Mackenzie Crane is a Behaviour Support Practitioner in genU’s allied health team. In her highly rewarding role she advocates for genu NDIS disability services clients, identifying ways to improve their quality of life.
What does a Behaviour Support Practitioner do?
My role is very broad, and I get to do a lot of different things with the people we work with.
Our main aim and goal is to improve quality of life and help people to stay connected and involved with the things that are important to them.
We help the person, and the people around them, to understand what’s contributing to difficulties and educate and upskill them on how to better meet their needs.
We work with our clients’ disability support workers, staff in Specialised Disability Accommodation (SDA), parents, teachers, schools and others who are in their lives. We help them to explore and understand what’s the best way to interact with and support them.
What is a behaviour of concern?
A behaviour of concern is any kind of behaviour that might result in risk of harm to yourself or other people or may lead to you being excluded from the community in some way.
People hear the words ‘behaviour of concern’ and there can be a bit of stigma around that, but our focus is positive and on what the person’s needs are. We believe that behaviour has a purpose and is a form of communication. Behaviours of concern are signals that something isn’t going right in someone’s life. There might be an unmet need and we look at more effective ways of getting those needs met.
Is the support you provide different for each person you work with?
Our support is person-centred and individualised. That’s one of the key values of Positive Behaviour Support (PBS).
Because human behaviour is so complex, it’s different for each person. We investigate the underlying need behind the behaviour and then we can really tailor support for them.
What was your pathway to this type of work?
I started at genU in the Contact team, learning about the NDIS and genU and everything we have to offer.
I then moved into a support coordination role, helping people with disability access the right services and support for their needs and life.
After that I transitioned into behaviour support.
I did a Bachelor of Psychology with Honours at university. So that’s why behaviour support was of interest to me. I found I could really use those skills I gained through my degree. And then I did more professional development and behaviour support training.
Did you know this type of role existed before you joined genU?
No. And I wish I did!
Behaviour support is such a great option for me – to be able to draw on what I learnt in my psychology degree. It’s always interesting keeps my brain ticking.
Can your job be stressful?
Only because I’m so passionate about the people that I’m supporting, that I just want the best for them.
And how do people discover you and get support from you team?
Often people are referred by their support coordinator. Also, if people have behaviour support funding in their NDIS plan people just call or do a self-referral online, or get a friend or family member to refer on their behalf.
What would you say to someone who was thinking about working in this area?
I would encourage them to give it a go!
You get to make such a big difference in people’s lives. We can be the person who’s in a participant’s corner cheering them on and advocating for them. It’s a very rewarding and meaningful role.
Get support to improve your quality of life and stay involved in the things that are important to you. Talk to us about assessment, positive behaviour plans and ongoing support. Learn more