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At Inclusion Tree, we know that expanding your caseload can feel daunting, but it’s also an opportunity for growth, learning, and making an even more significant impact on participants’ lives.
We sat down with Bianca to discuss her experience transitioning from a 12-participant caseload to a 46-participant caseload when she stepped up to help Tania while she was recovering from surgery. Here’s what she had to say—and why she is now eager to take on even more.
Taking on a larger caseload seems intimidating at first. When you are already comfortable with a smaller workload, the idea of taking on more can seem daunting. But for Bianca, after the initial shock wore off, she found that she knew she had a supportive team behind her that would help her succeed in her work.
“I was very overwhelmed. There was excitement but also nerves. Going from 12 to 46 participants, I worried I’d mess things up. But I knew I had a great support team behind me, so I wasn’t alone.”
What was the key to her success with the new workload? Putting a system in place to keep track of her day-to-day tasks. Bianca also knew that she wasn’t alone in this. She had a trusted support team behind her, so if anything did go wrong, help was always a phone call away.
“If something were to go wrong, I could reach out to someone and know I’d get the help I needed.”
At first, the workload seemed impossible, but it became manageable with structure and support.
“It was challenging, but now that it’s all done, it’s been very rewarding. Being thrown in the deep end made me realise it wasn’t as scary as I thought.”
The experience also boosted her confidence in handling complex cases, something that she was hesitant to take on in the past. At the time, she lacked the knowledge of what she would be required to do in such a case and was concerned with her capabilities. But now, after experiencing the complex cases, her confidence has skyrocketed.
“The more challenging ones weren’t just a phone call a day; it was multiple calls daily. It was very rewarding to see the impact of the efforts that I was making.”
Beyond the boost in confidence, Bianca also learnt more about the resources available to participants and how they relate to her role. For example, in the past, Bianca never needed to interact with a Public Guardian before “being thrown into the deep end”; now, she knows a lot more about them and how they relate to complex cases.
“Having a challenge or complex participant just makes you more aware of what else is out there.”
A quick refresher for those who might not be aware of a Public Guardian’s purpose. A court or tribunal appoints them to make decisions on behalf of someone if they lack decision-making abilities and have no Enduring Guardian. Anyone with no decision-making capacity and no family members, close friends or unpaid carer to be a private guardian is appointed a Public Guardian to make healthcare, lifestyle and medical decisions on their behalf.
What started as a temporary challenge became a career-defining moment. From the onset, Bianca already knew she wanted to eventually take on a full-time role, but a lack of experience kept her back from taking the plunge.
“My aim has always been to build my caseload and become full-time. Going from 12 to 46, made me realise, you know, it’s not so hard, it’s doable.”
If you’re hesitating, here’s Bianca’s advice:
“It might feel overwhelming at first, but when you see the smiles and hear the feedback—like Tania telling me how well I handled things—it makes everything worthwhile. Go for it!”
If you’ve been considering increasing your caseload or moving into full-time support coordination, remember:
Inclusion Tree is here to help you succeed. If you’re ready to take on more, reach out—we’d love to support your journey!
We acknowledge the connections of First Nations People of Australia to the land, sea and community on which we live and work. As custodians of this sacred land we respect and acknowledge Elders, past, present and emerging.