Leanne Lennon
Home Support Worker, Central Remedial Clini
Leanne Lennon, Home Support Worker at Central Remedial Clinic (CRC), discusses how she finds fulfilment in a rewarding career that offers a healthier worldview and growth.
How long have you worked on the Network team?
I have worked as a Home Support Worker for the Children’s Disability Network Team for 18 months. As part of a team, I am connected and supported within my role. We take the rough with the smooth; and when the going gets tough, one of my colleagues is always there with an openness that they extend to every one of our young persons with a complex disability or rare illness.
What is your average day like?
Every day is different at Central Remedial Clinic and within my role in particular. I go from one family in the morning to another family in the afternoon. I support those from 0 to 18 years old, with any complex disability, from any background and for short measures of time (up to 6 months). I am given the respect and opportunities to develop my own workshops. I run an Independent Skills Workshop with the support of peers.
Understanding your boundaries and
defining your expectations is labour-
intensive and takes constant reflection.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
It is very gratifying and humbling when a child with a complex disability takes their first steps or learns to say my name when they have difficulty speaking. These moments are very comforting and rewarding and are perhaps my favourite aspect of the role.
What are the challenges of your role?
When the real things that matter become abundantly clear, it’s knowing where the giving ends and the taking begins that is the challenge for some people in my role. Understanding your boundaries and defining your expectations is labour-intensive and takes constant reflection.
What would you share with people seeking a similar role?
Working with the CRC, I have access to many benefits, from public sector pay, pension and terms and conditions to personal and professional development opportunities. I’m a goal-oriented person, so building that place of security is just the beginning. The aspiration can be small, but the progress is everything to a parent and young person. Reaching that aspiration is the best part of the job.