Case Study: HRM Homecare Care Officer Suzanne talks about her career in Social Care

Suzanne, HRM Homecare Care Officer.

I have worked in care since I was 16 years old, and now have 18 years’ experience in the profession. I began with HRM Homecare in November 2018, having previously worked as an agile care practitioner, specialising in working with children who required additional support needs and respite care.

I decided on a change of direction, so when I joined HRM I became a care officer in their wellness team. I really enjoyed working with children, but decided to take advantage of the other skills I had learned in my SVQ Level 4 in Social Services and Healthcare and work in adult Social Care. I now enjoy a bit of both office work and meeting clients. I am in the introductory side of care, so I go out to meet people so I can assess what type of care package they need. The rewarding part of my job is that I get to know people and build relationships with them. That can start on the phone, or in person, so I can understand the challenges they face and find a way to solve them, so they get the care that they want. I cover South Lanarkshire, and also Falkirk, so there are plenty of people to get to know, and it pays to be highly organised as well.

I also provide a link between the support workers and clients, as I am able to pass on people’s likes and dislikes, any special requirements they have, certain routines they have, and any dos and don’ts. It’s also vital that we pick up on any change, no matter how small, in the needs of clients, so that additional support is arranged and implemented.

I have also been through a number of training courses while working at HRM. I recently completed Moving and Handling Trainer training which means I can support our carers in the field and am also currently undergoing Management and Leadership in Care training.

I think for someone to consider a career in care, it sounds obvious but they need to have a caring nature. They need the sort of people skills that can empathise with those that need help, and get right to the heart of what we can do to make their lives better.