Staff profile: Jane (student placement)
still prepa ring to climb
Tell us a bit about you
My name is Jane-Lee, though I prefer to go by Jane. I’m 24 years old and I’m doing my Social Work placement in Housing Choices’ Community Development Team. I’m currently doing a double degree at RMIT University, a Bachelor of Honours of Social Work and a Bachelor of Social Sciences/Psychology. It’s a five- year program and I will graduate next year around February, upon the completion of the required 500 hours for my Field Education 2 Placement in February. friendly everybody was when I first started, and probably even more surprised that they continued to be just as friendly and welcoming over the course of my placement. It’s clear that Housing Choices as an organisation has worked hard to build an inclusive and welcoming community amongst its staff and it’s been really wonderful to meet so many friendly individuals who are so competent in their own areas of expertise. The thing that really stood out to me was Housing Choices didn’t just stop at providing affordable housing – which is an awesome thing in its own right. But you go that next step and say, “well how can we help build resilient and inclusive neighbourhoods?”. I really liked that, because communities are amazing spaces that can harness and leverage engagement and participation for social change and positive growth. How do you find Housing Choices as an organisation? It seems silly now, but I was actually quite surprised by how What made you seek a placement with Housing Choices?
What are some of your most memorable moments with Housing Choices tenants?
Interacting with the residents in the Preston Hub’s Craft and Chat and Meal and Recipe Sharing groups specifically, and the other resident based community groups and activities, has been an amazing experience. These groups welcomed me into their community from day one and it’s been awesome watching them grow as a group and develop new skills, in new areas for some and old hobbies for others. What are some of the key elements you think make a great community development officer? Working with Naomi has highlighted for me the importance of using a strengths-based approach with our resident community. Housing Choices residents often face high levels of adversity or even crisis in their lives, and by focusing on their strengths, skills and achievements (rather than their deficits) we are able to acknowledge and promote residents’ individuality and resilience, which I think can be a really powerful thing.
Caption Head over to his page @ bobbybajrammounteverest2013 to stay up to date with his progress. The latest update from Housing Choices resident Bobby Bajram on his journey to climb Mt Everest - continuously training to ensure peak physical condition - recently participating in the Blue Dirt ladies’ mountain biking weekend and an international athletes training event at Falls Creek. We wish you continued success Bobby. Keep up the good work! We can’t wait to see what you achieve this year!
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