Sales, studying and fatherhood
I started at the bottom, working in a factory manufacturing tubular components for machinery. After six months, the chief executive found out I’d been accepted onto a journalism degree course and fast-tracked me to a team management role. I worked my way up until I was managing four high level accounts generating £250,000 in sales every week, while also completing my course and having the first of my three children. It was quite a juggling act – but one that stood me in good stead as it taught me how to set priorities, balance workload and look after myself and family.
After eight years at the factory, I needed a new challenge. Our family had suffered a number of tragic losses in a year and this changed my outlook on life. It led me to re-evaluate what was important and I realised I wanted to make a difference in other people’s lives.
An introduction to children’s homes
A friend suggested I join him in working at Options Malvern View. I knew nothing about autism, and very little about learning difficulties or behaviours that challenge. But the more I learned, the more it appealed to me – it was the idea of working one to one with individuals and really making a positive impact on their day-to-day lives.
Options Malvern View is a transition service that helps young people aged 16+ with autism and complex needs to fulfil their potential for independence. I started as a life skills instructor (LSI) and spent four weeks doing intensive training before working with any of the individuals at the home. I “shadowed” team leaders working in the flats and this experience was invaluable – I got to know the ropes and built up my confidence until I was working with individuals on a one-to-one basis.
Progressing into management
My goal was to progress to team leader and then to a higher management role. I have completed my NVQ levels 2 and 3 health and social care; hopefully I’ll move on to complete level 5 next. The support from the team has been phenomenal, as has the quality of the ongoing training.
I’ve been a house manager in charge of one of our specialist residential units for two years. My role is a balance between office-based work and direct interaction with the individuals we support at Options Malvern View, and enables me to build on the strong relationships and trust I formed with many of the young people I worked with as an LSI and team leader.
Being in a management role means I can influence the support that is put in place and ensure care plans are kept up to date.
Rewarding outcomes
Some of my most memorable moments include helping one young person overcome a big fear of water. Together with the clinical team and manager we worked on taking small steps to increase his confidence. After many months, we got him to visit a swimming pool; he looked at the pool, and walked round it several times. We waited and then, all of a sudden after about half an hour, we heard a great splash – and he was in! The smile on his face was something I will never forget – it brought me tears of joy and melted my heart. He now loves going to the pool regularly. It is why I’m in this job.
Helping vulnerable young people to learn life skills – little things we might take for granted – matters and makes a huge difference to their quality of life. These steps may seem small, but they do wonders for young people’s self-esteem.
TOP THREE CAREER TIPS
- Structures and routines are important – when I was in the army, we had early starts and late nights which help you adapt. The army was tough, but it shaped my character.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help – it’s crucial to be proactive in asking for guidance and input from everyone in the young person’s support network as it enables you to achieve the best possible outcomes.
- Team spirit is vital – I’ve been involved in managing football teams for around 30 years. It’s a fantastic way to build team spirit and this is a central element of my role at Options Malvern View.
