Karingal support worker gets top gong for care
19 April 2010
Unwavering dedication, professionalism, respect and commitment to supporting people with disabilities is what Debbie Harman is all about.
The Karingal Community Living Personal Support Worker, based in Warrnambool, was this month named the winner of the South West Disability Network 2010 ‘Peter Lewis’ Direct Support Worker Awards.
The purpose of the awards is to recognise achievement by, and value the role of, the direct support worker in the disability field working in Victoria’s South West.
It also celebrates the role of support workers and their relationships with people with disabilities, family members and carers, peers, other service providers and community networks.
Debbie, who has worked for Karingal for two years, said she was surprised but thrilled to have won with many co-workers and families of the people she cares for providing glowing testimonials of Debbie and her approach to her work.
“I was really, really surprised I had won,” she said.
“There are so many amazing people out there who work in this field.
“I do the best I can with the time and clients I have, but you always put other support workers ahead of you, because you see so many work so hard.”
Debbie was praised as part of the award for always supporting people in making choices through her active listening skills, patience and understanding.
She was also recognised for her ability to support people to identify their strengths, express their needs and make choices while adjusting strategies where needed to communciate with clients in order to achieve positive outcomes for them.
“There are so many things I enjoy about my job, but most of all it’s working with clients one on one.
“I get to guide them and help them hone their skills and independence, I feel like I am a part of that and it’s very rewarding to watch them grow.”