Work skills coordinator

Polly works as a work skills coordinator for WHM Work Connections, a work-based learning centre for adults with physical and learning disabilities based on a working farm in Seagrave, Leicestershire.

We interviewed Polly to find out what inspired her to work in care and what her day-to-day role involves...

What inspired you to work in care?

I started at WHM Work Connections as a volunteer in July 2013. My sister worked here, and I thought it would be something I'd like to try during my university holidays. After about 4 weeks I had the opportunity to run some of the activity sessions. By the end of the summer I was working five days a week in a paid role. I really enjoyed my summer and came back to work here during other university holidays.

My experience of volunteering inspired to me to choose a career in care because I saw the difference that the work that we do has on the lives of the people who we support. In 2015 I graduated from my degree in Psychology & Criminology and started as a full time support worker. Over the next few years I had the opportunity to take on more responsibility and to develop my skills. In October 2018 I became a full-time work skills coordinator.

What does your role as a work skills coordinator involve?

In my current role I support people to find voluntary or paid employment. This involves a range of activities, including coaching people in job application writing and interview skills. WHM Work Connections is based on a farm so, as well as employability skills support, I deliver group and 1:1 sessions in activities such as animal care, egg washing, horticulture and cooking. I find it a very rewarding role, especially when someone that I have supported gets the job that they wanted, and I see the results of the support that I provided.

As well as supporting people using our service, I also carry out staff supervisions, organise staff training and monitor staff development plans.

What have you gained through your career so far?

I have gained skills and experience that have increased my confidence and will undoubtable help me progress further in my career. For example, I have learnt how to work under pressure and deal with difficult situations, such as medical emergencies, in a calm and professional manner. I feel that I now understand how to communicate with people more effectively and I have become a more open and understanding person. Before working in social care, I was quite a straight-talking person, however I have grown into someone that can now look situations from different points of view.

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