Staff Spotlight: Annabelle Hancock

What is your current role and what does it involve day to day?

I am the Statewide Carer Support Liaison Officer for the Foster and Kinship care team based in Tasmania.

I provide administrative support and assistance to our Care and Support Services Manager and Foster and Kinship care Team through processing new enquiries, transfers and carer payments, organising meetings, information gathering, and acting as a conduit between our wonderful carers and stakeholders.

I design, implement and deliver carer attraction and engagement plans through marketing and recruitment campaigns, and also hold events to enhance carer engagement and attraction. I manage our Foster Care enquiries and Kinship Care transfers, introducing them to the Carer Support Team and providing information on what their journey may look like with Baptcare.

Each day can be a little bit different with new conversations and interactions. I love the diversity of my role and the opportunity to engage with different people every day.

What drew you to working with Baptcare and how long have you been working at Baptcare?

I have been working with Baptcare for a little over four months, so I am a new face to the team! I was inspired to join Baptcare after seeing firsthand, during my time at Child Safety Service, the genuine care and dedication they show their carers and the positive difference those carers make for children and young people.

What do you like about working with Baptcare and in the Community Services/Carer space?

I love the opportunity of being able to work with all walks of life, hear their stories, and learn about what makes them the person they are today! I’ve found Baptcare to be a supportive and positive workplace, with opportunity for movement and growth. I like the diversity of my role and admire the way the team support each other.

Did you always want to work within the community services space and what are some other jobs you’ve performed in your career?

I have always had a passion for people and gravitated towards careers that are people – centred and engaging. I have primarily worked in Customer Service roles and conducted studies in Human Resources. I most recently moved from Child Safety Service where I was a Unit Coordinator for a Case Management Team.

Can you share a particularly special workday/customer interaction you’ve had recently?

I assisted one of the Family Service Practitioners with taking a young person to an appointment. It was a special time being able to meet the young person, learn about who they are and listen to their favourite music with them.

Can you tell us two surprising things about yourself?

I have a large family with five siblings which I love!

I’m beginning to love baking, and trying to create healthy but delicious, sweet treats.

What is your favourite book and/or movie?

My favourite movie would be ‘Marley and Me’, and favourite book ‘The Silent Patient’ or ‘Everything I know about love.’

Please complete this question: my favourite weekend would include…

My ideal weekend would include time with my friends/family, being outside at the beach and moving my body by going for a long walk or pilates. It would end with my favourite food (either pasta or a family BBQ) and a little sweet treat!

What are two things on your bucket list?

1. I would love the opportunity to travel and explore the world! It would be fun to live in a place outside of Tasmania (or Australia) for a small part of my life.

2. Run a half marathon!

If you could sit next to someone at a dinner party, who would it be and why?

I would sit next to my nan, who recently passed. She was the life of every party! She was also an incredible chef and would make sure everyone is having a good time and a slice of cake.