I am writing to express my interest in your position of Advisor (Safety Wellbeing and Injury Management). I have been with the Department of Child Safety
Seniors
and Disability Services for 19 years. During this time
I have worked across three service centres and fulfilled a range of positions from Front Line Staff to Team Leader Roles. Completing additional roles as a Health and Safety Rep
and specialist instructor. Throughout my service I have worked hard to develop a strong understanding of how best to support and encourage individual growth and confidence of people with disabilities and inspired my teams of RCO’s to perform their everyday tasks safely and with passion and drive. In my current role as Direct Service Team Leader
I monitor and supervise the performance and key activities of staff members in my teams to ensure that goals and objectives are successfully met. I have a proven track record in coaching
motivating
and developing staff members in a customer focused service environment. I fulfilled the role of HSR representative for the RCO workgroup
which gave me extensive experience conducting thorough workplace health and safety inspections. My meticulous approach enabled me to identify potential risks or issues
thereby enhancing overall workplace safety. My analytical skills allowed me to identify patterns and recommend strategies to mitigate future incidents. One client was having difficulties getting from their bed to their Wheelchair safely. We organised an OT and safety assessment to be completed and from our findings it was found that a rail is the safest possible option to be put on their bedroom wall so they can stand safely to be changed and transferred into their wheelchair. This process involved having to complete risk assessments with the OT
determine what would be the safest practice
then a submission to QBuild and the department for the works to be done. Once work is completed
the OT will complete a Safe Work Procedure (SWP) for staff to follow. Once the SWP is received in my DSTL role I will ensure that everyone is trained in the plan. I will conduct observations on staff to ensure that they are adhering to the plan and are working with safe work practices to make sure that there is minimal risk for injuries. During my tender as the HSR Representative I shared key information with staff for safe work practices
followed up with observation
supervision
and practice support to ensure that the Departments safety standards were upheld. In my role as Team Leader
I was involved in processing WIRF forms for staff injuries. This process involves a phone call to staff to ensure they are okay and establish what happened
my responses and the WIRF are then passed to the SWIM team to complete and follow up with staff. This then informs management what the staff member requires to be able to come back to the workplace. During the RTW process
I ensure that I am on the ground with the staff member to enable them to confidently perform their duties. As a Direct Service Team Leader
I have consistently supported local management in effectively monitoring and reviewing work practices to ensure strict compliance with safety protocols. During my time with the Department
I have completed many train the trainer courses one of which is Manual Tasks. I train the RCO group in correct techniques when working with our clients and performing their everyday duties to ensure there is minimal risk for an injury to occur. Throughout my career
I have consistently demonstrated my ability to lead strategically and think critically. As a Direct Service Team Leader
I have successfully stimulated ideas and innovation within my teams. By gathering insights and embracing new ideas
I have been able to inform future practices and drive positive change in complex environments. For example
during significant cognitive decline with one of my clients I had to write plans around safely mobilising and conducting personal care routines for the RCO’s to follow
along with a plan in the safe use of the clients’ hoist. I completed risk assessments to aid in the completion of the plans which involved watching the tasks being undertaken
completing a risk assessment
assessing the risks to ascertain which of these were high or low. Writing of the plan (Safe Work Procedure)
training the staff
then following up on a weekly basis to ensure the plan is still working and if any changes need to be made. I played a pivotal role in implementing these changes by ensuring that all information was shared with the staff group and by supervising their practice and observing the tasks being
so the highest safety standards are upheld. Part of my role requires me to identify learning gaps and closely mentor multiple staff to ensure that these gaps are closed
and organisational goals are achieved. The Department has recently rolled out its ICT project which involved introducing computers to our front-line staff across the state. I have been integral to supporting staff in my service points with their learning and assisting them to adapt to the new systems and processes using adult learning principles. Given we have an aging workforce
I have made myself available to these staff individually going through step by step in all applications they need to become fluent in. To better assist this workgroup
I developed a fact sheet with dot point instructions on how to manage these tasks. This contribution of knowledge and mentoring towards staff is evidenced by all staff in my service points being able to utilise the computer system and programs with confidence. With the many practice/processes changes we have been working through recently
I have developed up engagement strategies to ensure that these changes have been effectively shared with my work sites and that staff clearly understand the new practices/processes. Providing feedback where appropriate for the new forms e.g.
new medication lists – these were not clear for the RCO workgroup and a very different practice. I was integral in providing feedback to our Service Support Unit and subsequently the forms underwent a review to align more effectively with the RCO staff. Additionally
collaborating with internal and external stakeholders is second nature to me due to my extensive involvement in meetings with staff members from various levels and departments both internally and externally. Furthermore
I possess strong communication skills which allow me to provide information regarding services and procedures internally and externally
ensuring high-quality customer service. I am also skilled at using and updating relevant databases and files in line with departmental policies and guidelines to ensure data accuracy. I am well-versed in preparing documentation relevant to the service
including reports
letters
and presentations. One aspect that sets me apart is my ability to be a collaborative team member who fully understands the roles and responsibilities within a service centre environment. This enables me to prioritize activities within a team setting while meeting deadlines and remaining flexible in ever-changing work environments. Additionally
I have developed professional relationships with both internal and external stakeholders which allows for efficient service delivery. I actively participate in Service Centre meetings
House meetings
Service Delivery and Training meetings
HSR meetings and Planning Days. During these meetings I have upheld the Departments objectives and have conducted myself in a professional way. I regularly chair or take minutes to enable others to actively participate to promote positivity and uphold the image of the Department. I have a strong track record of measuring and evaluating progress against team goals
ensuring adherence to schedule
practice quality
etc. My ability to drive accountability ensures that both individual contributions and team efforts align with specified key performance indicators. Throughout my career
I have reviewed documents and decisions
providing advice and support on file management. I am skilled at analysing complex situations to provide accurate guidance. This includes addressing escalated matters from staff members in my teams. One of my key strengths lies in critical thinking which enables me to make well-informed decisions in complex situations. This skill has been pivotal in delivering high-quality outcomes within tight deadlines while fostering collaboration within my teams. I regularly seek feedback to ensure that I am a valued
productive
and respected member of all the teams I participate with
while ensuring my peers feel supported no matter what issues may arise. In addition to these skills
I value ongoing professional development and I am most eager to keep implementing my experience and contributions within your team. I believe my experience
credentials
and enthusiasm for maintaining high standards of practice through governance would be an asset to your team. I sincerely look forward to hearing from you to discuss my application further. Yours sincerely
Trish McKay