Only a bit over a year in the sector, Maddy Cater has been living the values of a youth worker in all she does. Maddy officially started in the sector in October last year as a Youth Engagement Officer at Northside Community Service after having worked in a general engagement role there.
Since February, she has been Youth Worker with the T25 Clinic in partnership with Directions & Woden Community Service. This has involved working in a multi-disciplinary team to deliver case management support to young people from 12–25 years old in the Canberra and Queanbeyan region. She also facilitates groups and events, runs engagement activities with young people, and participates in community engagement.
Maddy’s warm and authentic nature has enabled her to build rapport in her new role with ease, engaging with kindness, curiosity, humour, and honesty. Through clear boundaries, consistency, and empathy, she creates safe, supportive relationships. She isn’t afraid to admit when she doesn’t know something, and will consistently seek advice, resources, and opinions from experts within the field to make sure that the young people in her care have the best outcomes possible
Maddy routinely demonstrates initiative. In one instance, she actively sought out the policy changes and means necessary to address the young people falling through the cracks at her workplace because of transport issues. She has worked hard to learn the ins and outs of the youth sector and the available services, and she is always keen take up training and networking opportunities. Her commitment to learning has led her to undertake further studies in mental health, and a promising future career.
