08/07/2025
Pearl Davda is one of our highly skilled support workers here at Empowered. We recently spoke to her about what she enjoys and finds challenging about support work, and what she likes to do when she’s off the clock.
“I’ve always been passionate about helping people,” Pearl said, when asked about her decision to become a support worker.
“I’ve been working at Empowered for nearly two years and I love it.”
Pearl explained that her work for Empowered is different from her previous job, because she has the chance to provide one-on-one support to a particular participant over a period of time.
“This means that we can build connections and positive relationships with participants. It also means they can be more comfortable and familiar with us.”
For Pearl, the most enjoyable aspect of her work is the opportunity to assist participants with everyday tasks which are made more difficult for people with disabilities.
“It just gives you a really happy feeling that you’ve made a positive impact,” Pearl said. “It’s very rewarding.”
Pearl brings many different strengths to her work, and one of them is adaptability.
“Everyone’s different in how they react to things,” she explained. “Moods change from day to day, so you just have to be able to adjust the way you talk and behave depending on how the person is feeling.”
Pearl also has excellent communication skills, which can be of great benefit to the participants she supports.
“Sometimes people just like to be heard, to have a friendly conversation without being judged or having to be professional. By being down to earth and genuine I can communicate effectively with them.”
As rewarding as support work can be, it is often difficult and can take a toll on a worker’s well-being. For Pearl, it can be a challenge to regulate her emotions and separating her work from the rest of her life.
“Sometimes if the participant is having a bit of a rough day and is quite anxious, it can be hard not to worry about them,” Pearl explained. “Usually after work if I have a full-on shift, I just sit in the car before entering my house and spend a few minutes silently letting go, telling myself that this is my time now.”
Pearl also praised her team at Empowered for supporting her through challenges and encouraging self-care.
“In my experience the team has been great, especially my team leader. She communicates with me and with the participant, encouraging me to take some time off if I need it.”
But there is a lot more to Pearl than her role as a support worker. She is studying a Bachelor of Information Technology, and enjoys staying at home with her cat or doing pilates with her friends.
“It’s a great little activity; I can combine health and social life all in one. I also like cooking and baking for my friends. My specialty is tiramisu.”
Pearl provided a final thought about her colleagues at Empowered, and how they have supported her during the past two years.
“They’re very flexible, communicate effectively, and support both the participants and the workers.”
At Empowered, we are currently looking for support workers to assist one of our participants who is based in Cranbourne. If you are interested in joining our team, email us at admin@myfutureplanners.com.au, or send us a message on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EmpoweredDSS
Are you Plan Managed or Self Managed with NDIS?
If you are seeking Disability Support Services in the Mornington Peninsula Shire, Melbourne, Alpine Region Bright and Albury/Wodonga, then contact us at Empowered Disability Support Services.
