What is Social Care? Meet some real social care workers
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Meet some people who are Social Care workers and find out more about their work and backgrounds.
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Rashila Karia - Community Opportunity Officer"I think it's my nature to care for people; that's why I love this work. It began when I got a job as an assistant cook in a residential home for clients of mental health services. I enjoyed the caring environment so much after working in a factory that I started doing voluntary work at a neighbouring day centre as well. That turned into a part-time job which I combined with doing home care, helping people in their own homes. "I started full-time as a Community Opportunity Assistant three years ago, working with people with a severe learning disability. We involve people in a wide range of ‘indoor' activities including physical and mental exercises, music, yoga and reflexology. And we also arrange all sorts of trips so people can engage with the wider community — going out to the park or for a coffee or pub lunch. "As a Community Opportunity Officer I now have more responsibility for planning our various sessions, making risk assessments and then evaluating the outcomes to see how useful the different activities are… and how we could make things better. I also have to look after things like transport arrangements and health and safety throughout each day. I'm learning all the time which means I'm always improving my caring skills." After six years working in care, Rashila has just become a Community Opportunity Officer within the service for adults with a learning disability. She already has qualifications in areas such as moving and handling, and health and safety. In her new job she will be working towards an NVQ Level 2 in Health and Social Care. Born in India, Rashila speaks five different languages which can be of real value for many of the centre users and their families. |