The joys of a career built on helping people
Read about Julius’ rewarding career in Community services in Tasmania
Currently living in Hobart’s scenic Sandy Bay with his wife Rhoda, Julius Atitsogbui is originally from the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. Before making the move to Tasmania, Julius completed a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Sociology, and a master’s degree in Human Resource and Organisational Development at the University of Ghana.
Julius’s interests include research (particularly in relation to the workplace), employee coordination and retention, worker and people support, and sustainable workforce development. He decided to move to Tasmania to take advantage of the many opportunities to study, be mentored and practise in his chosen field.
Stunning scenery and a welcoming community
Life in Tasmania has proven to be fun and interesting for Julius, although he acknowledges that there are always aspects of moving to a new place that take a little extra time to get used to. One of the biggest adjustments for Julius has been the Tasmanian winter. But now he has become accustomed to it, he describes the clear skies and crisp days as beautiful, along with the picturesque, snow capped Mount Wellington that overlooks Hobart city.
Julius also loves that Tasmania is extremely diverse and multicultural, welcoming people from around the world.
“Interacting with people from different cultures and orientations is inspiring,” he says.
Tasmania's stunning scenery and natural features are particular highlights of Julius’s life on the island state. He has a long list of amazing places he recommends visiting, including Bruny Island, Mount Wellington, Mount Field National Park, Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm, the beaches of Sandy Bay, the Salmon Ponds and the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens.
As well as exploring Tasmania, Julius takes great pride in his new home and often participates in community clean-ups and other exercises that give back to the community – something he considers part of his civic duty.
Enriching studies and a promising career
Julius completed a Certificate III in Individual Support at Brighton College, Tasmania campus. The course is delivered in person, and Julius found this contact with tutors and industry professionals to be an enriching aspect of his studies.
“The course has provided me with skills and knowledge and has served as a platform to network with colleagues and experts of different backgrounds,” he says.
Brighton College was also extremely helpful when it came to preparing Julius for, and securing, work placements.
“Currently, I am employed as a coordinator of supports at OnTrack Tasmania, where I get the opportunity to contribute to the Tasmanian community by making my knowledge and skills available to the people.”
In this role, Julius assists National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) participants secure funding, resolve points of crisis and navigate the NDIS system. Julius finds this work rewarding because it allows people to build their capacity to live independently and address barriers in their lives.
The importance of helping people
Julius is largely driven in life by his passion for social justice. Outside of work, Julius gives even more back to the community by volunteering at the Culturally Diverse Alliance of Tasmania (CDAT), an organisation that helps to empower and connect diverse cultural groups, migrant and refugee communities, and culturally diverse vulnerable communities. At CDAT, Julius assists new migrants and families settling in Tasmania by tutoring English, assisting with community access and providing emotional and physical support where possible.
“My current work is very rewarding as I see people becoming more integrated into the community and beginning to unleash their full potential. It's a big joy,” he says.
There are so many things about the lifestyle in Tasmania that make it the perfect place to study and live. Besides its natural beauty, stunning tourist sites and welcoming community, Julius says it also offers great career opportunities and an education system that supports learning and research.
Julius’s plans for the future
With all of these perks, it’s no wonder Julius is choosing to remain in Tasmania to pursue further studies. Continuing along the pathway of helping people within the community, Julius is planning to complete a Master of Clinical Psychology at The University of Tasmania (UTAS), and he intends to specialise in dementia.
“Dementia is a degenerative disorder that is on the ascendency and negatively impacts lives worldwide. I want to be part of a group of experts who work together to understand and alleviate the impact of dementia in Australia and the world at large.”
Julius has no doubts that Tasmania is the ideal place for him to pursue his flourishing career and continue to make significant contributions in the sectors of health, community service, and aged care and disability.