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Tag Archives: career progression

Why Occupation Therapist Teri Chose The Graduate Program At Empower

Terri website 1500 x 800

Why Occupation Therapist Teri Chose The Graduate Program At Empower2

As a recently qualified Occupational Therapist deciding on where to apply for a job, I was looking for opportunities to learn and improve my skills. Empower Healthcare offered me a comprehensive New Grad program and extensive professional development opportunities that have given me the best start to my career.

I am being supported with

  • In person and online training.
  • Practical learning opportunities.
  • Professional Development time allocated within work hours.
  • Generous funding for external courses.
  • Formal and informal mentorship with experienced colleagues.
  • Working within supportive multi-disciplinary teams.

I have been able to work in Home Care and Residential Aged Care environments and split my time in a way that suits my life and interests, while experiencing professional autonomy within supportive teams.

Empower Healthcare is enabling me to find myself as a clinician, it can do the same for you.

What is Occupational Therapy?

The World Federation of Occupational Therapy defines Occupational Therapy as below.

“Occupational Therapy is a client-centered health profession concerned with promoting health and wellbeing through occupation… to enable people to participate in activities of daily life… by working with people and communities to enhance their ability to engage in the occupations they want to, need to, or are expected to do, or by modifying the occupation or the environment to better support their occupational engagement.” WFOT, 2012.

While many other people in the health industry are involved in the diagnosis of diseases, the occupational therapist’s role is about collaboratively setting and achieving meaningful goals.

About Empower

We Change Lives

At Empower Healthcare, we deliver life changing allied health services. Our whole team is dedicated to building and delivering exceptional services for clients, loved ones, referrers and partner organisations.

Our therapists genuinely care about the people we work with and take the time to build strong relationships that holistically improve social, physical and mental well-being.

We are a successful privately owned and operated organisation that continues to experience significant growth, driven by our fantastic services and family of professionals.

 

Unlock Your Potential With Empower Healthcare

 

Empower healthcare is changing lives – yours could be next.

Join us to open the door to what is possible.

At Empower Healthcare we believe that our strength lies in our people. By building strong teams and supporting the professional development of our clinicians, we have established ourselves as a national Allied Health provider that raises the standards of clinical practice in Home Care, NDIS and residential aged care.

Every day we deliver high quality, innovative allied health solutions across Australia. We have opportunities for clinicians looking to develop at all career stages, from newly graduated to well established therapists wanting to lead in:

  • Occupational Therapy
  • Physiotherapy
  • Nursing
  • Podiatry
  • Dietetics
  • Osteopathy
  • Massage Therapy

Fastrack Your Career

Discover the possibilities with mentoring, career planning, on-line and in-person learning modules, extensive New Graduate program and external professional development. We look within for promotion to leadership roles and develop our own people to grow our business.

Work, Your Way

Create true balance with work hours that work for you, flexible leave arrangements and low stress environments.

Be Valued

We offer competitive salary packages that grow as you do and acknowledge your unique strengths and contributions.

Join the Team

Experience the satisfaction that comes from being a part of multidisciplinary teams, focused on delivering the best outcomes for the people we care for, while learning from each other.

If you’re interested to see how we can help open the door for your next career move, click on the link to learn more.

View current job opportunities

 …

Amanda’s Enjoys Career Progression As An Occupational Therapist At Empower

Blog post Amanda Chan

 

Empower has amazing occupational therapists and Amanda Chan reflects on her career progression and journey at Empower.

When I joined Empower Healthcare four years ago as a newly graduated Occupational Therapist, I was looking for positions close to home and support to develop as a clinician. Today, I am a Team Leader supporting other clinicians to grow and thrive, just like I did.

Empower has encouraged my professional development and given me leadership and managerial opportunities, while supporting me to return to work after maternity leave, twice!

I love being able to balance work and home life with

  • Flexible, family friendly work hours.
  • Leadership opportunities and career progression.
  • Varied opportunities within Home Care, NDIS and Residential Aged Care.
  • The ability to work from home when possible.
  • Internal and External professional development in my areas of interest.

