Interview with Jessica Grasso, Sunshine Coast Team Leader

Hannah Cook • August 20, 2025

As part of our new team spotlight series at Platinum Care Services, we sat down with Jessica Grasso, our Sunshine Coast Team Leader, to learn more about her passion for disability care and what inspires her in her role each day.


With both professional expertise and personal experience, inspired by her daughter’s journey with disability, Jessica brings deep empathy, dedication, and leadership to her role. 


From ensuring high-quality, person-centred support to fostering a strong, supportive team culture, Jessica is committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of participants and staff alike. Here, she shares her insights, motivations, and what makes Platinum Care Services truly stand out.



What do you love most about working in disability care, and what keeps you inspired?


Working in disability is very fulfilling and rewarding because of the profound impact it has on an individual’s life. The interaction and stories that you hear and become part of are inspiring. Supporting people who are among the most vulnerable and making a difference in their lives, even for a short time, is something I am extremely passionate about.


My daughter has a disability and through supporting her, I have gained firsthand insight into both the challenges and achievements experienced by people with unique needs. This personal journey has deeply inspired my passion for disability care. Walking alongside others and empowering them in their journey through life is truly indescribable.



Can you walk us through what your role as a team leader involves, day to day?


My role is to ensure our staff deliver high-quality, person-centred care to participants and that each service is tailored to their individual goals and preferences. I maintain communication with participants, their families, and support coordinators to discuss goals, progress, support needs, staffing, and any issues that arise.

I also focus on making sure my team feels supported and foster an inclusive, respectful environment where all staff feel valued. I regularly check in with team members to ensure their wellbeing and to address any support needs.

The role involves a lot of documenting, problem solving, planning ahead, and communication. I manage schedules and rosters to maintain adequate staffing levels, including coordinating leave and shift changes. I also oversee recruitment and ensure new and existing staff receive the necessary training and onboarding support.


 

What's one thing you wish more people understood about being a support worker?


Support work isn’t just a job. Support work is human “heart” work. It means showing up with empathy, compassion, empowering others, and being there on the tough days to make someone’s day a little brighter. It’s a privilege being invited into someone’s life in such a meaningful way.


In your view, what sets Platinum Care Services apart from other providers?


Kev and Tracey genuinely care. Not just for their clients, but also for their staff. Their philosophy is simple yet powerful: people are at the heart of everything we do. They make everyone feel valued and respected, and they always stand by their word. Their sincere desire to make a difference is clear in everything they do and that passion runs throughout the entire company. The company started out small and as it’s grown, Kev and Tracey have always stayed true to their values.



Need help finding the right match?


At Platinum Care Services, we’re here to help you find the right support worker. Reach out to us below and let’s find your right fit. 

How to choose the right NDIS support worker for you?

August 8, 2025
Your guide to finding the right person to walk alongside your journey. Finding the right support worker is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as an NDIS participant. The right person doesn’t just provide assistance, they become a trusted partner in your journey to achieving your goals and maintaining your independence. What is the role of a support worker? NDIS support workers are skilled professionals who adapt their approach to meet your individual needs and goals. Depending on your NDIS plan, a support worker may assist you with: Personal care - helping with daily activities like bathing, dressing and meal preparation Community - supporting you to participate in community activities and social events Skill development - assisting you to build independence and develop everyday skills Advocacy - helping you understand your rights and speaking up for your best interests Goals - working with you to achieve your NDIS plan goals. Before you start looking, understand what you need Choosing the right person starts with knowing what is most important to YOU. Define your goals Take the time to reflect on what you need: What areas do you need support with? What are your short and long-term goals? What does independence look like for you? What is most important to you? Understand your preferences Consider your personal preferences and requirements: Do you have a preference for male or female support workers? Are you more comfortable with someone energetic or calm? Do you have specific cultural or language requirements? Assess your schedule Map out your current routine and support requirements: What days do you need support? Are there specific activities that require support? Do you need flexibility with your schedule? Review budget Understand your funding: How many hours of support do you need per week? Are there specific funding categories you need to consider? Essential qualities to look for Not every support worker will be the right fit for you. Here’s what to look for: Patience and understanding It’s important to look for support workers who demonstrate genuine empathy and emotional intelligence. You deserve someone who listens without judgement, and brings a calm, compassionate presence. Relevant skills and experience Look for someone who understands your specific disability and shows a willingness to learn about your unique requirements. Good communication and reliability Good support is built on trust. You need a support worker who can communicate clearly, arrive on time and will keep you informed about any changes or concerns. Respect and dignity The best support workers treat you as an individual with your own preferences and choices. Look for someone who respects your privacy and personal boundaries, while being personable. Platinum Care’s guide to building a strong relationships Choosing the right support worker is an investment in your independence and quality of life. Take the time to find someone who not only has the skills and experience you need but also shares your values and supports your goals. Take your time, ask the right questions, and trust your instincts. Remember, you have the right to choose who provides your support, and you deserve to work with someone who treats you with dignity, respect, and professionalism. Need help finding the right match? At Platinum Care Services, we’re here to help you find the right support worker. Reach out to us below and let’s find your right fit.

