Support worker Review

I am a Support Worker for veterans and ex-offenders in a client led organisation. I have worked supporting short sentence offenders on release covering Wales. Since July 2015 I moved to Teeside supporting veterans in the North of England. Providing practical and emotional support. In this role I assess clients and identify their support needs through the assessment process. From this I then work with the clients and establish an action plan (Support plan) to empower the client. Included in the initial assessment are other processes such as the safety plans and risk assessments. Clients are supported with issues such as housing, mental health, substance misuse and alcohol issues, use of time, employability, personal development and financial issues. These may include access to benefits. Support is also provided for those with mental health issues and general health and wellbeing. Practical support is provided supporting clients with tasks such as completing forms, attending appointments, updating C.V's, liaising with statutory services, attending court appointments and any other reasonable requirements.

Yes since starting the qualification I have broadened my horizons in a very positive way. The learning has given me a broader picture and better understanding of the Third Sector especially with regards to more statuary services such as care homes.

I am 85% of the way though my course. My Learn Direct tutor is very professional and work around my daily role and ensures that I receive the maximum from every assessment and gives very thorough feedback. This course defiantly met my expectations and it tailored so it is not overbearing

My tutor always make me feel valued and always take time during and after assessment so we can have a very detailed debrief and she then ensures that I know exactly what is required for my next meeting and I have the correct info etc. to enable this. Also she also contacts my service manager after each assessment to ensure that my progress etc. is recorded by my organisation. Tracking my progress and ensuring my org as always in touch is very valuable. My learning is also helping my personal development which ensures I provided the correct level of service to the clients which they recognise in the feedback they give me as it is always positive.

My whole curriculum has been very well organised and have I have been kept well informed at every step of the way. My tutor has been supportive whether this is a observation or written assessment and has worked with my current commitment to my clients to ensure that my work is not disrupted and the assessment do not interfere with any support

I have received all the support I need when requested and to help with the next task given. Also the support given has been very well tailored to my needs so that it is not "teaching me to suck eggs" and we also have a good two way conversation on all tasks

As my employer is kept informed by my tutor at all times the support has been very good and they along with my tutor have catered to fit in all the assessment within the given timeframes and allowed me time to attend exams etc they have been very supportive and in fact help me enroll in the first instance when I enquired what qualification to do.

The package meet my costs as it revolves around my normal working day

Due to the nature of my organisation we are all located around the UK and my Head of Service works from France on a project we run so we don't get opportunities outside work. However when my Service Manager comes to my location she always stops for several days where we work together on local project and business meetings

Yes

As alluded to above the course fitted around my work. Although I had to do modules etc it was at a manageable level where I had time to fit it in around my home life and it wasn't too much I was getting stress i.e the work rate was pitched exactly right

Go for it!!! I enrolled initially as my qualification is NVQ based, I though why not get qualified whilst working. The whole process was very simple and the LD staff are very supportive.