I love the clients and residents I work with and being part of the team that makes the environments I work in healthy and happy for everyone.

What is Occupational Therapy?

Working as an Occupational Therapist, I often get this question, “What is occupational therapy?”.  The World Federation of Occupational Therapy defines Occupational Therapy as below.

“Occupational Therapy is a client-centered health profession concerned with promoting health and wellbeing through occupation… to enable people to participate in activities of daily life… by working with people and communities to enhance their ability to engage in the occupations they want to, need to, or are expected to do, or by modifying the occupation or the environment to better support their occupational engagement.” WFOT, 2012.

While many other people in the health industry are involved in the diagnosis of diseases, the occupational therapist’s role is about collaboratively setting and achieving meaningful goals.

Amanda explains, “Whether it be helping a person with selecting a chair that can help them stand because they have difficulty standing from their couch or introducing a person to a bath lifter to help them enjoy a bath again, I always feel a sense of satisfaction when seeing the joy on people’s faces as they successfully engage in these simple yet meaningful activities again.

About Empower

We Change Lives

At Empower Healthcare, we deliver life changing allied health services. Our whole team is dedicated to building and delivering exceptional services for clients, loved ones, referrers and partner organisations.

Our therapists genuinely care about the people we work with and take the time to build strong relationships that holistically improve social, physical and mental well-being.

We are a successful privately owned and operated organisation that continues to experience significant growth, driven by our fantastic services and family of professionals.

 

Unlock Your Potential With Empower Healthcare

 

Empower healthcare is changing lives – yours could be next.

Join us to open the door to what is possible.

At Empower Healthcare we believe that our strength lies in our people. By building strong teams and supporting the professional development of our clinicians, we have established ourselves as a national Allied Health provider that raises the standards of clinical practice in Home Care, NDIS and residential aged care.

Every day we deliver high quality, innovative allied health solutions across Australia. We have opportunities for clinicians looking to develop at all career stages, from newly graduated to well established therapists wanting to lead in:

  • Occupational Therapy
  • Physiotherapy
  • Nursing
  • Podiatry
  • Dietetics
  • Osteopathy
  • Massage Therapy

Fastrack Your Career

Discover the possibilities with mentoring, career planning, on-line and in-person learning modules, extensive New Graduate program and external professional development. We look within for promotion to leadership roles and develop our own people to grow our business.

Work, Your Way

Create true balance with work hours that work for you, flexible leave arrangements and low stress environments.

Be Valued

We offer competitive salary packages that grow as you do and acknowledge your unique strengths and contributions.

Join the Team

Experience the satisfaction that comes from being a part of multidisciplinary teams, focused on delivering the best outcomes for the people we care for, while learning from each other.

If you’re interested to see how we can help open the door for your next career move, click on the link to learn more.

View current job opportunities

Why James Enjoys Working At Empower Healthcare

James W

Why James Enjoys Working At Empower Healthcare

When I joined Empower Healthcare after 9 years in private practice, I didn’t know how much working in home care would change my life. The freedom of being on the road, working in different environments and having a varied case load was a welcome change from spending 6 days a week inside at the same 4 walls.

I have the opportunity to perform real rehabilitation with real outcomes that really make a difference from helping someone learn to stand up and walk after years of being in a wheelchair to helping a father reach his goal of walking his daughter down the aisle, and surpass it, by dancing at the reception at her wedding.

For me, achieving work life balance is vital and Empower Healthcare helps me to do that by:

  • Guaranteeing steady income, independent of case load.
  • Ensuring great working hours and flexible leave arrangements.
  • Not expecting overtime and weekend work.
  • Allowing me to work independently but supporting me when I need it.

Working within a supportive team that prioritises my professional development and respects my professional autonomy and personal goals means that I enjoy going to work every day and building a career that allows me to live life, my way.

 

Unlock Your Potential With Empower Healthcare

Empower healthcare is changing lives- yours could be next.

Join us to open the door to what is possible.

At Empower Healthcare we believe that our strength lies in our people. By building strong teams and supporting the professional development of our clinicians, we have established ourselves as a national Allied Health provider that raises the standards of clinical practice in Home Care, NDIS and residential aged care.

