Support care worker Review

To deliver person centred care to individuals with complex physical and learning disabilities and become familiar with their needs. Encouraging them to be as independent as possible when making choices each day. Supporting activities to include in the wider community shopping trips or outings to social venues. Observing any behaviour/health changes and liaising with colleagues, families and other healthcare professionals, keeping accurate health and daily records. General daily housekeeping and relevant audits/checks to ensure individuals safety.

I have improved on being able to read body language/facial expressions or sounds and know their meanings. I have become more confident in my own abilities and was given an opportunity to support customers on a holiday. Sourcing information for activities amenities for health to formulate a risk assessment. Provide the manager with a rota for the staff to have a break each day. Obtain better knowledge of different Acts to support my role.

I enjoyed all aspects of the programme In the modules, from doing the researching of the different elements in the modules. Being observed whilst performing my day to day duties and getting performance feedback so that I can improve my skills and knowledge. I didn’t enjoy the exams on the computer it was quite a daunting and nerve wracking experience for me as I’m not too confident on all functions on the computer

The program was structured quite well Though at times it was confusing understanding some of the terminology. At times it was difficult to manage assignments and get them in on time especially at work due to staff shortages and still trying to give customers quality time to do activities to keep them engaged and involved. Also trying to get a good work/home life balance on your days off as well as other voluntary roles and responsibilities

My employer/manager was very supportive towards any research or advice that I needed towards my assignments and when I was struggling to balance home/work/NVQ assignments she allocated designated time slots during the shift to allow an hour towards our assignments. Appointments with my assessor at the home were sometimes interrupted as it’s a small home and not really a quiet space without excluding the residents from an area of their home.

My assessor has been brilliant, we had a rocky start due to interruptions at work during our first few meetings. She always responded to correspondence at her earliest convenience and giving me guidance when I asked for it, also supporting me and building my confidence up in areas when I was apprehensive (speaking and listening). Firm but fair wanting you to achieve the very best that you can and guiding you on how best to achieve it.

Through doing the research necessary to complete modules it has given me a better understanding of the policies and procedures for keeping our individuals safe, also the importance of keeping accurate health and daily records and protocols for reporting incidents. It has given me more confidence in my own ability as a person centred carer and my good working relationship with my colleagues that I have now decided that I would like to work towards my level 3 and become a senior in the near future.

Apart from social gatherings with the customers and their families or friends from our home/other Trident homes, sometimes at our home/other homes or on organised days out. Training courses or social activities at the home. There is a corporate Christmas get together that all staff are invited to, but due to nature of the job it isn’t always possible to attend the event. I don’t think there are other opportunities to socialise outside of work that I am aware of.

Yes

I have had a very positive experience within the Trident group, mainly down to the manager and the staff at the home that I worked in when I first started with the agency. It has a nice family feel to it and a couple of the staff have been there a long time so have a wealth of experience And knowledge I would recommend to friends as it is a good company to work for.

I would recommend them to research which area they would like to work in and ask for a tour of the home so that they can get a feel for the place and how the staff interact with them on the day. Also I would advise them to do a bit of background research on the company and their ethos so that they can prepare for questions that may be asked at an interview. To just be themselves and to acknowledge their strengths and weaknesses.