Meet Julie Massar

Behaviour Support Practitioner

  • I have worked supporting people with disabilities for 20 years, in organisations such as the Department of Family and Community Services (FACS) and more specifically, Ageing, Disability and Home Care (ADHC). I worked in roles ranging from direct support, respite manager, case manager and behaviour support practitioner. In the past 10 years, my focus has been as a teacher, delivering education and training to students who are working in the disability sector.

    I have gained vast experience working with people from all backgrounds who have intellectual and physical disabilities, psychosocial disorders, vision and hearing impairments. I have a special interest in early intervention, supporting and educating carers and support staff, and working with people who have autism spectrum disorder.

    • Bachelor of Inclusive Education (major in disability studies)

    • Diploma of Disability

    • Certificate IV in Training and Assessment

    • Statement of Attainment in Teaching by Distance

  • I combine my approach with positive behaviour support (PBS), trauma informed care and the social model of disability. I work from a strengths-based and person-centred approach and focus on skill development, communication support, meaningful occupation and inclusive community relationships.

Q&A

Why were you drawn to studying Positive Behaviour Support?

Before embarking on my studies, I had been supporting people with disabilities in the community for 10 years. I had a special interest in supporting people who were impacted by their behaviour and wanted to expand on my learning and skills for applying contemporary person-centred approaches. In my community work, I could see how positive behaviour support could improve the quality of life for an individual by expanding their opportunities, relationships and community participation. 

What do you enjoy about your work, and what are you interested in or fascinated by?

I enjoy connecting with people and gaining a broad understanding of the “whole picture”.
I like to build rapport with the client and other significant people in their lives to gain a true understanding of the barriers and goals that are important to the individual. 

I see behaviour support as a collaborative approach and enjoy working closely with other professionals and services to ensure better outcomes for the client. 

I have a special interest in getting to know the unique individual, their talents and gifts, and seeing beyond the behaviour as a form of communication. I am fascinated by people, our differences and how we see and interpret the world around us. 

Supporting, mentoring and educating carers and support staff is also something I enjoy, as I feel a consistent approach across all environments is so important for the client. 

What drives you to show up for yourself and your clients in this role?

I am driven by the opportunity to make achievable differences for the client. I feel a sense of responsibility to be present, engaged and motivated for the client and others in their lives. Sometimes, that is enough to start the ball rolling for positive and sustainable change. Seeing positive changes in the client’s life gives me a sense of meaning and fulfilment in my work.

What have people said about your approach to this work?

People have said that my approach is patient, curious, supportive and motivated. I bring warmth and humour to everything I do and have an optimistic outlook.