What it's like to be a Support Worker for Chailey Heritage Foundation
18 April 2023
Being a Support Worker at Chailey Heritage Foundation can be rewarding, exciting and sometimes challenging. The role involves supporting young people with complex disabilities to pursue their potential. This could be by supporting them to enjoy activities at our Leisure and Skills Centre, learning different methods of communication to empower them to be understood or accompanying them on trips in the community. You’ll also support young people with their personal care and administer medication. Young people are at the heart of everything we do, which is why we’re always looking for more passionate and dedicated candidates to join our team.
Rosie has worked for Chailey Heritage Foundation for just over a year and supports Holly at the Leisure and Skills Centre and Hub. Rosie worked in primary schools before joining us and was looking for a new challenge.
‘I saw an advert for the Support Worker role and was impressed by all the activities I could support a young person to enjoy – everything from drama, cooking and art, to physical activities like horse riding, trampoline rebound therapy and the gym’ says Rosie. Everyone is encouraged to take part in our specialist activity sessions which are designed with accessibility in mind and led by a friendly and professional team.
Although being a Support Worker involves having lots of fun, there are also some challenging aspects to the role. ‘The young people we support here have extremely complex needs which means that I must be on my game as they are completely reliant on me. I administer medications, (which are part of the training), and help with their personal care, which doesn’t faze me since becoming a Mum! It also means that the day flies by as it’s jam-packed.’
All Support Workers are given in depth training as part of a two week induction including shadow shifts and manual handling until you feel comfortable in the role.
Many Support Workers joining the organisation stay with us and progress to management roles or start careers in Occupational Therapy or Physiotherapy. Rosie is studying for a NCSE Level 3 Diploma in Children and Young People Workforce which is fully funded by Chailey Heritage. Rosie says: ‘It’s portfolio based, which is great because I can use examples from my job and the qualification will help to build future opportunities.’
So why should you join Team Chailey?
Rosie says: ‘If you’re compassionate and fun, being a Support Worker is a really rewarding career. It’s so satisfying to see a young person achieve something because of the support you give them, and working in such a fun, lively, positive environment is great for your wellbeing too!’
If you or someone you know is looking for a career offering flexibility, opportunities, and rewards, come and visit us at our Careers Event on Saturday 22nd April. Held in our Dream Centre on-site from 10am-12pm, meet our friendly team, learn more about the young people you could be supporting and take part in an interview. Find out more and register your interest.
