Positive Behaviour Support on the Gold Coast: Meet Jessie Rose, Behaviour Support Practitioner
Looking for Positive Behaviour Support on the Gold Coast? Make a referral anytime by completing our quick referral form.
Keen to learn more about behaviour support practitioners in Queensland and the Gold Coast? Read on!
I’m pleased to introduce Jessie Rose, who is a behaviour support practitioner supporting the Gold Coast community. In her work as a behaviour support practitioner, Jessie takes a compassionate and empathetic approach, ensuring her clients and the important people in their lives have the opportunity to be heard and understood. Read on to find out how Positive Behaviour Support can help you and how you can get started on the Gold Coast.
Meet Jessie Rose, Behaviour Support Practitioner on the Gold Coast
Jessie, we’re so happy to have you on our team at Ability Consultants. Tell us about you!
Thank you so much, Melody. It's nice to be here. I am an ultimate multitasker with a flair for design and a heart of gold. As a Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner, I'm passionate about developing positive and supportive relationships to bring about meaningful change and help others improve their quality of life.
I have a keen eye for detail and a history as an Interior Designer for the TV series, The Block. I also juggled roles as a copywriter, coach and mentor while furthering my studies in counselling and psychotherapy. Yes, I wear many hats!
Quirky hobbies? Oh, plenty! You'll often find me and my loyal Cavoodle, Bailey, frolicking on the beach. When not sand-covered, I’m likely to be eating way too much chocolate, hoarding new coffee table books or be knee-deep in yet another home renovation project. Fun fact: I’ve single-handedly renovated my entire home. Yep, bare hands and all!
What inspired you to pursue a career in Positive Behaviour Support?
My decision to pursue a career in Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) stems from my belief that behaviour is a powerful form of communication. Many individuals struggle to express their needs, desires, or frustrations in a functional way, a challenge I intimately understand from my own experiences.
Having grown up with a brother with a disability and complex challenges, I've personally felt the frustration of being misunderstood and seeing him struggle daily. This insight drives my dedication to bridging these communication gaps and advocating for understanding and support.
I am driven to look beyond the surface of behaviours and understand the underlying messages they convey. By examining the broader context and delving deeply into the root causes of behaviours, I aim to uncover the answers that can significantly improve someone's quality of life.
My goal is to create positive ripple effects through effective support and intervention, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to be heard and understood. This approach not only enhances the individual's life but also fosters a more compassionate and empathetic environment for everyone involved.
Positive Behaviour Support on the Gold Coast
Can you tell us about a time you’ve seen Positive Behaviour Support in action and how it can impact on someone’s life?
Certainly! John is a 14-year-old boy diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). He attends a mainstream school but often exhibits challenging behaviours, including frequent verbal outbursts and physical aggression. These behaviours have led to strained relationships with peers and teachers, and John has been at risk of exclusion from school.
Through a comprehensive PBS plan, a Functional Behavior Assessment identified environmental factors and academic challenges as triggers. Strategies included:
- Adjusting his environment to reduce noise and allow for space to withdraw
- Implementing a visual schedule
- Teaching alternative communication methods, and
- Using a reward system for positive behaviour.
The impact was profound: John's outbursts decreased, his communication improved, and his academic performance and relationships with peers and teachers significantly enhanced, increasing self-esteem and social integration. This example illustrates how PBS can transform challenging behaviours and positively impact an individual's life.
Positive Behaviour Support transforms quality of life, not just for an individual but also for the important people in their life. Can you tell us what this might look like for family or professionals who support individuals with disabilities?
Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) can indeed transform the quality of life for both individuals with disabilities and the people who support them, such as family members and professionals.
Here's how PBS might impact family members:
- Reduced stress and conflict: PBS strategies help to minimise challenging behaviours (also known as behaviours of concern), leading to a calmer and more harmonious home environment. This reduces stress and conflict within the family.
- Improved relationships: As behaviours improve, family members often experience more positive interactions with their loved ones. They may find it easier to communicate effectively and enjoy more meaningful connections.
- Enhanced quality time: With fewer disruptions from challenging behaviours, families can spend more time together, engaging in activities everyone enjoys.
