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Here is the next installment in our "A Week In The Life Of" series!

Hello! What is your name and where are you from?

Hello, my name is Emily and I'm from Scarborough. 

Where do you work and what is your job?

I work as a Senior Care Worker at Surecare in Scarborough.

Please can you tell us a little more about where you work and the industry it is in?

Surecare is a homecare company that provides person-centered support to people in their own homes.

What is a typical day like in your job?

No day is the same! It’s such a good job to have because you're not spending a full shift in the same place. You get to visit people's homes and provide a high standard of care in an environment that they feel safe in. You never know what you are going to get.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

Hmmm, the thing I enjoy most about the job is being able to help someone be as independent as possible. Our care services allow people to stay in their own homes instead of having to go into a care home. I enjoy listening to people tell their stories and like learning about the different backgrounds that they have come from.

Did you go to college or university? If so, what did you study and where?

I attended Scarborough Sixth Form College and studied English Literature, English Language, and Media Studies.

Why did you choose to study this subject/s?

I chose these subjects because I have always enjoyed English and find that it helps you in everyday life, Media was also a good subject as I gathered skills on how to read and interpret media outlets in different ways.

Did you complete any other post-16 qualifications? 

I have nearly finished my NVQ Level 2 in Adult Social Care which I have done through work. And I will then be working towards my Level 3 and Team Leader status.

Does your NVQ relate to your job? If so, how?

My NVQ relates to my job as it gives me a much deeper understanding of all the different elements in Health & Social Care, furthering my knowledge & understanding which helps me in my everyday work.

How has the COVID-19 lockdown affected your job?

Covid-19 had a fairly big impact on us as a company. While we only had 1 confirmed Coronavirus case in one staff member out of 60+ care workers & over 150 clients, it affected us in different ways. Some members of staff had to self isolate and shield due to medical reasons or having a family at home that was vulnerable, some service users were cancelling calls due to them not wanting to take the risk of having people in their homes, which put staff’s hours down and meant that clients weren’t receiving care that they were used to.

Please can you tell us about your "Career Journey"?

When I left college I went into the travel industry and spent 4 months working abroad in Turkey for Thomas Cook. Working abroad was something that I have always wanted to do since I wad little but knew it wasn’t something I wanted to do long term. So when the season ended in Turkey I came home and needed a job. I had done work experience in a care home before whilst I was at school but had never really considered it as a job with career progression. However, I decided to apply, and it's one of the best things I’ve ever done. I love my job and it can be so stressful at times but it’s definitely worth it. I started in November 2018 and stepped up into the Senior position less than a year later & am now working my way towards being a Team Leader.

What would be your one piece of advice for someone who is looking into the job sector you work in?

Go in with an open mind! It’s not for everyone but if you genuinely care about making a difference to someone's life then this job would be perfect! Work hard and you never know where it will take you.

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