Every day we deliver high quality, innovative allied health solutions across Australia. We have opportunities for clinicians looking to develop at all career stages, from newly graduated to well established therapists wanting to lead in:

  • Occupational Therapy
  • Physiotherapy
  • Nursing
  • Podiatry
  • Dietetics
  • Osteopathy
  • Massage Therapy

Fastrack Your Career

Discover the possibilities with mentoring, career planning, on-line and in-person learning modules, extensive New Graduate program and external professional development. We look within for promotion to leadership roles and develop our own people to grow our business.

Work, Your Way

Create true balance with work hours that work for you, flexible leave arrangements and low stress environments.

Be Valued

We offer competitive salary packages that grow as you do and acknowledge your unique strengths and contributions.

Join the Team

Experience the satisfaction that comes from being a part of multidisciplinary teams, focused on delivering the best outcomes for the people we care for, while learning from each other.

If you’re interested to see how we can help open the door for your next career move, click on the link to learn more.

View current job opportunities

 

 …

Why Briony Enjoys Working for Empower Healthcare

Briony Watt 600 x 500

Why Briony Watt Enjoys Working for Empower Healthcare

Briony is a valued member of our Physiotherapy Team and reflects on why she enjoys working for Empower Healthcare.

As a busy working mom and physiotherapist, I’m always looking for ways to grow and develop professionally while maintaining a balanced work and home life. When I joined Empower Healthcare 3 years ago, my focus was on transitioning back onto the workforce, I have been supported along the way with:

  • Flexible leave arrangements
  • Family friendly work hours
  • Supportive colleagues and managers

Empower has offered me opportunities to develop my clinical and leadership skills with generous external professional development funding, extensive in-service training and opportunities in leadership within my first year of employment. When a marketing role became available, I was afforded the opportunity to learn an entirely new skill set and split my work hours between clinical practice and marketing.

With opportunities in NDIS, Home Care and Residential Aged Care alongside career progression support in personal areas of interest, including leadership and management roles, Empower has broadened my horizons. Working in environments that foster great working relationships and support excellence in clinical practice provides me with personal and professional fulfillment and has allowed me to thrive and grow every day. 

 

Unlock Your Potential With Empower Healthcare

Empower healthcare is changing lives- yours could be next.

Join us to open the door to what is possible.

At Empower Healthcare we believe that our strength lies in our people. By building strong teams and supporting the professional development of our clinicians, we have established ourselves as a national Allied Health provider that raises the standards of clinical practice in Home Care, NDIS and residential aged care.

Every day we deliver high quality, innovative allied health solutions across Australia. We have opportunities for clinicians looking to develop at all career stages, from newly graduated to well established therapists wanting to lead in:

  • Occupational Therapy
  • Physiotherapy
  • Nursing
  • Podiatry
  • Dietetics
  • Osteopathy
  • Massage Therapy

Fastrack Your Career

Discover the possibilities with mentoring, career planning, on-line and in-person learning modules, extensive New Graduate program and external professional development. We look within for promotion to leadership roles and develop our own people to grow our business.

Work, Your Way

Create true balance with work hours that work for you, flexible leave arrangements and low stress environments.

Be Valued

We offer competitive salary packages that grow as you do and acknowledge your unique strengths and contributions.

Join the Team

Experience the satisfaction that comes from being a part of multidisciplinary teams, focused on delivering the best outcomes for the people we care for, while learning from each other.

If you’re interested to see how we can help open the door for your next career move, click on the link to learn more.

Learn more

 …

Why Hongyi Enjoys Working for Empower Healthcare

Hongis story 1500 x 800

Why Hongyi Sun Enjoys Working for Empower Healthcare

Hongyi is a valued member of our Occupational Therapy Team and reflects on why he enjoys working for Empower Healthcare.

