Juniper Administration Officer Lourdes McCann makes the juggle of taking phone calls, greeting visitors and answering staff questions look easy at Juniper Annesley Residential Home reception in Bentley.
While is Lourdes is new to this varied position, she has been part of the Juniper team for the past 14 years and a people person for much longer than that.
Lourdes grew up in the Philippines, going on to work as supervisor at a garment factory, and later a logistics manager with a timber flooring business where she took care of everything from coordinating staff schedules to providing customer quotes.
After moving to Australia with her husband in 2011, Lourdes was keen to join the workforce and secure a qualification when a friend suggested studying aged care.
The 65-year-old went on to complete a Certificate III in Aged Care and decided to visit various aged care sites across Perth to get a first-hand impression of what each offered.
“I liked the vibe of Juniper,” Lourdes said.
“Initially, I thought I couldn’t do the job, but day by day, after a couple of weeks I knew I could, because I’m a people person.”
Lourdes attributed her 14 years as a carer to the support from colleagues, and the efforts that they went to teaching and mentoring new staff as well as students.
About a month ago, Lourdes moved from her long-term carer role with Juniper to become the welcoming face of reception Juniper Annesley.
Taking to the role in no time, Lourdes particularly likes the diverse nature of the position and that she can continue to be a friendly and supportive resource for staff and customers.
“It’s a varied and very flexible – phone queries, paperwork, ordering supplies, scheduling staff, lots of visitors – and I’m still working with people, which I enjoy,” she said.
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