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We caught up with Carolyn a Support Worker who recently started with Ark to find out more about making the change to Adult Social Care.

Is working for Ark your first job in Adult Social Care?

Yes, this is my first job in care and I am really enjoying it.

What made you consider a career in Adult Social Care?

I have 6 kids and had been a stay-at-home mum for years. The kids were getting older and after having everyone at home during covid the house felt empty once they went back to school.

I got a job in a local hotel and Support Workers from various Care Organisations would bring in their Supported People. I loved chatting to them about their days and thought that it would be a job I would like to do.

When I saw the job advertised, I was a bit nervous about applying as it was completely different to anything that I had done before. In the end I decided to go for it as it felt like it was time for a change.

What transferable skill do you feel you have?

Hospitality is obviously very people focused so I learnt a lot about communicating with different people and dealing with difficult situations.

I had also supported with the care of a family member with Alzheimer’s in the past which gave me an understanding of what was required in a care role.

As a mum of 6 I am used to prioritising and organising my workload while ensuring that everyone’s needs are met.

How have you found working for Ark so far?

Everyone has been really helpful. I feel supported and that people have an understanding that I have not done anything like this before. Everyone has always been happy to answer my questions and give me any help that I need.

I am finding the admin side (e.g. completing the medication paperwork and keeping the supported peoples finances up to date) is taking me a bit longer to get my head round. I do get a bit frustrated with myself about this as I want to do my job well. The rest of the team has been really good though. They don’t expect me to know it all already.

Overall, I like working for Ark. I think one of the best things is that you get to spend a decent amount of time with each Supported Person. I have friends that work with Care at Home organisations and they generally only get 15 – 20 minutes with each person and then they have to leave. With Ark I am usually with the same Supported Person for my full shift which I really like.

What is your favourite thing about the job?

I absolutely love working with our Supported People. It is important to me knowing I have made a difference to their day. If they are happy at the end of my shift, then I am more than happy.

If you are looking to make the change to a career in Adult Social Care, then visit www.arkha.org.uk/work-with-us now to find full details of all our vacancies and apply.