I have always been passionate about building strong, positive relationships with clients and helping them to live independent and happy lives. For me to do that requires constantly expanding my knowledge and experience. Empower Healthcare has helped me grow every step of the way with:

  • A culture of teamwork
  • Emphasis of professional development
  • Mentorship and support
  • A multidisciplinary approach to client care
  • Career goal setting

For me, work/life balance is vital. My job allows me to do what I love while having time to exercise, relax and continue to develop other parts of my life. When an opportunity for further study arose, my managers supported me in reducing my work hours to allow me time to study and attend uni.

Having the freedom to reach my personal and professional goals means that I enjoy coming to work every day!

 

Unlock Your Potential With Empower Healthcare

Empower healthcare is changing lives- yours could be next.

Join us to open the door to what is possible.

At Empower Healthcare we believe that our strength lies in our people. By building strong teams and supporting the professional development of our clinicians, we have established ourselves as a national Allied Health provider that raises the standards of clinical practice in Home Care, NDIS and residential aged care.

Every day we deliver high quality, innovative allied health solutions across Australia. We have opportunities for clinicians looking to develop at all career stages, from newly graduated to well established therapists wanting to lead in:

  • Occupational Therapy
  • Physiotherapy
  • Nursing
  • Podiatry
  • Dietetics
  • Osteopathy
  • Massage Therapy

Fastrack Your Career

Discover the possibilities with mentoring, career planning, on-line and in-person learning modules, extensive New Graduate program and external professional development. We look within for promotion to leadership roles and develop our own people to grow our business.

Work, Your Way

Create true balance with work hours that work for you, flexible leave arrangements and low stress environments.

Be Valued

We offer competitive salary packages that grow as you do and acknowledge your unique strengths and contributions.

Join the Team

Experience the satisfaction that comes from being a part of multidisciplinary teams, focused on delivering the best outcomes for the people we care for, while learning from each other.

If you’re interested to see how we can help open the door for your next career move, click on the link to learn more.

Learn more

 …

Induction day for our 2021 graduates

Group Shot scaled

An exciting day at Empower Healthcare today with the induction of our 2021 graduates.

The Empower Graduate Program

Through the Empower Healthcare graduate program our graduates will receive professional support, training and a structured plan to help them transition from a graduate into a promising clinician. Our graduates are primed to get the support they need to transition into life as a first-year clinician and extend the skills they worked hard to develop at university.

We have created a comprehensive 12 month program that will provide our graduates the tools and training to grow as a professional through:

  • structured learning
  • mentoring
  • peer support and
  • e-courses.

See our Graduate Success Map below for our yearly graduate program.

Graduate Success Map for Empower's Graduate Program

At Empower, we value our staff and make everyone feel welcomed, accepted, and appreciated. Inclusivity and belonging are a part of our core values at Empower and with our graduate program, you’ll get to train with the best.

 

Want to learn more?

Click here for a copy of our graduate program flyer

Alternatively call Lilian for a friendly chat on 0412 709 161

InProfile with Anju Thomas, Senior Occupational Therapist and Team Leader

Website In Profile with Anju Thomas Senior Occupational Therapist Team Leader

InProfile with Anju Thomas, Senior Occupational Therapist and Team Leader

As we come to the end of OT Awareness Month, we would like to introduce Anju, our OT Home Care Team Leader. Anju brings over 11 years’ experience in occupational therapy to Empower Healthcare and her extensive background from rehabilitation to private practice means Anju is perfectly suited and equipped to support her team in a wide range of occupational therapy services to help consumers build their independence and achieve sustainable therapy outcomes.

 

I love seeing the smile on my client’s face when they receive new equipment or learn new ways to participate in activities that, they thought were long behind them. Independence is everything. I love giving that to people

When did you join Empower?

February 2020

Why did you choose Empower?

I am excited about teaching OT skills and improving services to customers. Adam and Matthew embodied these same values during the interview which made it easy to choose Empower.

What do you love most about your job?

I love how I can help client’s achieve their goals and develop their skills. It is always a challenge in identifying the right strategy for each client. It is always invigorating to work with them to find the best approach which helps them achieve their goal.

What has been your most memorable moment?

The best moment for me has been where I helped a client develop their fine motor skills by playing cards.

In what ways has Empower supported your growth personally & professionally?

In the past few months, Empower has given me the freedom to develop OT programs and professional programs to improve the skills of all therapists.

