Catherine McDermid
Millbrook,Southampton
Summary
Support Manager experienced in social care and supported accommodation for children and young people. Delivered tailored support through compassionate leadership and a non-judgemental approach, fostering inclusive environments and driving positive outcomes aligned with legislation. Seeking to continue supporting young people by applying extensive experience and knowledge.
Overview
8
8
years of post-secondary education
22
22
years of professional experience
Work history
Support Manager
Sportfit Support Services
2015.04 - 2026.06
- Managed supported accommodation for young people aged 16+, fostering a safe, nurturing, and trauma-informed environment that enabled development of life skills and progression towards education, employment, and housing goals. Provided support to the staff team and young people. Developed and implemented personalised support plans, risk assessments, and safeguarding measures to ensure holistic support for young people. Liaised and worked closely with other professionals: social services, education providers, housing teams and mental health providers. Oversaw health and safety compliance, ensuring accommodation met local regulations and safeguarding standards to maintain safety and security for young residents.
Project Manager
Future Home Care
2013.07 - 2015.04
- Responsibilities: Managed supported living homes for individuals with learning disabilities, ensuring a safe and supportive environment. Managed and supported a team of support workers, providing them with rotas, support and supervision and guidance in their job role. Developed support plans and risk assessments for individuals, addressing their unique care needs. Worked with other professionals involved with the individuals we support to ensure all health and care needs are met. Conducted interviews for new support staff. Reported to service manager on issues within managed services, facilitating timely resolutions.
Senior Team Leader
Lifeways Community Care
2012.11 - 2013.07
- Managed and supported team leaders, developed support plans and risk assessments for individuals, planned staff rotas, supervised support team, collaborated with professionals involved with individuals, and assisted individuals with daily living tasks including home management and personal care.
- Demonstrated strong leadership skills in guiding the team towards achieving set goals.
- Improved team communication by implementing weekly meetings.
- Monitored progress regularly, addressing any issues promptly and appropriately.
Team Leader
Lifeways Community Care
2008.12 - 2012.11
- Managed and supported staff within team, developed support plans and risk assessments for two services, and monitored health and safety to ensure high-quality support for service users.
Support Worker
Lifeways Community Care
2007.09 - 2008.12
- Responsibilities: To provide support to service users and managers, to ensure quality Company support provisions are met. Support the service users with daily living tasks, such as personal hygiene, accessing the community and maintaining their home.
Part Time Wedding Advisor
Debenhams Department Store
2004.07 - 2007.08
- Responsibilities: To provide support and advise to ensure customer requirements are met.
Education
Level 5 Diploma - Leadership and management in Residential Childcare
NVQ Level 3 - Management
2012.01 -
NVQ Level 3 - Health and Social Care
2011.01 -
Emergency First Aid - Work
BA Hons - Social Work
SOUTHAMPTON SOLENT UNIVERSITY
2006.01 - 2007.01
Advanced VCE (Double Award) - Health and Social Care
ITCHEN COLLEGE
2004.01 - 2006.01
OCR Level 2 Key Skill - Improving Own Learning and Performance
OCR Level 2 Key Skill - Application of Number
OCR Level 2 Key Skill - Information and Communication Technology
GCSE - Mathematics
THE SHOLING TECHNOLOGY COLLEGE
1999.01 - 2004.01
Advanced Subsidiary GCE - Sociology
GCSE D&T - Food Technology
GCSE - Home Economics: Child Development
GCSE - Biology
GCSE - Chemistry
GCSE - French
GCSE - Physics
GCSE Applied ICT Double Award - undefined
GCSE - English
GCSE - English Literature
GCSE - Religious Studies
Skills
- Risk assessment management
- Legislation knowledge
- Individual needs assessment
- Team development
- Time management
- Compassionate approach
- Non-judgmental approach
Affiliations
- I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I have son who I enjoy doing activities with.
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Support Manager
Sportfit Support Services
2015.04 - 2026.06
Project Manager
Future Home Care
2013.07 - 2015.04
Senior Team Leader
Lifeways Community Care
2012.11 - 2013.07
NVQ Level 3 - Management
2012.01 -
NVQ Level 3 - Health and Social Care
2011.01 -
Team Leader
Lifeways Community Care
2008.12 - 2012.11
Support Worker
Lifeways Community Care
2007.09 - 2008.12
BA Hons - Social Work
SOUTHAMPTON SOLENT UNIVERSITY
2006.01 - 2007.01
Part Time Wedding Advisor
Debenhams Department Store
2004.07 - 2007.08
Advanced VCE (Double Award) - Health and Social Care
ITCHEN COLLEGE
2004.01 - 2006.01
GCSE - Mathematics
THE SHOLING TECHNOLOGY COLLEGE
1999.01 - 2004.01