Jessica, home help - CH41 Birkenhead

I have been very fortunate to have the experience of working in numerous educational and health and care settings. In return, the experiences have provided me with the ability to work along with individuals from various lower socio-economic, cultural, ethnic, educational and other diversified backgrounds. From the number of environments I have worked side by, I've had to adapt my skill set to accommodate the environment.

Dealing with challenging, emotional and behaviour problems, (EBD) is an area I have encountered an uncountable amount and particularly my time spent at Kilronan Special School. It was in this setting that my skills of being able to think quickly and use my initiative to throw myself into most scenarios were enhanced. By having the opportunity to carry out a four week placement within my degree in Education with Special and Inclusive Needs, I got the chance to go into a community secondary school for pupils with social, emotional and mental health difficulties, The Observatory. This setting gave me outstanding experience were within the setting, teenagers with behavioural problems where taught. It taught me not to take a situation at face value, it developed my communication skills and it also broaden my understanding of working with people and also how to deal with children as individuals and children and adults with additional needs, social and communication barriers.

Due to the knowledge I have gained through the first-hand experience, which became enhanced through the completion of my degree, where I learned therapeutic approaches and triggers of unpredictable or damaging behaviour, I have become confident in delivering and writing behaviour plans and carrying out the appropriate assessments in order to promote positive behaviours and manage abnormal social behaviours.

I have a sound knowledge of OFSTED and The Social Services Inspectorate requirements and current legislation that both educational and health and social care settings are expected to align themselves alongside for themselves to be prosperous and sustainable in the view of the government and numerous other governmental bodies. Having the skill to ‘think outside the box’ in order to meet any unique needs that may come up unexpectedly requires an immediate reassessment and prompt action to execute, whilst being able to think fast on my feet are all skills I have advanced in.

I hold confidentially in the highest regard and to safeguard those who are vulnerable is paramount, however reporting and recording the most accurate information in line with a settings policies and procedures is key. Through my time spent in numerous settings my ability to efficiently record keeping has become a strength of mine. Having good English skills, clear and legible handwriting skills and having a sound working knowledge of how to operate computer based programs have enhanced these skills. My time spent at Home Care Independent Living lay the foundation importance of having good organisation skills and time keeping skills. It was my responsibility to ensure that all of the service-users’ needs assigned to me were met with the highest level of care being delivered around the community.

I have travelled extensively and experienced many different cultures. During my travels, it became obvious to me that my communication skills and the ability to 'think on my feet' enabled me to defuse tricky situations and attempt to resolve them to everyone's satisfaction. I am a strong believer in equality and diversity and having had a living knowledge of other countries. I am also aware of the need for preserving the cultural rights of individuals.