Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Accomplishments
Certification
References
Timeline
Generic

Catherine Black

Ebbw Vale,Blaenau Gwent

Summary

Highly skilled professional with a positive disposition and extensive experience in project management, analytical thinking, and problem resolution. Demonstrates exceptional time-management, self-motivation, and team work abilities. Proficient in Microsoft Office and adept at risk assessment. Strong communication skills developed through continual training, with a proven track record of building on others' strengths to achieve successful outcomes.

Skilled multitasker with superior work ethic and good teamwork, problem-solving and organizational skills. Willing to take on any task to help team. Reliable and dedicated team player with hardworking and resourceful approach.

Enthusiastic Complementary Student eager to learn new skills and information. Studies hard for examinations and always completed accurate, thorough work. Collaborates well on group projects and prepares diligently for assignments.

Overview

37
37
years of professional experience
14
14
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification

Work History

Student

Crosskeys College Complementary Therapy Level 3
Crosskeys, Caerphilly County Borough
09.2024 - 06.2025
  • Collaborated with classmates on group projects to achieve shared academic goals.
  • Completed assignments, special projects and group work on time and achieved good marks.
  • Gained valuable team working experience by participating in multiple group projects.
  • Communicated with teachers to obtain feedback, applying it to future projects.

Unemployed

Unable to continue in job due to surgery
Ebbw Vale, Blaenau Gwent
06.2024 - 09.2024

In December 2022 I had surgery to removed stage 4 head and neck cancer. I took 3 months to recover and return to my role as Labourer / pipelayer but found after three months I was unable to manage working outdoors in a harsh environment while I recovered from the surgery.

Labourer/ Pipelayer

Roadbridge
Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire
02.2020 - 06.2024
  • Qualified in confined space work to build manholes and deal with leaks and blockages.
  • Selected and wore protective gear to minimise risk of injury.
  • Communicated well with team across multiple locations. Kept a record of all work completed and materials used on sites.
  • Managed the stores to ensure equipment and materials on site to do jobs required and well maintained.
  • Assisted with heavy lifting to ensure safe and efficient operations on site.
  • Improved site cleanliness by regularly removing debris and waste materials.
  • Demonstrated excellent teamwork skills whilst carrying out manual tasks.
  • Cleaned up sites after shifts, organising tools and securing supplies in designated storage units.
  • Kept workspaces clean and organised with regular attention.
  • Showed punctuality and reliability, never missed a day of work.
  • Maintained clean, safe working environments in line with site regulations, eliminating risks and accidents.
  • Followed all safety procedures for accident-free working conditions.
  • Maintained tools, equipment and machinery in good working order.
  • Used shovels or heavy equipment to move different materials based on job needs.
  • Complied with health and safety regulations during operation of equipment.

Customer Service fast food

MacDonalds Restaurant
Ebbw Vale, Blaenau Gwent
02.2019 - 02.2020
  • I worked through COVID until Lockdown. I was on Furlow when I gained a job in construction where I was able to continue to work.
  • Worked fast and accurately to meet customer needs and service goals.
  • Took cash and card payment at checkout, providing correct change and receipts when requested.
  • Followed health and safety regulations strictly, enhanced workplace environment.
  • Greeted incoming customers, offered menu information and documented orders.
  • Handled customer complaints using quick decision-making to resolve issues.
  • Reduced risk of foodborne illness, following food safety and hygiene procedures across all tasks.
  • Cleaned food preparation areas, cooking surfaces and utensils throughout shifts.
  • Boosted sales by suggestively selling sides, drinks and desserts.
  • Assisted in stock management, ensured smooth operations on busy days.
  • Stayed up-to-date on fast food menu changes to answer customer ingredient and portion questions.
  • Handled high-pressure situations calmly, resulted in minimal complaints.
  • Enhanced customer loyalty with friendly and quick service.
  • Maintained clean restaurant area for better efficiency and hygiene.

Home care community Quality Supervisor

Allied Health Care
Ebbw Vale, Blaenau Gwent
02.2018 - 02.2019
  • Supervised activities of workers and enforced safety regulations.
  • Trained new hires and set up mentoring relationships to drive team performance.
  • Worked closely with management to manage staff levels and allocate resources for production plans.
  • Maintained team-oriented atmosphere with open communication and quick conflict resolution.
  • Tracked employee performance, assessed daily output and implemented corrective actions to close gaps.
  • Adhered to health and safety regulations with meticulous attention to detail.
  • Provided personal care and support to customers.

