How long have you been in your job and what did you do before?
I have worked for RCT Council for over 34 years and started just after my A levels.
I was lucky enough to get a place on the Councils ‘in service’ training programme to undertake the 4 year Occupational Therapy Degree which was funded by the Council. I qualified in 2001 and joined the Occupational Therapy Team and in a short space of time became 1 of 2 Occupational Therapists who created the Reablement Service, which has grown and developed massively. I also in this time undertook a postgraduate qualification allowing me to teach Occupational Therapy to students.
In 2004 an opportunity arose for a Senior Practitioner in the Disabled Children’s Team to begin and create a new Occupational Therapy service for children. I applied and got the job and have been there ever since, taking a year out along the way to have my own daughter.
The Children’s Occupational Therapy service has grown and changed significantly over the years and has so far had significant positive impact, and I hope will continue to do so.
What does your job involve and what is a typical day like?
I manage the Children’s Occupational Therapy Service. I respond to calls from clients, staff, Social Workers and other professionals. I also approve referrals into the service, authorise completed assessments, and develop intervention plans (what the Occupational Therapist’s plan to do to help families). I complete general HR tasks for my team and offer support and guidance to whoever needs it, as well as undertaking some of the more complex assessments myself. I also attend a multitude of meetings around service developments, service management and budgets.
What’s the best thing/s about your job?
Knowing that we are making such a huge difference in how families manage to cope with looking after a disabled child, and in many instances giving the child the skills and means to become as independent as possible.
What positives have you experienced in your career with RCT Council?
I’ve progressed from the very bottom up and RCT has helped me gain a whole wealth of experience as well as my professional qualifications.
What is the best thing about working for RCT Council?
The opportunities that I have had and being close to home (or as currently is the case working from home) which helps with the work life balance.
What would you say to someone thinking of applying for a job in social care at RCT Council?
Do it. There are many many roles within the council and plenty of opportunity to grow and develop if you wish. Work hard and you’ll reap the rewards.