As Team leader of Support Coordination within Open Minds, Linda provides advice and support to the team, as well as looking after new referrals and liaising with clients, family members and other stakeholders to achieve positive outcomes for clients.
Linda began her journey in the disability industry about 35 years ago, having come from the business sector.
Linda said: “I felt that it was more fulfilling work, particularly seeing people with disabilities and mental illness live a good quality of life. I just wanted to build on that and enhance their lives further, and ensure they are a respected and included in the wider community.”
Linda’s trajectory into the Disability and Mental Health Sector, was transitioning individuals out of Institutions and facilities and assisting them to integrate back into the community to live a fulfilled and independent life.
Linda came to Open Minds in 2011 as a Support Worker and has held various roles within the organisation, taking on the role of Team Leader, Support Coordination in January 2019.
In Linda’s current role, she is responsible for mentoring and supporting staff to ensure they have the knowledge and resources to support clients in the best possible way. Ultimately, Linda ensures that clients can have an improved quality of life and the opportunity to exercise choice and control under the NDIS framework.
A typical day in Linda’s role involves liaising with clients or families, stakeholders, and staff, to ensure that we are providing quality services to our clients.
Linda said: “We have a fantastic team in the QPSS (Quality Practice Support Services) Team at Open Minds and I get to work with, and meet some incredible people within the community. What I love as a Support Coordinator is seeing peoples’ NDIS plans evolve to ensure they are getting the services they wish to engage with for improved quality of life they well deserve and have a right to.”
“Open Minds is client-centred and has strong values, meaning that it is a very supportive organisation and wants staff and clients to succeed.”