Shop assistant

Tesco Superstore
Ebbw Vale, Blaenau Gwent
10.2016 - 02.2018
  • Managed stock levels on shop floor for continuous product availability.
  • Shelved and merchandised new products in visually appealing, organised displays to engage customers.
  • Guided customers to locate products or alternative items.
  • Covered extra shifts and maintained flexible schedule to achieve store goals.
  • Replenished floor stock and processed deliveries promptly, maximising product availability for customers.
  • Updated product labelling and pricing to reflect discounts and offers.
  • Engaged customers to enhance in-store experience and provide outstanding customer service.
  • Completed opening and closing duties in line with established schedule.
  • Collaborated effectively with team members during busy periods.
  • Assisted in inventory counts, maintaining accurate records.

Senior residential childcare worker

SICS GOFAL CYMRU
Ebbw Vale, Blaenau Gwent
03.2014 - 10.2016
  • Maintained updated records, ensuring compliance with regulations.
  • Provided 1:1 support, guiding young people in addressing past and present difficulties.
  • Supported school-aged children in academic and extracurricular activities.
  • Reacted to changing social, emotional and mental health needs for responsive child support.
  • Planned and supervised interventions for children with complex needs, addressing issues and proposing solutions.
  • Supported child health and safety with periodic training in CPR and basic first aid.
  • Established and maintained working relationships with clients based on trust and non-judgement.
  • Helped service users to gain ability to function independently in society.
  • Created social and educational opportunities to help children build life skills and develop personal interests.
  • Assisted service users to obtain and access community resources.
  • Enforced policies, legislation and children's home regulations to support quality care.
  • Empowered young individuals to advocate for needs, agency and autonomy.
  • Exhibited unconditional positive regard to assist children in building self-worth and confidence.

Unemployed Single Parent

Unemployed
Ebbw Vale, Blaenau Gwent
09.2013 - 11.2014

Single parent. Left work due to ill health. Menopause, divorce and bankruptcy.

Social worker

Blaenau Gwent Social Services
Ebbw Vale, Blaenau Gwent
10.2011 - 09.2013
  • Offered long term support to care leavers 14 to 25 year olds.
  • Maintained accurate, up-to-date and confidential files in line with reporting standards.
  • Advised families on available resources and services, enabling informed decision-making regarding care options.
  • Designed individualised care plans that reflected each client's unique needs and preferences.
  • Improved service user well-being by providing emotional support and practical advice.
  • Ensured child safety by conducting regular home visits and risk assessments.
  • Used assessment findings to action necessary care plan adaptations.
  • Built positive, productive client relationships for enhanced social support.
  • Maintained up-to-date case records for accurate documentation of progress or concerns.
  • Safeguarded client information with strict adherence to privacy and data security policies.
  • Attended regular training and supervision workshops for improved service user support.
  • Maintained confidential case documentation in line with data protection regulations.
  • Provided crisis intervention during high-stress situations, ensuring immediate support was delivered.
  • Facilitated group therapy sessions, enhancing interpersonal skills amongst participants.
  • Reported on case progress, updates and interventions in alignment with regulatory standards.
  • Led team meetings in order to foster a collaborative working environment amongst colleagues whilst sharing key updates about ongoing cases.
  • Increased client independence with the development of personalised coping strategies.
  • Referred to other agencies
  • worked closely with other agencies following an agreed family conference plan.

Senior Social Worker

Blaenau Gwent Social Services
Ebbw Vale, Blaenau Gwent
10.2011 - 09.2013
  • Carried a discreet complex caseload working with young people aged 14 to 25 of high risk.
  • Supervised Personal Advisors within the leaving care system
  • Managed a supported housing Project for 16 to 21 year olds.
  • Attended regular training and supervision workshops for improved service user support.
  • Responded calmly to manage crises and emergency situations.
  • Maintained accurate, up-to-date and confidential files in line with reporting standards.
  • Maintained confidential case documentation in line with data protection regulations.
  • Collaborated with other professionals in health and social care to coordinate holistic support.
  • Adhered to safeguarding principles to protect service users from risk.
  • Reported on case progress, updates and interventions in alignment with regulatory standards.

Project coordinator Child care

Action For Children
Ebbw Vale, Blaenau Gwent
06.2004 - 10.2010
  • Tup'd over to Blaenau Gwent Leaving Care Team from here. Doing the same job for a different employer.
  • Carried a discreet complex caseload working with young people aged 14 to 25 of high risk.
  • Supervised Personal Advisors within the leaving care system
  • Managed a supported housing Project for 16 to 21 year olds.
  • Attended regular training and supervision workshops for improved service user support.
  • Responded calmly to manage crises and emergency situations.
  • Maintained accurate, up-to-date and confidential files in line with reporting standards.
  • Maintained confidential case documentation in line with data protection regulations.
  • Collaborated with other professionals in health and social care to coordinate holistic support.
  • Adhered to safeguarding principles to protect service users from risk.
  • Reported on case progress, updates and interventions in alignment with regulatory standards.