NDIS funding changes: What funding periods mean for you in 2025

July 24, 2025
As of 19 May, the way NDIS plan funding is released has changed! If you’re an NDIS participant, provider, support coordinator, or plan manager, it’s important to understand how these changes could impact how and when you access NDIS funding. Don’t be alarmed! This update doesn’t reduce how much funding you receive, but it does change when and how you can access it. Let’s walk through everything you need to know about NDIS funding periods and how to manage your plan under the new system. What are NDIS Funding Periods? Funding periods are a new way the NDIS releases plan funding over time. Instead of receiving your full budget upfront, funds are now released gradually in smaller amounts. Here’s what you need to know: A funding period is a set timeframe during which a portion of your NDIS budget is available Most new and reassessed plans will have three-month funding periods You can only spend funds released in the current or previous period The funding period system initially applies to new and reassessed NDIS Plans. This change is designed to support more consistent budgeting and reduce the risk of running out of funds too early. How Funding Periods work Your NDIS plan still includes the same total funding amount which is the overall budget you receive for all your supports. The difference now is in how and when you can access it. The process works like this: A portion of your funding is released at the start of each period Once that period ends, the next portion becomes available Unspent funds roll over to the next period within the same plan Providers can claim for supports delivered in a previous period, as long as the dates fall within your active plan. Tip: Funding periods don’t reduce your total budget, they only affect the timing of when you can access funds. NDIS funding components The NDIS still divides funding into three main components (previously known as budget categories): Core – for everyday activities and supports Capacity Building – for building skills and independence Capital – for large, one-off purchases like assistive technology or home modifications. Each component may follow its own funding period, depending on the type of support and how it’s delivered. Different rules for different supports Some supports are treated differently under the new system, particularly Home and Living supports and high-cost services. What to expect: Plans that include Home and Living supports will have monthly funding periods (12 per year) Supported Independent Living (SIL) and other high-cost services may also follow monthly periods For large purchases (eg a custom wheelchair), additional funds may be released at the start of the plan. Managing your funding across periods With these changes, effective budget planning is more important than ever. Key points to remember: Unused funds within a plan roll over to the next funding period Funds don’t carry over to a new plan once your current plan ends You can’t access funds from a future period early In urgent situations, the NDIA may bring forward funds, but your total plan budget will not increase. Tracking your Funding Periods You can track your funding periods and usage in the NDIS participant portal. This includes: How much of your budget is available How much you’ve spent When the next funding release is due. With your consent, your plan manager and support coordinator can also view this data in the provider portal to help support your planning and spending. Getting help and support The introduction of funding periods marks a major shift in how the NDIS operates. If you’re unsure how this shift affects your specific situation, help is available: Work with your support coordinator to understand your spending patterns and plan adjustments Speak with your plan manager about managing cash flow between periods Contact the NDIA if you have urgent funding needs that can't wait for the next period Visit the official NDIS website for the latest updates and detailed guidance. And remember, these changes are designed to support you in achieving your goals while maintaining better control over your funding.