For the second profile in Windana’s ‘Meet our People’ series we introduce Joanne Caruso, our General Manager People, Safety & Quality. Jo joined Windana with a vision of enabling staff to live the Windana’s values every day – so residents and clients continue to experience the connectedness, non-judgement and hope that has made Windana special over the past 30 years.

The path Jo took to her executive role at Windana has traversed many fields, with client wellbeing being her goal the whole way.

Jo began her career as a Social Worker, mainly supporting young people and families in the community sector. Through this client-facing work, Jo became interested in ensuring systems were in place so clients received safe and effective services – leading Jo to a role in Quality. From there, Jo gained qualifications to become a Certified Practitioner in Human Resources and transitioned to a role that focused on supporting staff to do their best work.

Jo finds her work in this space – with Good Shepherd Australia, Beyond Blue and now Windana – is a powerful way to support clients through engaged and well-resourced staff.

“My direct work with clients, back when I was a Social Worker gives me a unique perspective,” explains Jo.

“This perspective is the value I bring to support Windana to attract and develop great teams with clients at the centre. In some ways my role as General Manager People, Safety and Quality at Windana is really a culmination of my professional journey.”

There’s plenty of exciting work Jo and her team are leading in this space including:

• Launching a new training system where staff complete courses they need to work safely, effectively and sustainably in their roles.
• Building a strengthened Quality and Accreditation system that allows us to listen and respond to what clients and residents say.
• The development of Windana’s first Reconciliation Action Plan.

Another important area Jo’s team is exploring is the Rainbow Tick, which will allow Windana to be a safe, inclusive and affirming place for LGBTIQ+ staff, clients and other community members.

Jo is passionate about ensuring environments are inclusive of neurodiversity and aims to ensure Windana is an aware and supportive workplace where everyone can thrive.

There are many things Jo loves about Windana’s culture, however the commitment of staff to continuously improve our environment for other staff, clients, residents and the wider community is top of the list.

“What I love about the culture at Windana is the willingness of staff be open and speak up.

“We’re working together to build that culture of openness and feedback at all levels throughout Windana, and that is really exciting.”

Jo believes Windana’s unique approach to reducing the harms of alcohol and other drugs – through services that include naturopathy, acupuncture, Art Therapy and our ‘Writers in Residence’ creative writing program – makes Windana special.

As do the relationships that support our work and our continuous efforts to improve. 

“At the heart of all organisations – especially community organisations like Windana – are relationships,” says Jo.

“I value collaborative workplaces and the open and trusting relationships that contribute to creating safe inclusive environments, where individuals and teams can grow and learn.” 

Also in our Meet our People series:

• Mark O’Brien – General Manager Rehabilitation Services