- Increased confidence: Seeing their loved one succeed and manage behaviours positively can boost family members' confidence in their ability to support and advocate for them.
- Access to support networks: Families involved in PBS often connect with other families and support networks, sharing experiences and learning from each other's strategies.
Behaviour support practitioners collect information as part of developing a person’s behaviour support plan. Families and NDIS providers are often busy with the demands of life and supporting individuals with complex needs — sometimes they may feel that collecting information can be a challenge. As a behaviour support practitioner, how do you ensure that data collection and assessments are manageable?
As a behaviour support practitioner, I ensure data collection and assessments are manageable by prioritising clear communication, streamlining processes with user-friendly tools, providing training and support, utilising technology for efficiency, scheduling regular check-ins, being flexible with timelines, and offering positive reinforcement for participation.
I am flexible with adjustments to behaviour assessments, for example, if it is difficult for a family to provide written responses the assessment may be performed in an interview style, or if meeting in person is challenging I am able to meet online or over the phone.
These strategies help minimise the burden on families and support providers while maintaining the effectiveness of behaviour support plans.
Positive Behaviour Support and behaviours of concern
Behaviours of harm are sometimes known as challenging behaviours. Can you share an example of a behaviour of harm that might be present for a person with Autism Spectrum Disorder and what steps a PBS practitioner might take to support this individual?
An example of a behaviour of harm for a person with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) could be severe meltdowns (physical aggression, self harm, verbal aggression etc.) when faced with unexpected changes in routine. A PBS practitioner would conduct a Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) to understand the triggers and functions of the behaviour.
Based on the assessment, we might develop a behaviour support plan focused on proactive strategies like: visual schedules to prepare the individual for transitions, teaching coping skills such as deep breathing or using a calming space, and providing positive reinforcement for adaptive behaviours during changes in routine. These steps aim to reduce the occurrence of meltdowns and support the person in managing transitions more effectively.
Can a behaviour support practitioner help with de-escalating behaviours of harm? What might this look like in practice, for example, for a person living in aged care with dementia?
A behaviour support practitioner can help with de-escalating behaviours of harm by a person living in aged care with dementia. This might involve:
- Immediate assessment: Quickly assess the situation to understand triggers and potential causes of the behaviour.
- Implementing calming techniques: Introducing calming strategies such as soothing music, gentle touch, or redirection to a quieter environment.
- Verbal and non-verbal communication: Using clear, calm communication and non-verbal cues to reassure and guide the individual.
- Supporting caregivers: Providing guidance and training to caregivers on effective de-escalation techniques and preventive strategies.
- Collaborating with the healthcare team: Working closely with the healthcare team to develop a personalised behaviour support plan that addresses triggers and promotes a calming environment.
These steps aim to reduce common triggers and promote a supportive and safe environment for individuals with dementia in aged care settings.
Teachers and other education providers may notice behaviours of concern in the classroom and schoolyard. Can you tell us the difference between school-wide Positive Behaviour Support and person-centred Positive Behaviour Support for NDIS participants?
School-wide Positive Behaviour Support (SWPBS) focuses on creating a positive school culture and environment through consistent practices and systems that support all students. It involves teaching behavioural expectations, implementing strategies for prevention and intervention, and using data to inform decision-making across the entire school community.
On the other hand, person-centred Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) for NDIS participants is tailored to meet the specific needs of an individual with disabilities. It involves thoroughly assessing the person's behaviours, identifying triggers and functions, and developing personalised strategies and supports to address these behaviours. Under the NDIS framework, PBS emphasises individualised plans that promote autonomy, dignity, and personal goals.
What can teachers do if they feel a student with a disability would benefit from a person-centred PBS plan?
Teachers can collaborate with families to see if the student may have an NDIS plan, at which point a referral can be placed to engage with a behaviour support practitioner.
Even if their student does not yet have funding for Positive Behaviour Support, a behaviour support practitioner can often be engaged under other funding categories in order to provide an initial assessment to support the inclusion of Behaviour Support funding (to engage with a behaviour support practitioner).
