Staff Matters 84

Staff Matters

December 16, 2016- Issue 84 Week 24

Merry Christmas And A Happy New Year!

As 2016 draws to a close I would like to pass on my sincerest thanks to all for your efforts in the past year.

It has been a year of great success and change as we moved into the completely new world of the NDIS.

The NDIS has proven to be fabulous for our clients and people we support, providing clients with the freedom to choose services that are more tailored to their needs. I believe this puts Afford in an even better position as we can truly showcase and expand our great services to a greater range of people with disabilities across NSW. We continue to hold a strong financial position which gives us security in our jobs as well as opening the door to many great programs for our clients & Carers including Club Afford, Afford Getaways and Carers’ Programs. These programs have been a great success providing many fantastic experiences and memories for our clients with trips to Disneyland, Madame Tussauds, Moral Island cruise to name a few.

On top of these programs, Afford have held some amazing events for our clients including the Annual Afford Ball and Afford’s Got Talent which were huge successes in bringing all our clients together and showcase their talents.

At Afford we pride ourselves on being an employer of choice and as a result we have introduced many great staff initiatives including PACES, training courses and health and wellness programs which comprises of quit smoking and a new gym program which will roll out early next year.

We have also seen the completion of 3 of our 6 group homes, and hear the successes coming from those residents and how this transition continually enriches their lives. The last of the group homes are set to be completed in the early stages of next year and will finally see over 40 residents finally have a place of their own to call ‘home’.

As we do this, our mission will always remain our main focus along with continuing our rich heritage as one of the leading service providers in Australia.

Once again I would like to pass on a big thank you to all staff, I truly believe that Afford staff are the best in the sector.

Have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year everyone, bring on 2017!

Regards,

Steve Herald

T 02 8805 3700 E info@afford.com.au 12 Marieanne Place, Minchinbury 2770 afford.com.au

In this Issue Page 1 • Merry Chrsitmas And A Happy New Year!

Page 2 • Staff Profile • Afford Performance

Development Review Goes Online In 2017!

• Jessica, Invested In Her Goal

Page 3 • Customer Service Awards

Page 4 • Customer Service Awards Continued...

• Afford Selfies • Have A Laugh

Reminder Don’t forget client free week: 3,4 Jan – training days 5 Jan– conference at Cabravale Diggers 6 Jan– Team building activities

Staff Matters

December 16, 2016 - Issue 84

Staff Profile

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Afford Performance Development Review Goes Online In 2017!

After months of review, development and testing Afford are ready to roll out the first batch of ELMO Online PDRs (performance development reviews) for Lifestyle Assistants in 2017. This will be followed by releasing PDRs for all staff and positions.

Chonlaros Seephoo(Bow) Lifestyle Assistant Ashfield Lifestyle Centre

Favourite Song: At the moment is “Little Sister” from LOL Favourite Movie: Horror movies.

Favourite Hobbies: Baking, Cooking, Travelling.

Favourite Foods: Thai food and Indian food.

If you could be an animal what would you be: A Penguin.

What is your dream holiday destination: Bora Bora.

If you had the power what would you change about the world: No wars.

What is the nicest thing someone has ever done for you: When I was sick my husband put the bell next to my bed so I could ring it anytime I need something. And he would try to cook for me even he can’t cook.

This is an online version of our existing paper based PDR system structured in online phases. This will give staff and managers an opportunity to set goals, action items, enter notes, comments; attach documents, discuss and have face – to – face meetings, etc.

If managers could please start scheduling meetings now for January 2017, as all Lifestyle Assistants PDRs will be due for completion by 31 January 2017. The first roll out will be a fast forward PDR version and it can be used as a full-fledged process on an ongoing basis for 2017-2018.

Detailed information to be sent by Nikita Gupta ready for the New Year!

Jessica, Invested In Her Goal

Kings Park Lifestyle Centre client, Jessica Arrow has been working on her money management goal throughout the year.

Jessica each week has been budgeting and putting more money into her piggy bank than she has been spending, even some weeks choosing to make lunch more than once instead of buying.

If you had to teach something what would you teach: Teach people how to make cake decorations.

Jessica went over her goal and saved a whopping total of $221. She’s very happy with herself and aims for bigger goals next year.

Something no one knows about me: I’m good at keeping secrets.

She plans to go clothes shopping before Christmas.

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December 16, 2016 - Issue 84

Customer Service Awards

1st Place Anastasia Arthandi, Team leader, Blacktown (External); Anastasia’s flexibility and willingness to give everything a go to progress with Louie’s in home support and to make one on one support available is outstanding and very much appreciated. They expressed how happy they were that Anastasia went through all the staff they have to make sure they found the right fit for Louie to deal with the personal care.

