25/09/2026
Continuing our “MEET OUR TEAM” interview series...
Today, we’re introducing Hedi, who is currently completing her Master of Social Work and doing her placement with us!
At Carpe Diem, we love welcoming students into our team! For some students, it can even be the beginning of their journey with Carpe Diem, with opportunities to join our team as a Support Worker after completing their studies.
We asked Hedi a few questions about her experience, what she has learned so far, and what advice she would give to anyone considering a career in Social Work or Support Work.
🔷What made you choose to study Social Work, and what inspired you to do your placement in the disability and mental health sector?
I always have a strong interest in supporting vulnerable populations through social work. I have been involved in a wide range of volunteering and community activities since younger age, and these experiences have taught me the importance of caring, sharing, and supporting others to improve their quality of life. I find career in Social Work meaningful and rewarding. Knowing that I can contribute, even in a small way, to someone’s wellbeing and goals gives me a strong sense of purpose. I chose to complete my placement in the disability and mental health sector because I wanted to develop a deeper understanding of how the NDIS operates and how different services and professionals work together to support people with disability and mental health challenges. I also wanted to better understand how person-centred support can help participants work towards their individual goals and increase their independence and wellbeing.
🔷What has been the most valuable thing you’ve learned during your placement at Carpe Diem so far?
One of the most valuable things I have learned throughout my placement is the importance of reflecting on my own practice. Placement has encouraged me to think critically about how I communicate, how I respond to different situations, and how my own assumptions and experiences may influence my practice. I have realised that being a good social worker or support worker is not only about having knowledge and skills, but also about being willing to reflect, learn from feedback/mistake, and continue to improve.
🔷What has surprised you most about working in the disability and mental health sector compared to what you expected?
I have been particularly surprised by the number of different professionals who can be involved in supporting one participant. Before my placement, I mainly understood the NDIS through the perspective of participants, support workers, and NDIS providers. Through my placement at Carpe Diem, I have realised that there can be a much broader team working behind the scenes, including OT, support coordinators, behaviour support practitioners, speech therapists, and other allied health professionals. Each of them brings different knowledge and expertise, but they share the common goal of supporting participants to achieve their individual goals.
🔷What skills or qualities do you think are important for someone who wants to become a Support Worker or work in Social Work?
I would particularly highlight rapport-building, active listening, empathy, and critical reflection. Building rapport is important because people are more likely to feel comfortable and supported when they feel respected and genuinely listened to. I also think it is important to validate people's feelings and experiences rather than immediately trying to solve their problems. For me, there is an important difference between empathy and sympathy. Empathy means trying to understand someone's experience from their perspective, while still respecting that their experience belongs to them. Finally, critical reflection is essential because social workers and support workers need to continually reflect on their practice, recognise areas for improvement, and consider how their own values and assumptions may influence their work.
🔷What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about studying Social Work or starting their career as a Support Worker?
If you have a genuine desire to support people who are experiencing challenges, I would encourage you to give it a go. If contributing to someone's wellbeing and seeing them make progress brings you a sense of purpose and happiness, social work or support work can be a very meaningful career. Most importantly, don't be afraid of working with vulnerable populations. You are not expected to know everything from the beginning. There are many useful resources such as practical tools, colleagues, and supervisors who will be there to support you. You are not alone in your learning journey.
Thank you, Hedi!
