Meet Sufian, Head of Home for Pertapis Halfway House (PHH). Since the start of his journey with Pertapis 13 years ago, Sufian has gotten the chance to experience all aspects of the Home's growth.
Q & A with Sufian
What is your role and how did you find your way to your current role at Pertapis Halfway House (PHH)?
I am the Head of Home at PHH, also known as “The Big White House in Geylang Road”.
I started out as a Case Worker in the Home for Probationers for a good 5 years before embracing the challenge to undertake a higher risk resident profile role as a Case Manager of Inmates undergoing rehabilitation and integration processes in the Halfway House.
Looking back at the need of holistic intervention as the Deputy Head of Home - Administration, I was inspired to be involved with advocacy work, resource exploration and policy actualisation. With realist determination and beneficiaries at heart, my personal growth came to fruition as the Head of Home from then - decade of service.
It has been my calling to embrace and drive the ever evolving landscape of rehabilitation and pursuant of human excellence for our community, at 13th year now with Pertapis and am
looking forward to many more meaningful years.
What made you pursue a career in the social service sector?
Having career experiences in sectors which serves the various pockets of society, my encounters as a Patient Relation Executive in the Healthcare environment brings about urges and calling to better serve the community in need, henceforth through the noble services of the social agencies. The vision to build an inclusive and be a contributing member of society spurs my belief and effort to better myself and to serve the society at large.
How would you describe a typical workday at PHH?
My typical day would start from the greetings and “hellos” from the residents in the Home before having a business briefing with all the staff to start the work day. Trust me when I say that there is never a dull day in rehab work.
It won't be considered noon till I have visited the offices and programme spaces in our five floor premise. The interaction with residents and staff is a vital part of rehab. In the afternoons – meetings, collaborations