Tell us about a typical day in your role at Sense.
I manage a Sense service and every day really is different here. I start off by looking at the timetable that we’ve got planned for the day and checking that everything’s ready to go. Then it’s full steam ahead with a wide range of activities from 9am through to 4pm. Our facilities include a hydrotherapy pool, art and music rooms, a multi-sensory space and a cafe. It’s an interesting place to work, with no dull moments!
As the service manager I make sure that every person that we support has an up to date learning plan that’s tailored to their needs, preferences, aspirations and skills. I also look after things like risk assessments and other processes that make sure that the service operates smoothly. I’ll often spend time with families and carers, or have meetings with community-based care providers and NHS teams. Everything we do is about enabling the people we support to live an active life.
What do you find most fulfilling about your role?
The thing I enjoy most is thinking about what we can do differently to give a better experience to the people we support and then putting those changes in place. Sometimes even a small change can put a smile on someone’s face. It’s very rewarding when we get positive feedback about something new we’ve introduced or a change we’ve made.
Did you have experience in a similar role before joining Sense?
I worked in support work and care management roles for around 10 years before joining Sense, but before that I had a long career in retail management. So moving into the social care sector was a big change for me. I’d been a retail manager for 20 years or so and eventually I found that I wasn’t enjoying my work in the way I used to – I felt stuck in the same routine. I decided that I wanted to change careers after spending time with my grandmother when she was in a hospice. I saw the difference that the volunteer carers made in the hospice and how they were giving so much back to people. Leaving my retail career and starting a new job as a support worker was a major change in my life, but I’ve not regretted it for a minute.
How has your career developed since joining Sense?
I joined Sense as a registered care manager and I spent around nine months in that role before becoming a service manager. My career path from starting out as a support worker and progressing into more senior roles has been hugely rewarding – and my experience of being a support worker is invaluable to me now that I’m managing a service. I find it very fulfilling to be able to help other people develop their careers, achieve qualifications and take on new responsibilities as team leaders and deputy managers, or perhaps by moving into operational roles or service management. There are a lot of opportunities for learning and development here.
How does Sense support you in your role?
Managing a large service brings plenty of challenges, but I’ve found Sense to be a supportive employer that cares about my mental health and wellbeing. I’d describe Sense as a person-centred employer as well as a person-centred service provider. I have a long commute to work and one thing that has helped me to do my job to the best of my ability is having the flexibility to work remotely from home from time to time. I appreciate having the option to do this.
What would you say to someone who’s thinking about applying for a role at Sense?
There’s a strong sense of teamwork here and everyone’s contribution is genuinely valued. Whatever role you’re doing, you’ll feel listened to and you’ll feel that your ideas are welcome. Everyone is able to play a part in making positive changes to the way we work and the services we provide.
I also like to make sure people know that you don’t need experience to become a support worker, because we can teach you everything you need to know. You need to be a good communicator, a good listener, and you need to want to help other people to live an active life. Having the right attitude beats qualifications every day of the week.
