Meet Dean Dell, Integrated Family Services Practitioner at Windermere

Integrated Family Services Practitioner Dean Dell has a 15-year career in family services behind him. As a young adult, Dean often found himself in caring roles within his own family and among friends. Family services proved to be a natural fit and set him firmly on the path after completing his Bachelor of Social and Community Welfare at Monash University.

“I was keen to explore alternative ways of supporting families and heard about Windermere's Practitioner Coaching Framework model. I thought it was such an innovative way to work with families and I wanted to be part of that,” says Dean.

Windermere Child & Family Services’ Practitioner Coaching Framework (PCF) is based on a coaching model which encourages families to build and develop their inner strengths, skills and confidence to problem-solve and meet the challenges in their lives. 

When the opportunity presented Dean was quick to apply for a role in family services at Windermere and joined in 2023. Within the family services team, which provides parenting support to families, Dean could continue doing what he loved.

“Supporting vulnerable people has become a core part of who I am. The work itself is very rewarding and satisfying and I am proud to be able to work in this field,” he says.

While working at Windermere, Dean saw the PCF as an important and valuable way of delivering services to individuals and families as it helps to overcome limitations of traditional case management.

“PCF allows us to create sustainable change for those we support by empowering their own efforts rather than doing things for them,” he says.

Dean draws on his expertise to help families safely navigate the complexities of family violence, address a range of challenges across mental health, parenting and disabilities and work toward positive outcomes.

While working with families to address these complex needs in their referral to ensure their stability and development, the PCF model also allows Dean to work on issues that families identify as relevant and important to them.

“These could be issues that we may not have identified but they have. We work with them on what matters to them and how they want to achieve that. It creates a very positive engagement from the start when we can ask them what they want to work on, outside of identified needs,” adds Dean.

Supporting vulnerable families is not without it challenges and Dean credits a supportive work culture that helps him meet the demands of his role.

“I feel valued and respected. The support from my manager and Team Leaders is so genuine and always available. They help me be the best I can be,” he says.

Dean also appreciates and acknowledges the positive work culture that exists across the organisation allowing him to reach his full potential.

“It's a wonderful workplace to be part of. It’s much easier to do the challenging work we do when there’s a beautiful, positive, nurturing environment,” he adds.

There’s no doubt that Dean cherishes the rewarding work he’s able to do and imparts a few words of advice to anyone looking to forge a career path in family services.

“The most important element for success in family services is having a support network around you, like supportive managers and team leaders who can help you reach your goals and understand you and your needs whether that’s personal or professional,” he explains.

As a practitioner who benefits from wide ranging supports that allow him to do what he loves, Dean is grateful for the support.

“I believe that Windermere is an organisation that works to improve the lives of those we work with, and I feel very much a part of that objective. It makes me feel proud to say that I work for Windermere,” he says.

Dean also recognises the importance of self-care and extends another word of advice to anyone looking to build a career supporting vulnerable individuals and families.

“Working in this industry is quite emotionally taxing and it can be difficult at times. That’s why it’s important to find space for yourself and the things you love to do,” he says.

And there are several hobbies and interests that Dean makes time for outside of work.

“I play basketball for three teams this season and race in two Go Kart series this year. I also enjoy playing badminton. Doing things I enjoy helps my mental wellbeing so that I can be the best I can be,” he adds. 

To access our Integrated Family Services, contact The Orange Door at 1800 271 170