In a world where career paths often seem fixed, there are some stories that defy expectations. My journey is one of those stories—a remarkable transformation from a truck driver to a Behaviour Therapy Assistant at Kevria Clinical Service, showing that it's never too late to reinvent yourself and find a new purpose.
For years, I worked as a truck driver for a roofing supplier company, hauling materials to job sites across Port Macquarie and surrounding suburbs. It was a job that kept me on the move, providing me with a steady income and the satisfaction of hard work. But, despite the stability it offered, I felt there was something missing. The repetitive nature of the work left me longing for more—a job that would challenge me mentally, allow me to make a real difference, and provide a deeper sense of fulfilment. I also wanted a job where I felt a sense of purpose and could make a difference in people lives.
A Spark of Change
Though I enjoyed the camaraderie of my coworkers in my past job, I often found himself wondering about other fields where I could truly make an impact. I had always been fascinated by human behaviour, especially the way people overcame obstacles and adapted to challenges. It was a subject I thought about often, especially when I encountered individuals facing difficult personal struggles or mental health issues.
One day, during a conversation with my daughter who worked as a Behaviour Support Practitioner, my perspective shifted. My daughter spoke about the rewarding aspects of working with individuals to help them improve their quality of life and well-being. This sparked something —a realisation that maybe this was an opening to an opportunity where I work and feel more fulfilment in my job. It was a completely different direction from my current career, but it felt like the right one.
A New Beginning at Kevria
Determined to make a change, I took the leap and applied for a behaviour therapy assistant position at Kevria. I have now been at Kevria for almost two years and I have not turned back! Although vastly different from loading roofing materials onto trucks or spending long hours on construction sites, I learned to stay calm under pressure, be adaptable, and work as part of a team. This has been a transferrable skill and has proven invaluable in my new role. Working at Kevria has marked the start of an entirely new chapter in my life.
Embracing the Role
As a Behaviour Therapy Assistant at Kevria, my days are filled with hands-on work, assisting therapists in developing and implementing behaviour intervention plans for clients. I support individuals with a variety of needs, including children and adults with autism, ADHD, and other diagnoses. The work is at times challenging, but the rewards are immeasurable.
Promotion to Senior Behaviour Therapy Assistant
Recently, I have gained a new promotion as a Senior Behaviour Therapy Assistant where I mentor and train behaviour therapy assistants. Working collaboratively with clinician's, coordinators of support and local area coordinators has been eye opening, and I continuously am developing my knowledge on the participants I support and their wider support team. In addition, I have begun running internal community events to increase engagement amongst BTA and participants which is a highlight of my week! I look forward to my progression with Kevria and the many career opportunities it has to offer!
What Is the Difference of this Career Path Versus Other Careers?
What truly sets this career apart for me is the direct connection I am able to make with the individuals I help. Whether I am supporting a child who is learning new social skills, a teenager gaining emotional regulation techniques, or an adult working toward greater independence, I see the tangible impact that my efforts have on others. These daily victories are a stark contrast to the work I once did whilst driving a truck —though those tasks were physically demanding, they never provided the same emotional payoff.
For myself personally, working at Kevria is more than just acquiring new skills it has been about building relationships and witnessing personal growth in both the people I support and myself.