A Day in the Life: Practice Lead, Home and Living Pathways at Mai-Wel
At Mai-Wel, our commitment to empowering people with disability is evident in the dedication and passion of our Supported Independent Living (SIL) Coordinators. These professionals play a critical role in ensuring that our participants lead lives that are not only independent but also rich with possibilities. We recently spoke with Scott, one of our Practice Leads in Home and Living Pathways to gain insight into what a day in his life looks like, the impact he makes, and why this work is so meaningful to him.
The Daily Routine: Managing Homes and Mentoring Teams
Being a Practice Lead at Mai-Wel is both a busy and rewarding role. Our coordinators are responsible for the day-to-day management of supported independent living homes, ensuring that participants receive the highest level of care and support. This includes mentoring and managing our frontline Support Workers, who are essential to delivering the face-to-face support that our participants rely on.
A typical day involves responding to emails, attending meetings for both participants and Support Workers, and aligning budgets with NDIS plans. Our coordinators also work closely with other departments such as People, Culture & Safety, and Workforce Planning to ensure that every aspect of the participant’s life is supported. The ultimate goal? To make sure our participants’ lives are ‘Full of Possible’.
Empowering Independence: A Core Mission
At the heart of the SIL Coordinator role is the mission to empower participants to achieve their everyday goals and aspirations. This begins with understanding what’s important to each participant through regular conversations and then tailoring their supports to build their skills and confidence. Our Practice Leads play a crucial role in educating and mentoring Support Workers, ensuring they have the capability to deliver active, skill-building support that fosters independence.
Why We Do What We Do: A Personal Commitment
For many of our coordinators, the drive to work with people with disability comes from a deeply personal place. With a background in nursing, Scott shared how compassion has always been a guiding principle in his work. Additionally, having lived experience with family members who have disabilities has given him a unique perspective on the challenges faced by those he supports. This personal connection fuels his passion for advocating for participants and providing them with the opportunities they deserve.
Why Supported Independent Living Matters
Working in Supported Independent Living is not just about providing care; it’s about making sure that participants can live their lives to the fullest. Our coordinators support participants in accessing the community, managing their homes, and performing daily tasks just like anyone else. The ability to look at the whole person and be a part of their success in all areas of life is what makes this work so rewarding.
One of the most fulfilling moments in Scott’s career was helping a participant transition to a new living situation that better suited their needs. Despite some challenges along the way, the end result was a success. The participant is now thriving in their new home, enjoying new relationships, and experiencing an improved quality of life. This success story is a testament to the courage of the participant and the dedication of our team.
Tailored Support: Meeting Unique Needs
At Mai-Wel, we pride ourselves on our client-centered approach, which ensures that every participant’s unique needs and goals are at the forefront of our services. We are adaptable, respectful, and committed to ensuring that everyone we support has the opportunity to live a life full of possibilities. Our approach is about more than just meeting basic needs; it’s about empowering individuals to lead fulfilling lives.
What Makes Mai-Wel Special?
Mai-Wel’s approach to Supported Independent Living is special because we believe in putting our participants in the driver’s seat of their care. We value, respect, and encourage them to take the lead in achieving their goals. Whether it’s gaining confidence in a new skill or finding the perfect home environment, our participants’ successes are our successes. We are proud to be part of their journey toward greater independence.
At Mai-Wel, we’re committed to making a difference in the lives of people with disabilities, and our Supported Independent Living Coordinators are at the heart of this mission. If you’re inspired by our work and want to learn more about how we’re changing lives, please visit maiwel.com.au.