Anastasia Arthandi, Team leader, Blacktown (External) 2; just wanted to say a quick thank you to Anastasia for all of the support for Keegan through his NDIS plan. You have done an excellent job with adjusting his programs and ensuring we have great staff suited to his needs and making him happy every single day. So far, every day when I get home I have been welcomed home to Keegan being showered and fed and he is always happily singing. You have made a massive difference in both of our lives and I thank you for supporting him Anastasia Arthandi, Team leader, Blacktown – (3) their hard work and dedication to AFFORD is outstanding. Staff 8 has great insight into the movement forward for AFFORD and their knowledge and commitment speaks for itself.

They are very approachable in handling situations and problem solving. They have a great rapport with their peers and overseeing and making sure staff have their PACES up to scratch.

2nd Place Tanya Briggs, Team Leader, Campbelltown Lifestyle Centre (External); our son is eligible for the NDIS and without Tanya’s help we would have been totally lost. Offering up her time to go above and beyond her duties to ensure we understand every step and know exactly what is going on. Tanya’s caring nature and her warmth towards her clients is outstanding. She left no stone unturned to ensure we are receiving optimum benefits

Equal 3rd Place Tiahna To, Fairfield DES; A customer fell on their way to their appointment with Tiahna.

She suffered some minor injuries including a chipped tooth, broken glasses, scraped knees and a bruised forehead. Tiahna administered minor first aid, arranged for an appointment with Fairfield dental clinic, the optometrist assisted obtaining documentation to get client get glasses fixed for free and transported her to her appointments. She also contacted the council to rectify the problem in the hopes that no one else is dealt the same fate. Tiahna stepped up and went above and beyond to make sure the customer accessed the services she needed as quick as possible with little or no cost to her.

Tiahna To, Fairfield DES 2; I have nominated Tiahna to endorse a highly suitable individual, In the past 2 years of working with Tiahna , she has exceeding the challenging requirements and expectations for the award, Tiahna is ambitions, intelligence, and accomplishments complement precisely the stellar community of past recipients and make her highly deserving of the honour/award. Her skills do not end with her office work. She also projects a warm, cheerful attitude to our clients. I have seen her resolve conflicts and handle other difficult situations with remarkable patience and admirable tact. In our office Tiahna goes out of her way to help people in need by organizing /referring clients to programs which is more suitable for the clients. She loves people, works hard, and always tries to lift the spirits of those around her. Tiahna is very supportive towards other staff & goes through great strengths to support each & every staff member. I believe Tiahna has devoted herself to provide exceptional customer service to all our clients & team members, Tiahna is never selfish & puts others before herself, she has truly inspired me. Tiahna has gone beyond her duties by supporting her clients & all clients

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December 16, 2016 - Issue 84

Customer Service Awards Continued... in Fairfield we are able to achieve & maintain our 5 star rating site. Tiahna assessed people’s needs, analysed the results and created reports to meet the organizational needs. Tiahna provided significant services to all clients of Fairfield DES such as motivation to employment, supporting clients to be more independent & empower clients to achieve their goals. Tiahna demonstrated innovation & creativity in delivering lasting effective results, she have shown outstanding contribution and service to all clients & staff members. In addition to the wonderful work Tiahna is currently doing for this 5 star site. Tiahna is always very responsive when we need something. She clearly derives enjoyment from her duties and her enthusiasm has contributed to the fun working atmosphere in our office. She always has something new to share and even while at times the work is stressful she continued to provide seamless service to her many clients & staff. Tiahna really exemplifies the award criteria in several categories, including innovation and creativity and excellent customer service. Tiahna has shown ongoing initiative, team player and dedication. Tiahna has earned my respect as a team member and become a role model in our Fairfield office, for this reason I am nominating Tiahna for the DES the above & beyond Award.

Equal 3rd Place Tracy Lamont, Lifestyle Assistant, Lurnea Lifestyle centre; Tracy understands what each client likes and/or dislikes and tries to help them out to have a brilliant day with us. Our site can provide absolute ‘person centred’ service to all clients. She makes all the clients happy, and makes progress with all clients using their strongest abilities.

Tracy Lamont, Lifestyle Assistant, Lurnea Lifestyle Centre 2; She is very helpful in everything that she does, she’s a team player and has a very good attitude towards her co-workers, as well as the clients. She is very caring and always very positive. Tracy brings everyone together because of her outgoing and positive nature.

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In this Selfie Above: Our lovely ladies at Raffles wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Please send in your selfies

Have a laugh