In your new role, what will you be looking to achieve in 2020?

This year, I hope to set up a uniform standard of practice for all OTs to practice.

What piece of advice would you give your new graduate self?

To avail of every opportunity for professional development. It’s not just the courses and theoretical classes that develop a therapist’s skills but also practical sessions with senior therapists. It helps to attempt a new referral/ treatment program even if you have nil to limited experience as it only improves your knowledge and skill.

Tell us a bit about yourself. Out of the workplace, what are your interests and hobbies?

Out of the workplace, I am usually very much restricted to my daughter’s various activities. I enjoy dancing and participate in cultural activities when they come up. I love reading, mostly thrillers and crime and I believe Agatha Christie is the best author in the genre.

 

 

Employment at Empower Healthcare

Love your work

We are recruiting!

Do you share our passion for exceptional care?

We are searching for clinicians that want to keep their finger on the pulse of a thriving industry.

We offer a highly competitive package; flexible working arrangements, annual professional development program, subsidised external PD courses and paid study leave, above award remuneration, plus other benefits.

Join us Graduate Program

In Profile with Simran Mahal, Physiotherapist – Perth Team Leader

Blog In Profile with Simran Mahal Physiotherapist Perth Team Leader

In Profile with Simran Mahal, Physiotherapist - Perth Team Leader

Simran joined the Empower family in Feb to establish our WA team to deliver our world class service across 2 Aged Care Facilities. Simran’s natural team leader qualities, such as compassion. integrity and leadership skills are inspiring and is quickly building trust and respect within the team. We can’t wait to follow the next phase of her role; introducing our Home Care services to the Perth community.

When did you join Empower?

February, 2020

Why did you choose Empower?

I was introduced to Empower through Adam during the Christmas break regarding the upcoming
opportunities in Perth. I was very intrigued and excited as this was a leap into expanding my career
along with Empower’s in Western Australia, which has until proved very rewarding.

What do you love most about your job?

I’m extremely glad to be able to help the geriatric generation in the last resort of their life in aged care:
by providing freedom of mobility, pain management, falls prevention as well being able to connect
with them personally on a daily basis. I have learnt a lot by communicating with them, reliving their
experiences through their stories and my 10 years of working in aged care have proven as a major
learning curve within my life.

What has been your most memorable moment?

Being an Overseas Trained Physiotherapist, the most memorable moment in my career would have to
be when I was able to practice as a Physiotherapist in Australia, by getting registered through AHPRA.

My passion has always lied within Physiotherapy and Neuro Rehab, as I believe that Physiotherapy is
a profession that gives life to the years, rather than just years to life!

In what ways has Empower supported your growth personally & professionally?

Being given the role of management position is a new professional journey for me. Throughout these
first two months I have been challenged with different situations that were before unfamiliar to me,
helping me expand my person and professional expertise.

Empower has provided me with great leaders, such as Adam, Matthew and Donna as well as a great
team of staff who have and continue to support me with my smooth transition into this new role. I
have been provided with ongoing guidance on how to better my personal as well as professional skills.

In your new role, what will you be looking to achieve in 2020?

I would love to help expand Empower by opening multiple sites throughout Western Australia,
opening new opportunities within the aged, home and community care sectors.

What piece of advice would you give your new graduate self?

Listen to your instincts to thrive as a person as well as in your career!  Take a chance at all opportunities, they will in one way, or another help expand your knowledge and
skills!

Tell us a bit about yourself. Out of the workplace, what are your interests and hobbies?

I am of Indian decent, I moved to Australia almost ten years ago with my husband. Since then I have
been blessed with two little terrors, an elder daughter 7 years old and younger son 2 years old who
are my lifelines!

I love to stay connected with my extended family in Perth, spending time with them as much as I can.

I love to travel, though really value my downtime with a cup of tea and good Bollywood movie with
my husband.

 

 

Employment at Empower Healthcare

Love your work

We are recruiting!

Do you share our passion for exceptional care?

We are searching for clinicians that want to keep their finger on the pulse of a thriving industry.

