As the Director of Operations for Terrace and District Community Service Society (TDCSS), it’s Stacey Stevens’ job to enhance the quality of care provided to TDCSS clients. Occasionally that means helping clients directly, but more often it means supporting TDCSS staff: improving the processes they use on a daily basis, and empowering them to take ownership of the care they provide to vulnerable populations in the Terrace area.
“Before starting with TDCSS in February 2022 I was the Health Director of an Indigenous community in Northern Alberta. My career had become very admin-focused, and I wanted to get back to client-centred care,” she says. “In my role with TDCSS I get to see how changes affect our client’s quality of life. I want to ensure we’re continuing to improve for our clients. When we enhance the processes that staff use on a daily basis, I love seeing those improvements come full circle.”
Meaningful work in Terrace
After two years of caution during the pandemic, TDCSS is excited to reconnect with the community. You’ll likely run into staff at the farmer’s market and other community events, raising awareness about the many services TDCSS provides and opportunities for the community to drive change. They’re also actively recruiting new employees.
“Being a support worker for a person with a developmental disability or a person from a vulnerable population is more than just a job. The emotional connection, the opportunity to build relationships with clients, the way it empowers and builds self worth among staff members — you get to change someone’s life,” Stevens says.
It’s also lots of fun.
“You’re helping that client live their best life — going to the beach, to the movies, going shopping — that’s a pretty cool job.”
Every client’s needs are different, and a support worker’s job is to figure out how to support that person’s needs as an individual —not fit them into the same box or the same systems as anyone else.
“It’s an amazing opportunity, especially for young people who want to be out in the world instead of stuck behind a desk.”
Grounded in the north
When she’s not working at TDCSS, Stevens loves to spend time in nature with her fiancé — riding ATVs at Red Sand Lake or hiking and camping on the coast.
“We’re really grounded in the north, and love that we both have positions where we get to empower people and share the privileges we’ve had throughout our lives.”
Learn more about TDCSS at tdcss.ca, call (250) 635-3178, email info@tdcss.ca, follow them on Facebook or stop by the main office at 101-3219 Eby St.