With a Support Worker background spanning over five years, moving into the role of Innovative Choices Team Leader was a natural progression for CPSN’s Innovative Choices’ Team Leader Olivia McCluskey.
She has witnessed firsthand the amazing outcomes of what can be achieved when clients have the access to suitably tailored supports. She enjoys the collaboration, engagement, and flexibility that working with CPSN brings her and she is “always learning.”
One of these experiences has been working closely with three families of CPSN as they embarked on the journey to independent living. She has been fortunate to be actively involved in the planning and management of CPSN’s first SIL (Supported Independent Living) in Melbourne’s North-West.
I am grateful to be in a position where I can work in partnership with our clients and their families to build the life they want.
She encourages everyone who uses CPSN’s Innovative Choices to think outside the box on how we can best support them. If things aren’t exactly what clients are wanting, we will work together to get it right. “Don’t settle for anything less,” she says.
Olivia understands that Cerebral Palsy can present differently in everyone; so, finding the right supports is crucial, and our goal is always to customise it for each person accessing our services. She cites the importance of assisting CPSN clients with their goals, be that seeking more independence, building social confidence and friendships, and “connecting with community.”
Our clients often make the point that…a full and satisfying life [for a person with Cerebral Palsy] is absolutely possible; especially when they have access to the right supports.
CPSN prides itself on how diligently we match clients with Support Workers who will be working with them for the long term. Support Workers play such an important role in clients’ lives, so our recruitment and selection as well as the roster is very much client directed. Clients can opt to bring across someone they already have in their network or work closely with us to bring someone new into the team.
Olivia enjoys hiking in her spare time
When not working hard to achieve positive, happy outcomes for our clients, Olivia considers herself a farmers’ market aficionado, visiting many of Melbourne’s best, and loves dancing to The Wiggles on repeat with her mischievous toddler. She also enjoys hiking and cooking.
Let CPSN help you make the right choices. We would love to discuss your individual needs further, so please reach out! cpsn@cpsn.org.au or (03) 9478 1001
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