Humans of OT: Sarena Jones

Humans of OT is series of profiles from some of OTA's members. They've shared their stories with us on topics such as how their OT career started, what they've achieved, what is most important to them about being an OTA member and more. Over the coming months we'll continue sharing these inspiring OT journeys. Profiled here is Sarena Jones.

"I believe our role is often pivotal and unique within the allied health team, not only enabling and supporting positive outcomes for our clients but also supporting the other allied health roles."

Could you tell us a bit about you and your work?
I lead a small multidisciplinary clinical team called Allied Health Therapies where I still also practice clinically within the community.

I have an online support and professional development platform called Allied Health Support where I am lucky enough to provide consultation, supervision and education, but can also showcase what other allied health professionals can offer.

I lead the Allied Health Awards, which is a national awards program and amazing community for allied health professionals across Australia.

What achievements in your life/career are you most proud of?
See above!

Also, I’m honestly really proud (most days!) of how I manage the juggle as a clinical OT, business leader and mum. I have done some pretty cool stuff and have had some amazing experiences working in healthcare across Australia and the UK – I certainly have some stories!

Who or what has inspired you the most in your OT career?
I have to say my clients! It’s always the clients for me, whether they are a clinical client, a supervisory client, a student or a recipient of an award. It is an honour to be a part of someone’s journey and a witness to their achievements.

How would you describe the importance of what the OT profession provides to clients and the community?
As a very proud OT, I believe our role is often pivotal and unique within the allied health team, not only enabling and supporting positive outcomes for our clients but also supporting the other allied health roles. OTs have a special way of thinking, and we can create positive impact not only in the health industry but beyond!

If you could give your new graduate self some advice on building an OT career, what would it be?
Don’t ever be afraid to ask! For help, for leave, for time, for explanation, for supervision, for mentoring…

Most of us learn by doing – so have a go and don’t fear mistakes!

Take more breaks and proper rest periods than you think you need. I promise you, it will catch up with you if you don’t.

What are the benefits of belonging to OTA that are most important to you?
For me, it helps me keep up to date with what is going on it the world of OT and I love being connected to our community.

Can you tell us a bit about the Allied Health Awards and why it’s important to recognise exceptional allied health professionals?
The Allied Health Awards are all about celebrating and recognising the allied health professionals across the country, including the everyday hardworking clinicians. Not all of us can be big business leaders or international academics and that is ok!

We have a lot of categories, so that wherever an allied health professional has chosen to work, they are eligible for at least one category. For example: OT of the Year, Allied Health Rural & Remote Excellence or Allied Health Impact & Innovation.

I believe the program is robust and transparent and the selection criteria were created to focus on what our similarities and values are within our professions, and these include:

• Contribution and promotion of their profession
• Collaboration within allied health community
• Impact and innovation over the last 12 months
• Outstanding client centred, evidence-based service delivery
• Outstanding leadership and integrity
• Upholds quality, safety and ethics in their practice
   

Allied health professionals generally aren’t very good at ‘blowing their own horn’ and yet many of us are often motivated by recognition, gratitude and of course great outcomes! I believe initiatives like this program can slowly change our mindset and hopefully continue to influence change and in turn, great outcomes for our clients.

What inspired you to establish the Allied Health Awards?
I felt we as an allied health community needed to have this to bring us together – to celebrate, recognise and inspire each other! While we often collaborate clinically, I think we also often operate in our own professional silos.

So, I set up the Allied Health Awards program with these clear objectives:

• For every Australian allied health professional to feel recognition and pride, and to feel an integral part of the larger Australian healthcare community.
• For Australian allied health professionals to develop a deeper understanding and celebration of each of the professional roles within the allied health community.
• To recognise, inspire and promote innovation, excellence and healthcare impact within the allied health community.
• To close the gap between public, private and non-for-profit healthcare professionals, clinicians and non-clinicians, to celebrate our similarities and also our differences, to collaborate, network and support each other.

Yes, it is a LOT of work, but I love it – it’s my passion project.

For me, this is one of the ways I can continue to support my peers and my community and shine a light on the amazing work that is being done around the country within our allied health industry.

The 2023 Australian Allied Health Awards Gala takes place on 14 October 2023 at the Convention Centre, Darwin. Virtual and in-person tickets are available - visit the Allied Health Awards website for more information.