Disability care offers the opportunity for a positive career move

Anaflor Moore and Jesse Wright are just two examples of the positive career opportunities offered in the disability care sector.

Both work at St Michael’s, which began life as a school in Newstead and has now grown to be an NDIS approved provider offering a broad range of services for more than 250 participants in North and North-West Tasmania including:

- Centre-based programs
- On-site personal support programs
- Off-site personal support programs
- Community access
- Off-site community respite
- Support Coordination
- Training
- Independent Living Units

Both have made significant career switches in recent years, but the pair agree that working in the disability sector comes with its own rewards.

After working as a factory hand and machine operator for several years, Anaflor Moore decided she needed to do something different for a job.

As luck would have it the Migrant Resource Centre was offering the opportunity for people to train to become disability support workers through St Michaels Training in 2020.

Anaflor was quick to put her hand up and has not looked back, joining St Michael’s immediately upon completing her course.

She said the career change had been an extremely positive one for her.

“Since I started my training, it has been brilliant,” she said.

“It has allowed me to spend more time with my family than some other jobs and it is very rewarding.

“Particularly when you can see that you have been able to support a participant to achieve their goals and the smile on their face (as a result).”

After his daughter was diagnosed with a disability about six years ago Jesse knew he wanted to work in the community service field and was not about to allow a lack of relevant experience stop him.

“My background was in hospitality and bar work, but I believe if you know you want to make a career out of this type of work (disability support) it certainly helps,” he said.

Jesse said he found the diversity of the work was one of the most appealing features.

“I feel that helps me appreciate the little things (successes made as participants work towards their goals) and helps me keep everything in perspective,” he said.

St Michael’s CEO Mike Thomas said a career within the disability sector was a highly rewarding profession.

“St Michael’s Association has over 190 staff members across our Launceston and Devonport program areas,” he said.

“Our staff members come from diverse life experiences which enriches the lives of our participants.”

For additional information regarding a career in disability please call St Michael’s on (03) 6331 7651 or email info@stmichaels.asn.au