Describe a typical day. During the school term, school hours are spentplanning activities, undertaking key working duties, writing assessmentreports, supervision and team meetings. When with the boys, our role isto act as a "good parent", teaching them positive life skills, buildingtheir confidence and making sure they feel safe and comfortable withintheir environment.
What other agencies and who else within your organisation do you workwith? The nature of the job requires good collaboration andcommunication between fellow staff members and managers. Additionally,we work with a range of external agencies, including the youth offendingteam, social services, and educational psychologists, to name a few.
How did you end up in the job? After graduating with a degree inpsychology, I made the decision that child psychology was the area Iwished to work in. A post within Hillcrest offered me the perfectopportunity to work alongside children. I started my career there andgained promotion to a senior role six months ago.
What qualifications do you need? There are no specified qualificationsrequired for a residential care worker. Personal attributes such asbeing quick thinking, logical, having a good sense of humour and, mostimportantly, being a positive role model for children are essential. Interms of a senior position, a degree of experience is looked for.
What's the biggest challenge?
The biggest challenge is in trying to make a difference when the oddsare stacked against you. It is overcoming these challenges that is thereally rewarding part though.
What advice do you have for others wanting to do this kind of work?Despite the challenging nature of this job, individual success storiesare the key element in making it so satisfying. Watching the boys learnsocial skills, show enthusiasm and talent for activities they have nevertried before, and building positive, trusting relationships with othersmake it all worthwhile.