We offer a highly competitive package; flexible working arrangements, annual professional development program, subsidised external PD courses and paid study leave, above award remuneration, plus other benefits.

Join us Graduate Program

 …

In Profile – Leah Pearson, Home Care Physiotherapy Team & Site Leader

Website Blog banner Leah

In Profile with Leah Person, Home Care Physiotherapy Taam & Site Leader

Leah’s recent promotion to Home Care Physiotherapy Team Leader, allows her to be an advocate for the Home Care team and share ideas to management. Read her incredible stroke survivor story and his inspiring journey.

Why did you choose Empower?

I met the management team at the end of year conference for the University of Melbourne Physiotherapy graduates. Empower’s clinical educator gave a speech about their comprehensive new grad program and the regular professional development that they encouraged. It was a month or so after the conference that I received a call. It was from Adam, the CEO. He asked whether I was interested in coming in for an interview. I was completely unsure of what I wanted to do at the time, so I thought ‘why not!’. During the interview, I was impressed with how family oriented they were and that they appeared to care about every individual, so when they offered me the role I said ‘yes’ and here I am today.

What do you love most about your job?

Working in Aged Care is the most rewarding job I have ever had. The opportunity to meet, learn from and most importantly, help those with almost ten decades worth of life experience is something I am truly grateful for. I also work in the community, where I travel to clients houses and conduct rehabilitation-based therapy with them. Assisting someone to gain the strength and independence to safely remain in their own home or achieve their mobility goals is extremely rewarding.

Recently, I was promoted to Home Care Physiotherapy Team Leader. I have loving the opportunity to liaise with the Home Care team and advocate for their ideas to the management team.

What has been your most memorable moment?

There was a man who was admitted to the aged care facility after suffering a severe stroke. He had attended rehabilitation therapy at the hospital for months but was still unable to walk or support himself while sitting. He requested physiotherapy sessions on admission, so we began with simple exercises and progressed from there. He stands out so clearly in my mind as he was one of the most motivated people I have ever met! Every time I walked past his room; I would see him practising the exercises that I had given him. After a few months, he walked out of that facility and returned home with his family. He was truly a testament to what we can achieve when we put our mind to something and I’m so grateful that I was able to be part of such a journey!

In what ways has Empower supported your growth personally & professionally?

While at Empower, I’ve had the opportunity to progress from being a newly graduated physio to a Site Leader and now the Physiotherapy Home Care Team Leader. With a new grad program, fortnightly PD with the team, quarterly professional development with the entire company and funds to complete external professional development courses, Empower has provided me with many opportunities to grow in both a personal and professional sense.

In your new role, what will you be looking to achieve in 2020?

I’m looking forward to collaborating with the physiotherapists and osteopaths who work in the Home Care team to understand their difficulties and their ideas for improvement. I’m eager to explore these ideas in order to cultivate a team that is supported, motivated, engaged and destined for success.

What piece of advice would you give your new graduate self?

“Celebrate, Give it a go, Ask for feedback and Stay curious.”

I know there are a few in there but I think they’re all important! Celebrate your achievement – it’s huge! You’ve made it through university, and you have a world of opportunity just waiting for you. Take the time to let that soak in. Then when you’ve found a job, give everything a go and accept that you’re going to make mistakes! I’ve mentored and worked with a few new grads and it’s much easier to help someone to realise their own potential when they’re ready to give things a go, ask questions and take feedback on board. Finally, stay curious. Keep up to date with current research, make connections and question the way things are done. You’ll be surprised at how often you can truly make a positive change.

Tell us a bit about yourself

I love eating at interesting places, playing goal shooter in netball, reading Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings and hiking on windy days. I also love going to concerts, Christmas and spending quality with my family and friends.…

In Profile – Sarah Tordeich, Regional Manager (West)

Blog Banner  InProfile Sarah

InProfile with arah Tordeich, Regional Manager

Sarah Tordeich’s collective strength in clinical experience along with power of compassion and nurturance is making her a much-loved Regional Manager. Find out what makes Sarah tick and why she chose to take a leap into management.

