Lisa - Support@home Supervisor, Support@home

How long have you been in your job and what did you do before?

I have worked for Support@home for 21 years.  When I first started with the department it was called Homecare and I was a Homecare Worker.  After about 4 years I progressed to Homecare Planner, then I became a Homecare Supervisor about 12 years ago.

Prior to working for RCT Council I worked in a factory as a sewing machinist, I left to have my children and when I was ready to return to work I was looking for part time, flexible hours so I applied to be a Casual Homecare Worker.

What does your job involve and what is a typical day like?

I currently manage 21 Homecare staff who work out in the community, visiting people in their own homes.

A typical day may involve visiting service users to review their service, completing risk assessments and planning new services for individuals in the community who may need our help and support. Also undertaking supervision sessions with my staff to support them in their role and taking telephone calls from staff, family members, district nurses, GPs, social workers etc.

What’s the best thing/s about your job?

I love my job and the fact that I get to enable individuals to remain safe in their own homes. I also enjoy completing risk assessments and finding solutions to any risks highlighted. I also feel quite privileged that my staff share their most intimate problems / concerns with me as they trust me and my opinion and they know that I will help them in any way that I can.

What attracted you to apply for a job with RCT Council?

Initially it was the flexible hours as I had a young family so the hours suited my lifestyle, however once I had started working with the individuals in their homes I was hooked, I think it was the thought that I was one of the reasons that individuals were able to remain in their own homes, that alone gives me such a good feeling.

What positives have you experienced in your career with RCT Council?

The good thing about working for RCT Council is that there is always an opportunity to progress and develop if that is something you are interested in.
I have progressed from a Homecare Worker to a Supervisor.
There are always plenty of opportunities to attend any training course that is relevant to your role.

What is the best thing about working for RCT Council?

The support I receive from my colleagues and managers and access to a vast array of training, development opportunities, redeployment opportunities and secondment opportunities.

What would you say to someone thinking of applying for a job in social care at RCT Council?

I think you need to have a certain character to be a care worker as you need to be able to empathise with individuals while still remaining professional.
It is a very rewarding job and if it is the right job for you, you will love every minute of it.