The Post: Key Worker, Extern
The Post Holder: Laura Craig
In her role as a Key Worker Laura Craig helps support people who are dealing with homelessness and other complex challenges.
Give a brief outline of your career to date.
I have worked many different jobs in many different countries around the world. Most of my work has been in the hospitality industry or working with children in some sort of capacity. Most recently I worked as a substitute primary school teacher in between working with challenging behaviours in a residential setting before coming to work at Extern’s Ormeau Centre and helping those who are homeless and living with numerous complex challenges in their lives.
What was your favourite subject at school?
That’s a hard one. It would be a close call between Physical Education and Biology.
Did you go on to further/higher education, if so what did you study and where?
I have a BSc degree in Health and Leisure Studies followed by a PGCE in primary education and I am currently completing a Masters in Substance Use and Substance Use Disorders.
How did you get into your area of work?
To be honest, completely by accident. It became clear to me pretty early on in my teaching career that it wasn’t for me as I missed working directly with people and I even strangely enough missed shift work. I then started working with people with additional needs and challenging behaviours in a residential setting and loved it. After a while I joined a healthcare agency and through the agency I took a block blocking in the Ormeau Centre, not having a clue what it was. I’m not going to lie, when I first Googled the place I was slightly hesitant but then from my first shift I just knew I was going to love it and here we are a year and a half later, and I’m still loving my job!
Is this what you always wanted to do?
No, I never knew what I wanted to do or had a game plan. The only thing I knew is that I wanted to have a hands-on job, working with people.
Were there any particular essential qualifications or experience needed?
A preferred level 3 qualification in Health and Social Care or equivalent, two years’ experience working in a similar environment and NISCC registered. An understanding of issues affecting those experiencing homelessness with multi-complex needs is also important.
Are there alternative routes into the job?
The entire Health and Social Care sector is under immense pressure at the current time so, while a third level qualification is preferred, there are openings if you have a passion to work diligently and professionally with those who have frequently endured trauma and have, in this instance, homelessness and addiction issues.
What are the main personal skills your job requires?
The most important skill is the ability to work well and support people with a non-judgemental approach. Listening is a vital skill – our clients have often faced many challenges in their lives and it is vital to get to know them well before we can help them turn their lives around where that is possible. This role is an advocacy one and I would typically also be involved in liaising with other agencies – the NIHE, the PSNI, the NIAS, Drug Outreach Teams, Social Services and allied professionals – in order to give clients the most comprehensive support possible.
What does a typical day entail?
It is one of the attractions of the role that there is really no ‘typical day’. Each shift is such that almost anything can happen. At the core of the role is the practical, financial and emotional support to our client group. We support people in many ways from accessing services, helping secure a tenancy, sorting their benefits, liaising with the forensic services (the police and the courts) as well as community health and drug support teams etc. We also manage drug overdoses and support people through their choices using a harm reduction approach. The Extern Ormeau Centre is a service offering each person a carefully structured one-to-one support service.
What are the best and most challenging aspects of the job?
The best aspect is working with people. There is a perception of the homeless and of those that have drug addiction issues that is generally negative. The truth, whilst complex, is so far away from this commonly view of the client group. The biggest challenge of the job is trying to access certain resources for our clients which are a necessity for progression. These challenges are due to long waiting lists, lack of funding, staff shortages, etc. The consequences of this are that we regularly see previous clients returning to the centre when we know, with the right support in the community, they could thrive.
I am proud to work in this sector and I am fortunate to work with colleagues that are compassionate, professional and who see people as people – their potential and not as the problems they are experiencing. It is a multi-faceted role and it demands much of anyone who works within the field.
How has Covid-19 impacted your business/role?
Covid had an impact, as it did, in the entire Health and Social Care sector. Even as things have settled down again and we have learned to work in a ‘Covid World’ our working practice will always be coloured by the need to factor the pandemic into the mix.
What adjustments have you had to make?
In many respects the essence of the role has remained the same but all of us are very attentive to adhering to the advice given to us about working in a post-Covid environment.
What advice would you give anyone looking to follow a similar career path?
If you want to work with disadvantaged people within our society and you have the desire to make a real difference this could be the job for you. It is rewarding in so many ways and the experience you gain is invaluable.
If you weren’t doing this what would you like to do?
Hmm good question, maybe a nature photographer.
What is the one piece of advice you would give to yourself on your first day?
Observe, listen and give it time. The unit that we work in can be a little daunting at the start, but there are so many amazing aspects to the job that you will discover as you grow into the post.
Describe your ideal day off?
A day out in nature with my dog and a coffee.
And finally, what’s the key to any successful job search?
Follow your passions. If you find a role that excites you, do what you need to do to achieve it.
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