 

Tell us a bit about yourself

I’m half Kiwi/Croatian. I made the decision to move to Australia two years ago and nearly six weeks after I decided, I was here! If you know me well, you’ll realise this is very unlike me to be so drastic!

Time has absolutely flown by and I have a travel wish list that I want to tick-off within Australia. I really enjoy travelling and would love to return to Europe one day. I have a keen interest in running and hoping to complete my first full marathon this year! As expected, I love watching the kiwis play! I travel back and forth between Australia and NZ for quick trips to see fam and friends! I am social and love catching up with friends every other weekend, though I would consider myself a bit of a homebody too!

Why did you choose Empower?

Having spent the last 8 years, predominantly as a private practice clinician, I have been seeking a new challenge in my career that was an extension beyond practicing as a clinician. I wanted to be able to contribute to the bigger picture and be part of a company in a larger capacity; where I could utilise the skills and knowledge gained to help educate other fellow clinicians.

I never thought, but have learnt to realise, I wanted to be a leader. I stumbled across this job. The opportunity to become a Site Leader stood out for me. As soon as I met Matthew and Adam, I instantly felt at ease and their belief in my ability to grow into the role was the turning point. I also really gravitated towards Empower being a relatively new company; wanting to be a part of a growing company and contributing to its success, sealed the deal. The decision was further supported knowing the values and principles that Empower are founded upon were very much in line with my own.

What do you love most about your job?

I enjoy the variety of work in my role. I enjoy mentoring my team, from new clinicians right through to senior clinicians. As a leader, I collaborate and liaise with a range of Empower staff and clients with the primary focus on service solutions and continuity. Best of all, I continue to use my clinical skills.

I have always felt that my biggest learnings weren’t necessarily at uni, but the knowledge I have gained both clinically and non-clinically when thrown into the big wide world. Having the right people in my corner has helped me to grow as a clinician and as a person. I love most that in my role; I can mirror my experience and provide the same level of support.

So, if you love autonomy and have a desire to give back, then becoming a Site Leader may be a career path worth exploring.

The opportunity to learn from clients is endless. The room for career progression and ongoing job satisfaction within Empower is evident. All these things combined are what I love most about this role.

What has been your most memorable moment?

The most rewarding moment I have had whilst working at Empower was when a consumer I was routinely seeing each morning, wished me Merry Christmas and a safe holiday at home in NZ and commented that her mornings were made better with me visiting each day and loved her regular chats whilst I treated her.

Thinking back on it later, it really made me smile knowing yet again, that whilst our role as clinicians is to assist with pain, function etc. we can also play a huge role in improving ones quality of life, purely through showing a genuine interest in them as people.

Memorable moments to me also include being trusted upon and knowing I am viewed as approachable by staff. Appreciating that all humans including my colleagues have busy lives, being empathetic and aware of this and showing support is hugely important. I work on an ‘open door’ policy and that they can come to me anytime with any question.

In what ways has Empower supported your growth personally & professionally?

Having a team of staff that believe in my capabilities and peer support from the other Regional Managers has enabled me to transition smoothly into the role.

They appreciate my learning and behavioural style and have been great at giving me feedback which has helped me learn a lot about my strengths, areas of weakness and what I would like to achieve in 2020.

I value the autonomy, flexibility and trust to become the regional manager I want to be.

In your new role, what will you be looking to achieve in 2020?

Working alongside my fellow Regional Managers and management team, we are streamlining processes to accommodate our recent rapid growth and future scalability.

Another focus will be on the new graduates and new staff; to learn about them, their work and personal goals, to help develop them clinically and to ensure they are satisfied and happy at work.

Being new to the role of Regional Manager, I am still learning the ropes, however as I become more adept I aim to have a significant role in contributing ideas, being a part of new processes and potential growth opportunities and establishing great working relationships within my region and the wider team.

What piece of advice would you give your new graduate self?

Appreciate all the hours you put in at uni learning, the people who helped make it happen, and immersing yourself in as many PD opportunities, courses and new graduate programs available to you, to really help develop your skills.

I truly believe my biggest learning developed over years of applying my clinical skills in a variety …