Susan “Leaps” into a great job! 

Susan commenced her role as Clinic Assistant at an occupational therapy practice in April 2025. The paediatric occupational and speech therapy clinic works with children of all neurotypes including autism, ADHD, and learning/language disabilities.  

Susan says “My job is a clinic assistant. I work with the speech and occupational therapists, helping them with scanning, tidy and reset session rooms and meet and greet parents and kids”. 

“I tidy and sanitise session rooms after use, vacuum, copying and scanning documents, help therapists create activities for their young clients (cutting and laminating), and meet and greeting the young clients and the parents. I even write inspirational song lyrics on the whiteboard just outside of the staff breakroom to motivate everyone that comes through the clinic. The entire team here are super friendly, supportive, happy people who are easy to talk to”.  

Susan had applied for many paid jobs but struggled to secure one.

“I have been contributing to Vinnies for over three years as a volunteer on Sundays, but having a paid job gives me a sense of financial independence, being able to pay for my own expenses, and being a valuable member of the team”.  

Susan found the recruitment process and support provided by Down Syndrome Victoria (DSV) helpful, saying “The support that Down Syndrome Victoria provide me was assisting me with the interview questions which I had to prepare, the calls leading up to the date  asking if needed help getting there, during the face to face interview as I do get nervous and sometimes forget what to say, as I had met Bree (from DSV) just before the interview and we had a chat to help ease my nerves, and afterwards with following up the results of the interview.” 

While Susan says that “having this job makes me a happier person”, her employer is equally as happy with having Susan on the team.  

The Business Manager says “Welcoming Susan into our team as an Office Assistant has been an incredibly rewarding experience”. 

“Susan brings such a positive, hardworking energy to the clinic, and her dedication, attention to detail, and pride in her work have made a meaningful impact on the team and our clients”. 

“Beyond her day-to-day contributions, Susan has also enriched our workplace culture, reminding us of the value of inclusion, and celebrating each other’s strengths”. 

“We’re grateful to have her as part of the team and look forward to continuing to support her growth and success”.