Meet Tori Morris. Globe trotter (pre-pandemic!), ocean swimmer, and seahorse enthusiast. She’s also a registered nurse and the newest addition to Hireup’s specialised supports team. Tori recently joined Hireup to further boost the skillsets of our support workers. She tells us why she chose to come on board.
What brought you to Hireup?
I was working in the Children’s Hospital previously in Randwick, and I loved my job but the lifestyle and the shift work wasn’t really what I was looking for. I was looking to transition to something that was similar in terms of doing positive things, making changes - things like that. And I found this job with Hireup that just aligned with everything that I wanted and loved and loved to do. So that’s pretty much how I found myself here which is really exciting - it ticked all the boxes for me, which was very exciting because I wasn't sure I’d find something that I love as much as I love this.
What is it that you do?
The role is still evolving, but currently I am working with clients and support workers essentially with regards to specialised support needs. So, anything from *peg feeding, catheter care, things like that. I’m also helping to make sure clients’ support plans are updated, speaking with clients or their account managers to make sure those plans are up to date and finding out other relevant information.
Why is this kind of support so important?
It’s important that support workers are educated properly before providing the support. At the moment, we’re more of an online education system, so I’ll be able to help by adding to that and giving direct assistance and education, even if it’s virtually or over the phone. It’s important that specialised support is done correctly so that it’s safe for the client and the support worker.
I can imagine it can be quite daunting for a support worker who’s had no experience in this to enter a space where they would need to provide these supports. What’s your advice to these support workers?
Firstly, the online modules that we have already are great. They’re comprehensive, they’ve got a lot of simple, basic information. In addition to doing those, I recommend always speaking to the client or their account manager, seeking clarification, making sure they’re doing things correctly and that [the client] is safe and comfortable with. Also, it’s always really important to ask to be shown how to do something before they do it for the first time. And if you’re still unsure, always come to us. Call us. Someone will be able to get in touch whether it’s me or someone else in the specialised support team - we’re always here to just clarify things or go through questions with them. Whatever they need, we’re more than happy to help.
Have you been getting any feedback from our clients?
The people I’ve spoken to have been lovely, they’re excited that there is a registered nurse, they’re happy to provide information and have a chat. Everyone I have spoken to has been happy to share their insights and their stories, which has been great. So hopefully, moving forward, it will continue to be a great safe space for them to be able to chat through whatever they need, be they clients or support workers.
What would you recommend for people with specialised support needs who are thinking of seeking supports through Hireup?
I would recommend people get in touch with the team here at Hireup. Someone on the specialised support team is always happy to answer your questions. We try to accommodate everyone as best we can, even if it’s just a conversation to make sure everything is appropriate and safe.
What’s the best part of your job so far?
The best part of my job is definitely the team of people I work with. They’re lovely and supportive. They want to learn and they're happy to teach me, which is fantastic. I couldn’t ask for a better team to work with. And I really do love my calls to the clients. You can see the impact you’re having when you can speak to them and just talk through something which is really lovely and rewarding.
What are your hopes for your role at Hireup?
I hope that in the future, we will be able to take on even more specialised supports for people with higher needs and be able to educate and empower our support workers to be able to do those things. I also would like to see, in the future, being able to hold Zoom education sessions or catch-ups with our support workers all around Australia. That’s where I see it going. But at the moment, I’m looking forward to being able to help our support workers and, in turn, help our clients.
Our mission here at Hireup is to help people pursue a good life. How does your role contribute to that?
I hope that what I can provide is that ability to train or support our support workers so that the client can have a good life. If that means taking them to the movies or if it means hanging out with them at home. Being able to have safe, supportive, comfortable support will help them to hopefully live a good life.
If you need information about specialised supports, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the team. You can reach them on (02) 9113 5933 or by email hello@hireup.com.au.
And while we’re talking about specialised supports, it’s Tube Feeding Awareness week! This is a great time to check out The Blend. Produced by Hireup’s very own Melanie Dimmit, it’s a free, magazine-style resource for people who are new to tube-feeding. It’s packed with stories from the tube-feeding community, but of course, if you’re providing this type of assistance to a client you must always speak to them about their individualised choices and needs. And, don’t forget, Tori and the specialist support team are on hand to answer your questions too!
