Meet the team: Julie Ross

Meet Julie, one of our Townsville service delivery Team Leaders. Julie started her career with selectability as a Lifestyle Support Worker in late 2018, and following the career progression pathway and taking advantage of training opportunities quickly move into a leadership role.

With a background in predominantly hospitality and administration roles across a range of industries Julie felt it was time for a change when returning to the workforce after having children.

 “I decided at 36 years young that I would change my career and find a challenging role that wasn’t the same every day,” said Julie.

“I have always been in caring and supportive roles (both personally and at work) so I decided to study a Certificate III in Individual Support.”

Julie completed her work placement for the course at selectability and Team Leader Kylie (who Julie now works alongside) interviewed her a role as an LSW - needless to stay she got the job!

“Once I had finished my placement and secured employment with selectability, I took the opportunity and enrolled straight away in the Certificate IV Mental Health.

“As luck would have it just as I finished my course an Acting Team Leader position became available so I applied for the role and have been a Team Leader ever since.”

As a working professional Julie comes from a unique space in that she has also have lived experience when it comes to mental health and suicide.

“I’ve seen a lot of friends and family members go through their struggle with mental health and suicide, and sadly I’ve lost a lot of them to it as well.

“The biggest impact for me was watching my dad go through his battle with cancer, seeing the toll it took on his mental health, losing so much of his independence and not wanting to reach out for help was a big eye opener for me.”

It was this life experience in particular that pushed Julie to pursue a passion of working in an industry that allowed her to help those around her.

“I wanted to be able to work somewhere that empowers people to be independent and also help advocate for those who struggle to do so.  It’s so easy to talk about what people need but also to forget to ask “what people want” – at the need of the day it’s about them.”

Julie’s role includes leading a team of LSWs and customer service officers to support consumers to achieve their goals

“I am responsible for setting and maintaining consistent rosters that respect our consumer’s choice and control, while also trying to fit some consistency into staff rosters where possible.

“As a Team Leader I also work during times of crisis to step in and do whatever is necessary to support consumers and staff.

“There is really so much more to the role than you can imagine! Let’s just say when I said I wanted a more challenging career – I definitely found it and I love it!”