employer commented that Ben is always punctual, tries his best at work, does not complain about tasks assigned to him, is polite and friendly and is eager to work. He now works part-time as a kitchen assistant and is working towards getting his RCG and RSA to improve his skills to one day progress onto a waiter's position at Sizzlers.
In This Issue 1
Strengthening Outcomes – DES and SLES Join Forces Joke of The Week
2
Caboolture Day Program Gets A Face Lift
3
Induction Training to Welcome New Staff New Appointments
4
A Healthy Motivation - Use Your Fitness Passport Upcoming Events Selfies of The Week
Ben's success was a result of two Afford teams, with their own unique strengths and networks, working together to support a trainee's individual needs to achieve their work goals. In February and March of this year, DES has run Finding and Keeping a job training sessions at their Liverpool site, where SLES trainees joined other Finding and Keeping a job and DES clients to learn more about life in the workforce. As a result of this training, five SLES trainees signed up with DES and will be moving towards open employment in the coming weeks and months.
REMINDER
DES will be running their next round of Finding and Keeping a job training sessions at their Blacktown site and welcomes DES clients and SLES trainees alike. Combining SLES and DES services for clients is a natural partnership. Offering our trainees the best of Afford's skills development and employment services through SLES and DES, ensures a smooth transition into the workforce. Great initiative teams!
Don’t forget to send your clients’ achievements, good news stories and photos to Marketing@afford.com.au
www.afford.com.au
Staff Matters
STAFF PROFILE NAME: Matthew Brennan-Jesson POSITION: Allied Health Intake Officier LOCATION: Head Office NSW FAVOURITE SONG? Ocean Drive – Duke Dumont FAVOURITE MOVIE? Harry Potter Series FAVOURITE HOBBIES? Hiking and swimming FAVOURITE FOODS? Burger with the lot IF YOU COULD BE AN ANIMAL WHAT WOULD YOU BE? A bird WHAT IS YOUR DREAM HOLIDAY DESTINATION? Maldives IF YOU HAD THE POWER WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE ABOUT THE WORLD? Eliminate flies and mosquitoes IF YOU HAD TO TEACH SOMETHING WHAT WOULD YOU TEACH? Primary teaching SOMETHING NO ONE KNOWS ABOUT ME? My surname was made up by a nurse when writing it on my great, great pop’s birth certificate
March 29, 2019 Issue 198
affordify CABOOLTURE DAY PROGRAM GETS A FACE LIFT The Afford brand is colourful, bright and inviting and we're super excited to now have this splashed right across our Caboolture Day Program! Our Caboolture Day Program on King Street now features a striking front facade, decorated with Afford cranes and our signature slogan - 'We Care!' It's great to have this new signage installed in Caboolture to really make an impression in the local area. We've kept the themes simple and with a local flavour; showcasing that we're here to support Queenslanders through the NDIS. We have emphasised our expertise in all things NDIS throughout the design, with an outline of the state of Queensland featured with the words 'Registered NDIS Provider'. Easily visible from the street, the new signage installed by Liberty Signs, is sure to attract great interest and more clients to join our Afford community. Since the signage was installed, we've already had positive feedback about its effect from our psychologist, Karina Johnson. "I just wanted to let you know that since the signage out the front has been up, we have had a few walk in enquiries. We have had a total of three providers and two potential participants come into the hub for a chat about what Afford can do for them." It's amazing to receive this instant feedback about how one single element, such as signage at a site, can make all the difference to having a presence in, and interest from, the local community. We look forward to hearing more about all the great things to come from the Caboolture team!
www.afford.com.au
Staff Matters
March 29, 2019 Issue 198
INDUCTION TRAINING TO WELCOME NEW STAFF This week on the 26th March, our National Training and Engagement Manager, Maureen Brown, along with HR and Training Officer, Antoinette Caruana, coordinated induction training for all new Sydney based employees who have joined Afford over the past one to two months. Around 90 staff members from across Afford's Client Services, DES, Allied Health, Support Co-Ordination and shared services attended the induction training in Fairfield, NSW to learn more about what it means to be part of the Afford community.
P EM
OF
LOYER
CHOICE
There were a range of presentations throughout the day. Maureen Brown touched on training opportunities and Employer of Choice initiatives; Joe-Marie van Zyl discussed Afford's Respite offerings; and Emma Hunter provided an overview from a District Management perspective. Our Allied Health speech pathologist, Audrey Falvey, also delivered a presentation on Dysphagia and Nutrition and Swallowing. Attendees were shown a video related to Abuse and Neglect which highlights the importance of following our strict policies and procedures to ensure our clients receive the best care while they are at Afford. Then attendees completed a quiz about the myths and misconceptions around disability, which was a real eye opener for some. There was strong positive feedback from all attendees, with many commenting that it was a very informative induction day. Many questions were asked and everyone felt comfortable in raising their questions within the group. Not only was it a great day for new recruits to become immersed in the Afford culture and business structure, it was also a great chance for attendees to network and socialise with each other.
New Appointments We would like to congratulate the following Affordians on their new appointment: • Makismino Vaivao – Acting Senior Lifestyle Assistant, Canley Vale • Nadine Hope – Customer Care Manager, Melbourne • Melanie Lugg – Permanent appointment – H.R. Officer – ADE’s
www.afford.com.au
Staff Matters
March 29, 2019 Issue 198
A HEALTHY MOTIVATATION - USE YOUR FITNESS PASSPORT As an Employer of Choice, Afford has established a range of initiatives to support the health and well being of staff. The Fitness Passport is one such initiative that gives you the tools to maintain a healthy mind and body. With the Fitness Passport, we are continually adding new facilities to keep your program fun and fresh! Make sure to visit fitnesspassport.com.au/AFS to check out program and facility updates. In addition to offering great facilities, the Fitness Passport can help you set your fitness goals, by providing access to multiple fitness centres for you and your family. It is also important to note, that when you join the Fitness Passport, you sign up for a minimum 12 month contract period. If you withdraw from the program during this period, you may incur cancellation charges, as outlined below:
FITNESS PASSPORT NUMBER OF WEEKS SINCE START OF CONTRACT:
SINGLE MEMBERSHIP:
Plus Family MEMBERSHIP: SINGLE Membership:
Family Plus MEMBERSHIP:
Week – 3 - 13
$225
$275
$275
$325
Week – 14 - 26
$175
$225
$225
$275
Week – 27 - 39
$125
$175
$175
$225
Week – 40 - 50
$75
$125
$125
$175
With the year now in full swing, let's make our health and fitness a priority. Stay motivated and continue to access a range of programs and facilities near you, thanks to the Fitness Passport.
Reminder! It is important that staff wear name badges at all times during Afford work hours. Staff who wear name badges deliver better customer service because they: • Develop a personal trust and rapport with clients and families.
SELFIES OF THE WEEK
an Park tribe Selfie Above: Or ony Day & rm Ha g - celebratin y! Da Down Syndrome
Pawsome Se lfie Above: Daniel Rogers wit h fur baby, Belle.
• Have a sense of belonging because they are part of the Afford community. • Support client independence in every day skills and choices. • Feel a sense of responsibility and accountability for their actions.
Please remember our duty of care for our clients.
UPCOMING EVENTS DATE:
EVENT:
30 March
Earth Hour 8:30pm
2 April
World Autism Day
5 April
Walk To Work Day
1-30 April
Parkinson's Awareness Month
7 April
World Health Day
1-10 April
National Seniors Week
www.afford.com.au