That was important to me - knowing you are actually making a difference in people's lives

12 Oct 2022

When clinical coordinator Luvern was living in New Zealand and saw a new role advertised at St John of God Health Care in Western Australia, he jumped at the chance to apply, not just because it ticked boxes in terms of remuneration and location, but also because our values were evident in the type of service and who it supported.

 “One of the things that really stood out to me when I saw this job advertised was the values - I could really resonate with them,” says the occupational therapist, who works at St John of God Mental Wellbeing Services.

“We offer a therapy service at no cost to people that are disadvantaged, people that would not generally be able to access these services because of cost,” he says. 

“Being part of a not-for–profit and knowing that you are actually making a difference in people’s lives - people that actually need it - that was something that was really important to me.”

Luvern works in Mandurah in Western Australia’s Peel region, just 45 minutes south of the Perth and says while the benefits of his role have been numerous, it’s the family focussed vibe of Perth’s south that has been the real winner for his family since the international move.

“One of the things that I really love about living in Western Australia is the weather,” he says. “It is always warm and you are never too far away from the beach, which is an incredible bonus.”

“In terms of family life, there is constantly something to do with the kids. Everything is so family friendly and family focussed - that really makes the world of difference for us,” he says.
 
Prior to his current role, Luvern worked as a mental health occupational therapist for 13 years and says it wasn’t long after he started with us that he was offered his current position as clinical coordinator for the service.

“Clinical coordinator was something that I’d always wanted to do; I really wanted my career to head in that direction,” he says.

“Actually feeling valued in what you do and being recognised for that … you really feel valued as a member of the team.

“Working for St John of God Health Care is being part of an organisation that really cares about you,” says Luvern.