They can also initiate the process for a person-centred Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) plan by documenting behaviours, consulting with the special education team, advocating for a Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA), actively participating in plan development, implementing PBS strategies in the classroom, monitoring progress, and advocating for necessary support services. These actions help tailor support to students' needs, promoting a positive learning environment.
Where we provide Positive Behaviour Support on the Gold Coast
Where do you provide Positive Behaviour Support on the Gold Coast?
As a PBS practitioner on the Gold Coast, I support NDIS participants in Burleigh Heads, Reedy Creek, Robina, Southport, Helensvale, Coomera, Coolangatta, Currumbin, Miami, Kirra, Tweed Heads, Banora Point, Mermaid Waters, Mudgeeraba, Labrador, Varsity Lakes, Highland Park and more.
We also have PBS practitioners who support NDIS participants in Brisbane and regional Queensland, including Logan, Ipswich, Stanthorpe, Moreton Bay, Bundaberg, Hervey Bay, Townsville and Cairns.
How to access Positive Behaviour Support on the Gold Coast
How can NDIS participants on the Gold Coast get started with Positive Behaviour Support?
The first step is to make a referral for Positive Behaviour Support on our website. You can do this anytime and you can make your own referral, or a member of your support team can make a referral on your behalf.
If you have any questions about Positive Behaviour Support, please feel welcome to call our team on 1300 694 625 or send a message using our contact form.
Life on the Gold Coast
What are some of your favourite accessible recreation activities on the Gold Coast?
The Gold Coast offers a variety of accessible recreation activities and areas that cater to individuals with different needs. Here are some of my favourites:
- Burleigh Heads National Park features well-maintained walking tracks with accessible sections that provide stunning coastline views. The Oceanview track is particularly popular and offers a relatively easy walk with beautiful scenery.
- Broadwater Parklands: Located in Southport, Broadwater Parklands is a fantastic area with a wide range of facilities designed for accessibility. The parklands include wheelchair-friendly pathways, picnic areas, and playgrounds with inclusive equipment. The Rockpools water play area is a hit with families and is designed to be accessible to all.
- Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is committed to accessibility, providing wheelchair access throughout most of the park. Visitors can enjoy close encounters with native Australian animals, including kangaroos, koalas, and various bird species. The sanctuary also offers accessible amenities and services, such as wheelchair hire.
- Gold Coast beaches: Several beaches on the Gold Coast have made significant efforts to improve accessibility. Main Beach, Kurrawa Beach, and Burleigh Heads Beach offer beach wheelchairs, accessible amenities, and mats that make it easier for wheelchair users to reach the sand and water. These beaches often have lifeguards on duty, enhancing safety for all visitors.
- Sea World is a popular theme park with a strong focus on accessibility. The park provides accessible parking, wheelchair hire, and various services to assist people with disabilities. Most attractions, shows, and exhibits are designed to be accessible, ensuring an enjoyable experience for everyone.
- Pacific Fair Shopping Centre: For those who enjoy shopping and dining, Pacific Fair Shopping Centre in Broadbeach is highly accessible. The centre features wide aisles, accessible parking, elevators, and restroom facilities. It's a great spot to relax, shop, and enjoy a meal in a comfortable and accommodating environment.
- Hinze Dam offers beautiful scenery and accessible facilities, including picnic areas, walking tracks, and fishing spots. The dam's Visitor Centre provides information about the area's history and construction, and it's equipped with accessible restrooms and parking.
- Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk: For those who love nature, the Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk offers an accessible adventure through the treetops. The walk features a cantilever bridge, elevated walkways, and forest floor trails, all designed to accommodate visitors with mobility challenges.
About Ability Consultants
Ability Consultants is a registered NDIS provider dedicated to creating freedom and social connection through easy access to Positive Behaviour Support. We are a team of over 130 behaviour support practitioners located throughout Australia. Contact us about Positive Behaviour Support in Queensland, including Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Logan, Ipswich, Stanthrope, Moreton Bay, Wide Bay, Townsville and Cairns.
Further information about Positive Behaviour Support
Here are useful links about Positive Behaviour Support:
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