We talk to Dolly Proffitt about her work at FSM

Q: What’s your official job title, and what does it mean?

A: I am a supervisor for seven lead professionals in the Counties Manukau Children’s Team. We are part of FSM, but also part of Oranga Tamariki, so we all wear two hats. We have around 80 children we work with as a team, and they come from families with very complex needs.

Q: What time do you usually get into the office, and what’s the first thing you do?

A: I arrive anytime between 7 and 7.30am. I like to get in early to prep for the day. I have a lot of meetings with senior staff and I also have supervision meetings with individual Lead Professionals as well as team meetings between Monday and Thursday. Friday’s I organise my admin for the week. On Tuesday’s and Thursday’s I go to the gym before work as well!

Q: What’s the most important part of your day?

A: It’s all about my team. If there are any concerns, updates regarding the families, that would be my priority. I also look out for the wellbeing of my team members. Some of the interactions with our families can be very emotional, and we promote good self-care.

Q: What’s your favourite part of your day?

A: Getting positive outcomes. Hearing good feedback from my team on what their families have been able to achieve. Hearing that a parent has been able to make some good choices that will result in their children being safer in the long run. That’s what it’s all about.

Q: What’s the one thing about work you would change?

A: I really enjoy my role here at FSM. It would be good if we had more funding, we could make more of a difference.