Deputy project manager

Action For Children
Ebbw Vale, Blaenau Gwent
10.2001 - 06.2004
  • Carried a discreet complex caseload working with young people aged 14 to 25 of high risk.
  • Supervised Personal Advisors within the leaving care system
  • Attended regular training and supervision workshops for improved service user support.
  • Responded calmly to manage crises and emergency situations.
  • Maintained accurate, up-to-date and confidential files in line with reporting standards.
  • Maintained confidential case documentation in line with data protection regulations.
  • Collaborated with other professionals in health and social care to coordinate holistic support.
  • Adhered to safeguarding principles to protect service users from risk.
  • Reported on case progress, updates and interventions in alignment with regulatory standards.
  • Promoted to Manage a housing Project including supported lodgings within the leaving care scheme June 2004

Leaving care personal adviser

Newport Social Services
Newport, Newport (was Gwent)
03.1993 - 10.2001
  • Assisted young people in preparing for, accessing and maintaining their supported lodgings, foster placement or own tenancy.
  • Attended regular training and supervision workshops for improved service user support.
  • Maintained confidential case documentation in line with data protection regulations.
  • Built positive, productive client relationships for enhanced social support.
  • Kept detailed, accurate records for well-maintained care continuity between support staff.
  • Promoted independence and positive wellbeing when working with vulnerable adults and children.
  • Responded proactively to changing circumstances for optimised service user care.
  • Facilitated access to education and vocational training opportunities to enhance service user outcomes.
  • Conducted health and needs assessments to establish appropriate care.
  • Maintained accurate records of client interactions, ensuring regulatory compliance.
  • Coordinated with external agencies for efficient service delivery.
  • Confirmed pathway plans meet care leaver needs to support best possible outcomes.
  • Promoted independence amongst young adults by teaching key life skills.
  • Attended child protection meetings and contributed to plans as required.

Residential childcare worker

Newport Social Services Wales
Newport, Newport
02.1990 - 03.1993
  • completed 12 hour shifts with sleep ins caring for and supporting residents aged 16 to 18.
  • Maintained updated records, ensuring compliance with regulations.
  • Provided 1:1 support, guiding young people in addressing past and present difficulties.
  • Supported school-aged children in academic and extracurricular activities.
  • Reacted to changing social, emotional and mental health needs for responsive child support.
  • Planned and supervised interventions for children with complex needs, addressing issues and proposing solutions.
  • Formed trusting relationships with children, working flexibly to adapt to changing and challenging individual needs.
  • Supported child health and safety with periodic training in CPR and basic first aid.
  • Helped service users to gain ability to function independently in society.
  • Maintained up-to-date knowledge of residential childcare policy, practice and legislation to support compliance.
  • Enforced policies, legislation and children's home regulations to support quality care.
  • Stayed informed of current legal, professional and administrative practices related to residential childcare.
  • Educated young individuals in emotional attunement and coping skills to navigate stressful environments and situations.
  • Advocated for child rights and needs in professional meetings and panels.

Residential care worker

North Staffordshire Social Services
Stoke-on-Trent
09.1988 - 02.1990
  • completed 16 hour shifts with sleep ins in a residential setting for children with complex needs aged 9 to 16.
  • Provided 1:1 support, guiding young people in addressing past and present difficulties.
  • Supported school-aged children in academic and extracurricular activities.
  • Reacted to changing social, emotional and mental health needs for responsive child support.
  • Formed trusting relationships with children, working flexibly to adapt to changing and challenging individual needs.
  • Maintained up-to-date knowledge of residential childcare policy, practice and legislation to support compliance.
  • Created social and educational opportunities to help children build life skills and develop personal interests.
  • Assessed clients and documented information for records and analysis.
  • Drafted reports detailing progress, challenges and recommended interventions.
  • Partnered closely with multi-disciplinary teams.
  • Enhanced residents' quality of life by providing emotional and physical support.

