In 2011 my grandad became very ill and that’s where my story begins. After helping to care for my grandad, who sadly passed away, I then realised that my passion was to care for vulnerable adults within their own home to ensure that people like my grandad get the best care they possibly can. Once I completed my probation I started my NVQ level 2 and have never looked back. I enjoyed gaining the knowledge to make me a better care worker. After completing my Level 2 I decided that I wanted to move on to the next step. I was made a senior care worker. I thoroughly enjoyed this position as I was very involved with my colleagues and the service users. Whilst doing the senior carer role I completed my level 3 in Health and Social care. 

A team leader positon became available which I applied for and was successful – I enjoyed having the close contact with service users and ensuring that their needs were being met within their care plan. I liked to make sure that reviews/assessments etc. were completed on time, correctly and changes were made where necessary. I then decided that I would like a more challenging role to understand how the office operates; after sitting with the care coordinator I decided that was the job that I wanted to do. Luckily a position was open and I was recruited for that role. 

I absolutely loved the care coordinator role as it means working to a deadline and making sure things are completed; within this role you have to ensure that rotas are completed a week or two in advance, communicating with service users, family and care workers. It is important as a care coordinator to build professional relationships with the local authority and other health care professionals to meet the needs and wishes of all the service users. I had to ensure that all team leaders were up to date with all the reviews and care staff supervisions. It is important to build a good working relationship with all of the team to ensure that things run as smoothly as possible.

Within a care coordinator role, you really get to understand how the operations run within the office. 

As the company was growing and we had got new block contracts there was a decision made to expand the team and I was made the Support Manager. Throughout my time I completed my Level 5 in Management and leadership. I gained a lot of knowledge throughout this role and decided that I wanted to manage my own branch. In Dec 2016, I became the Manager for the Thetford branch. I love working within this branch and feel that I am sharing my knowledge with the team and we are thriving as an office. I feel confident knowing I have the continued support of my colleagues and the senior management team. 

I feel proud to work in the healthcare industry and still continue to learn and improve my skills and career. This industry can help anyone to expand their knowledge and can progress within any aspect of healthcare.