Katherine Brown, 25
Disability employment advisor, Care

"Watching somebody’s confidence grow is an incredibly uplifting experience"

So, what do you actually do?

I am supported employment advisor at Care, in Shangton in Leicestershire. It’s a charity that provides support for adults with a learning disability. I work alongside our service users in preparing for, finding and keeping their desired job. We offer a free service matching their skills and abilities with available employment, and provide full on-the-job support until service users feel they are able to work more independently.

Did you need any training and qualifications to get the job?

I have worked in the care sector since the age of 20. Although my History of Art degree is not directly related, I have found the creative elements and organisation skills obtained through the course to be invaluable. Training at Care is excellent and there are also opportunities to complete further relevant training if desired.

What does your typical day involve?

Transporting service users to and from their placements; chatting with their employers and other staff members, making sure all is well; tackling any problems or queries that may arise; and working on future plans.

What kind of personality is best suited to working in a job like yours?

You need excellent communication skills, an ability to show initiative, a real passion for what you are doing and a bright outlook. If you can smile and laugh then everybody around you feels much better.

What’s the most memorable experience you’ve had in this job?

At the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, nine of our service users performed a 50 minute show each night for a week. They were just so happy to be involved.

What are the best things about your job?

Watching somebody’s confidence grow is an incredibly uplifting experience. We have a woman who now works two days a week at a local children’s nursery, but when she first came to Care she was very quiet and reserved, and her confidence levels were low. Her employers value her work immensely and they have seen her change into an assertive young woman.

Any top tips for someone wanting to get into this work?

Do your research carefully on different groups and charities and work out a plan for yourself. Do you want to work with the elderly, children and adults with learning disabilities or in mental health?

Care Shangton
Telephone: 01858 545 401
Email: careshangton@freeuk.com