Education

NVQ Level 3 - Preparing To Teach In Life Long Learning (PTTLLS)

WEA Cymru
Ebbw Vale, Blaenau Gwent
09.2013 - 07.2014

Certificate of Higher Education - Counselling Level 3

City & Guilds
Newport
09.2005 - 06.2006

A1 QCF Assessor - NVQ

City & Guilds
Newport
03.2003 - 05.2003

NVQ Level 3 - Introduction to Line Management

ILM
Newport
09.2002 - 10.2003

Post Qualification in Social Work - Social Work

University of Wales
Cardiff
09.1999 - 07.2000

Diploma of Higher Education - Social Work

University of Wales
Cardiff
09.1994 - 07.1997

Bachelor of Arts - Sociology

North Staffordshire Polytechnic
Stafford, Staffordshire
09.1985 - 07.1988

A-Levels - History B, English D , Art E

Caldicot Comprehensive School
Caldicot, Monmouthshire
09.1983 - 07.1987

GCSEs - Maths D, Sociology C, Biology B, Art A, English C, Physics C, English Lit C, Economics D

Caldicot Comprehensive
Caldicot, Monmouthshire
09.1982 - 07.1983

Skills

  • Positive attitude, I am a committed worker, always able to find a solution I build on others skills, strengths and resources
  • Time-management I keep to time scales and submit to deadlines and keep to appointments
  • Self-motivation I am able to complete tasks autonomously
  • Team Work I enjoy working as part of a Team, sharing ideas and coming to joint decisions
  • Group Work I am able to develop groups to work enthusiastically and cooperatively together to achieve an agreed outcome
  • Project Management I have managed projects successfully in the past to budget, achieving and excelling outcomes set
  • Analytical-thinking I have a long history of assessing and analyzing information, particularly in the Social Work field
  • Problem Resolution I work well with others and am able to support people through problems and conflicts in a professional and calm manner
  • Communication Skills I have extensive experience of communicating effectively with others I use active listening and appropriate language My skills have developed through continual training
  • Microsoft Office proficiency I have used a laptop and many different computer programs during my employment history I am able to use a program once introduced to it formally
  • Risk Assessment
  • Positive disposition

Affiliations

  • Enjoys walking in nature several times a week taking picture of nature.
  • Enjoys Somatic Yoga and exploring spirituality.
  • Avid reader of fiction and text books. Likes to keep up to speed with the new knowledge in complementary therapies
  • Paints and draws and enjoys doing well being groups on a voluntary basis to encourage others to do art.

Accomplishments

    Recently completed Learning To Advise on 8th February 2025, A City and Guilds Assured Programme. Updating established knowledge on supporting and advising others. Including update of equality and diversity training.

Certification

Member of FHT Student Number 220489. Fully Insured to Practice Complementary Therapy while training.

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Student

Crosskeys College Complementary Therapy Level 3
09.2024 - 06.2025

Unemployed

Unable to continue in job due to surgery
06.2024 - 09.2024

Labourer/ Pipelayer

Roadbridge
02.2020 - 06.2024

Customer Service fast food

MacDonalds Restaurant
02.2019 - 02.2020

Home care community Quality Supervisor

Allied Health Care
02.2018 - 02.2019

Shop assistant

Tesco Superstore
10.2016 - 02.2018

Senior residential childcare worker

SICS GOFAL CYMRU
03.2014 - 10.2016

Unemployed Single Parent

Unemployed
09.2013 - 11.2014

NVQ Level 3 - Preparing To Teach In Life Long Learning (PTTLLS)

WEA Cymru
09.2013 - 07.2014

Social worker

Blaenau Gwent Social Services
10.2011 - 09.2013

Senior Social Worker

Blaenau Gwent Social Services
10.2011 - 09.2013

Certificate of Higher Education - Counselling Level 3

City & Guilds
09.2005 - 06.2006

Project coordinator Child care

Action For Children
06.2004 - 10.2010

A1 QCF Assessor - NVQ

City & Guilds
03.2003 - 05.2003

NVQ Level 3 - Introduction to Line Management

ILM
09.2002 - 10.2003

Deputy project manager

Action For Children
10.2001 - 06.2004

Post Qualification in Social Work - Social Work

University of Wales
09.1999 - 07.2000

Diploma of Higher Education - Social Work

University of Wales
09.1994 - 07.1997

Leaving care personal adviser

Newport Social Services
03.1993 - 10.2001

Residential childcare worker

Newport Social Services Wales
02.1990 - 03.1993

Residential care worker

North Staffordshire Social Services
09.1988 - 02.1990

Bachelor of Arts - Sociology

North Staffordshire Polytechnic
09.1985 - 07.1988

A-Levels - History B, English D , Art E

Caldicot Comprehensive School
09.1983 - 07.1987

GCSEs - Maths D, Sociology C, Biology B, Art A, English C, Physics C, English Lit C, Economics D

Caldicot Comprehensive
09.1982 - 07.1983
Catherine Black