Andrew Reid has been working at YSAS for over 10 years,
and
has been working with vulnerable young people for more than two
decades. Within YSAS he has worked across all service types, including
intensive support/withdrawal units, Day Programs, residential rehab,
and youth outreach. In every role (even prior to YSAS) Andrew has been
considered a senior worker, and has provided a role model for other
less experienced staff. Andrew has supervised staff in an official
capacity, developed programs, been central to practice development, and
has passionately advocated for recognition for workers in this sector.
Indeed Andrew has had numerous opportunities to further his own career
in management and other senior roles. What distinguishes Andrew is that
despite all these opportunities to further his career, he has actively
sought roles where his greatest skill can be utilised - the direct
support and care of young people.
After all this time his dedication and energy to the clients he works
with appears not be waning. It was no surprise to anyone at YSAS when
Andrew (once again!) took out the agency wide Christmas Party award for
the Most Dedicated Worker. One of the reasons why we are submitting
this nomination is to formally endorse the high esteem in which he is
held by all who work with him. Most recently, Deputy Chief Magistrate
Jelena Popovic publicly stated her high regard for Andrews work and her
belief that he was one of the best in the field.
Currently Andrew works with young people who are predominantly referred
form the criminal justice system. Many are required as a condition of
court orders to seek AOD treatment. It is a reflection of Andrew's
skills engagement and care that the vast majority of those clients
request to continue to work with Andrew and YSAS voluntarily, even long
after their court orders have finished.
Andrew's commitment to his family (especially his grandkids) has made
it difficult for him to take time out to pursue further study.
Andrew has indicated that if he were to receive the award he would use
it to undertake and complete qualifications in workplace training and
assessment. This has been a goal of Andrew's for quite some time but
the cost of taking leave and paying for courses has made this
difficult. Andrew would like to gain this qualification in order to be
in a position to more formally pass on his expertise and wisdom to
aspiring youth or AOD workers.
