Rima Younes, a valued member of Tender Loving Care Disability Services (TLC), holds a significant role as the Specialist Support Coordinator. With an extensive portfolio of responsibilities and a passion for empowering the community, Rima shares her insights into her multifaceted role and experiences with us.
Get To Know Rima
- Head of Social Work: Rima spearheads the Social Work department at TLC, leading a dedicated team of professionals.
- Supervision of Social Work Students: She mentors and supervises both Bachelor and Master of Social Work students during their practicum.
- Key Innovations: Rima developed the pioneering Keyworker Model, catering to Early Childhood Intervention for children aged 0 to 9 with disabilities or developmental delays. This model, now successfully implemented, includes three dedicated workers in the team.
- Team Management: Rima oversees and supports our team of Support Coordinators, ensuring they are well-informed and equipped to provide comprehensive care.
We got the chance to have a brief conversation with her and ask about her experiences at TLC. Rima’s journey reveals various aspects of her role and insights into the organisation’s principles.
What is the best thing about working with TLC from your experience?
Rima Younes: The sense of family among colleagues is truly remarkable. There’s a collective commitment to providing quality care to our community’s most vulnerable individuals.
Rima shares this heartfelt connection with the NDIS provider’s supportive environment and dedication to community care, which reflect the organisation’s core values.
Every role comes with its share of challenges. What has been the most challenging aspect of your work at TLC, and how do you navigate it?
Rima: Adapting to the diverse challenges encountered daily is undoubtedly demanding, especially when resolving crises for our participants who are at risk. Cases where individuals face the threat of homelessness pose significant hurdles. Establishing stability becomes pivotal in delivering effective therapeutic support.
Rima’s acknowledgment of the dynamic challenges within her role showed her adaptability and the complexity of providing holistic support. She further elaborates that to overcome such challenges, TLC provides the support and backing to ensure its commitment to enhancing and empowering the lives of participants.
If you had to describe TLC in three words, what would they be?
Rima: Committed, Quality, Empowering.
This 3rd of December, we celebrate the International Day of People with Disability with the theme, “United in action to rescue and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for, with and by persons with disabilities.”
We also took the chance to ask Rima about this event and how we should celebrate it.
Why do you think it’s important to celebrate the International Day of People with Disability?
Rima: The people we celebrate on this are more than their disabilities. Empowering them is at the heart of what we do.
She also says that raising awareness for people with disabilities is extremely important; celebrating abilities and potential is at the core of this day.
How does TLC observe this significant day?
Rima: We prioritise inclusivity by allowing individuals with disabilities to lead and participate actively in our celebratory events, fostering a sense of belonging.
Rima’s description highlighted TLC’s dedication to creating an inclusive environment that values and empowers every participant.
Lastly, how do you believe effective empowerment of people with disabilities can be achieved?
Rima: It begins with active listening, avoiding preconceptions, and continually revisiting and evolving goals.
Rima’s remarkable leadership and dedication highlight TLC’s commitment to empowering its team members and the community. Her insights not only reflect the organisation’s mission but also embody the essence of empathy and empowerment within its core values.
As TLC celebrates the International Day of People with Disability on the 3rd of December, Rima’s unwavering commitment and compassionate approach serve as a guiding light, reinforcing TLC’s dedication to inclusivity, advocacy, and fostering an environment where everyone’s strengths are valued and celebrated.
About the Author
Tender Loving Care Disability Services is a registered NDIS provider that offers dedicated support to individuals with disabilities across Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, and other regions in Australia.
