Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Personal statement
References
Timeline
Generic

Chantelle Richardson

London,greater London

Summary

A dedicated and empathetic professional with a strong foundation in psychology and extensive experience in healthcare and support roles. Background as a paramedic brings a calm, decisive approach to high-pressure situations. Experience as an activity organiser in a dementia care home involves creating engaging programmes that enhance the quality of life for residents, demonstrating a commitment to person-centred care.

As a learning disability support worker, tailored strategies are developed to promote independence and well-being, ensuring that individuals receive the necessary support to thrive. Administrative volunteer work in a pain clinic within the NHS sharpens organisational skills and enhances understanding of clinical environments, enabling effective contributions to multidisciplinary teams.

In the role of ambassador for a burns and disfigurement charity, workshops are led to provide support, fostering resilience and empowerment among individuals facing similar challenges. Diverse experiences equip with unique insights and interpersonal skills essential for excelling as an assistant psychologist, supporting clients in their journeys toward mental well-being and advocating for greater representation of individuals with disabilities in psychology.

Overview

13
13
years of professional experience
11
11
years of post-secondary education

Work History

Administrative volunteer

British Heart Foundation
Wandsworth, greater london
05.2024 - Current

ed

  • Interacted with customers professionally by phone, email and in-person to deliver accurate service information.
  • Assisted clients with daily enquiries and addressed incoming correspondence to maintain timely responses.
  • Effectively managed incoming and outgoing mail to maximise office efficiency.
  • Oversaw database to maintain updated records and accuracy.
  • Managed office supply inventory, performing stocktake duties and ordering additional supplies to meet staff needs.
  • Liaised with customers to resolve enquiries, appointment requests and billing questions.
  • Produced high-quality documents, spreadsheets and presentations for internal and customer-facing needs.
  • Assisted with employee relations issues, using emotional intelligence and diplomatic communication to resolve grievances.
  • Identified and implemented improvements to address and resolve office workflow inefficiencies.

Volunteer learning disability support worker

Fircroft trust
Surbiton, Kingston upon Thames
11.2019 - Current
  • Met needs of clients with learning difficulties and handled challenging behaviours.
  • Kept detailed daily logs with care actions, patient behaviours and all incidents.
  • Determined ongoing patient safety, promptly reporting concerns about abuse or safeguarding issues to care managers.
  • Collaborated with external support providers to maintain good care continuity.
  • Respected service users' autonomy through inclusive discussion on care plan developments and goal setting.
  • Reported on clients' progress to evaluate service impact.
  • Supported clients with rehabilitation and socialisation in community settings.
  • Helped service users to gain ability to function independently in society.
  • Established and maintained working relationships with clients based on trust and non-judgement.
  • Adhered to all company requirements for patient interactions and care standards.
  • Designed individualised plans detailing daily activities and needs for patients.
  • Listened to clients' current struggles to signpost relevant support.
  • Documented accurate and updated caseload records and reports to streamline process.
  • Monitored client progress and adapted support programmes to meet changing needs.
  • Assisted service users to obtain and access community resources.
  • Conferred with physicians and nurses to discuss patient condition and medical care, helping to optimise treatments and enhance outcomes.
  • Led workshops under professional supervision.
  • Recruited clients for programmes based on their needs.
  • Worked alongside team of multidisciplinary professionals to devise care plans managing complex compound problems.
  • Counselled clients through difficult times using approved and compassionate strategies.
  • Liaised with external and internal professionals to provide holistic support.
  • Adapted support where possible to increase service accessibility.
  • Highlighted additional support provisions to maximise clients' growth opportunities.
  • Offered practical daily living advice, including financial planning, housing support and legal guidance.

Activities coordinator

Brendoncare
Tooting, Wandsworth
02.2016 - 08.2020
  • Produced weekly activity programme, communicating social schedule to all residents.
  • Worked as active team member to achieve highest standards of care.
  • Worked within allocated budget to provide programme of activities and maintain stock of activity equipment.
  • Kept all activities documented to inform future planning.

Paramedic

South Central Ambulance Service
Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire
06.2011 - 10.2014
  • Provided prompt emergency response to accidents and emergencies.
  • Evaluated patient vital signs and status to determine care needs.
  • Executed well-informed critical decision making in high-pressure situations.
  • Developed and maintained rapport with coworkers and local hospital staff to facilitate comprehensive patient care.
  • Adhered to clinical and statutory guidelines for full medical compliance.
  • Carried out clinical procedures with precision and speed to meet emergency requirements.
  • Assessed emergency situations and prioritised medical care accordingly.
  • Transported patients safely and securely to hospital facilities.
  • Demonstrated commitment to quality care through continuous training and development.
  • Administered medication to relieve patients' pain and discomfort.

Education

Bachelor of Science - forensic psychology

The Open University
Milton Keynes
10.2018 - 05.2024

Bachelor of Science - paramedical science

Oxford Brookes University
Oxford
05.2009 - 10.2011

A-Levels - psychology, Law and I.C.T

Oldham Sixth Form College
Oldham
06.2004 - 06.2006

GCSEs -

Hollingworth Academy
Rochdale
06.2003 - 06.2004

Skills

  • Problem-solving
  • Communication skills
  • Calm under pressure
  • Resourcefulness
  • Analytical
  • Empathetic
  • Active listening
  • Multidisciplinary teamwork
  • Excellent interpersonal skills
  • Emotional resilience
  • Adaptability
  • Creative problem solving
  • Organisational skills
  • Self motivated
  • Strong initiative

Accomplishments

    ambassador for the Katie Piper Foundation - a leading burns and disfigurement charity. I help run makeup workshops and offer psychological supprt to individuals affected

Personal statement

I am a dedicated and resilient individual with a background in healthcare and a recent BSc in Psychology, where I achieved a 2:1 despite significant challenges. My journey began as a paramedic, where I developed strong interpersonal skills and a passion for helping others. However, following treatment for a rare condition and medical negligence that resulted in a brain injury, I faced a lengthy rehabilitation process. This experience has deepened my commitment to using my personal challenges to support others.

Throughout my recovery, I regained the use of my left side and volunteered in various roles, which reinforced my adaptability and ability to thrive in emotionally demanding environments. My unique insight as a patient who has benefited from psychological support, combined with my own experiences of overcoming adversity—including dealing with a parent’s suicide—has equipped me with a profound sense of empathy and approachability.

While I have not yet held a position as an assistant psychologist due to discrimination related to my facial scarring and disability, I am well-versed in psychometric testing and am a quick learner. I am eager to contribute to the field of psychology, particularly in advocating for greater representation of individuals who have faced similar life challenges. I aspire to be a trailblazer for those with disabilities, demonstrating that diverse experiences can enrich the practice of psychology.

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Administrative volunteer

British Heart Foundation
05.2024 - Current

Volunteer learning disability support worker

Fircroft trust
11.2019 - Current

Bachelor of Science - forensic psychology

The Open University
10.2018 - 05.2024

Activities coordinator

Brendoncare
02.2016 - 08.2020

Paramedic

South Central Ambulance Service
06.2011 - 10.2014

Bachelor of Science - paramedical science

Oxford Brookes University
05.2009 - 10.2011

A-Levels - psychology, Law and I.C.T

Oldham Sixth Form College
06.2004 - 06.2006

GCSEs -

Hollingworth Academy
06.2003 - 06.2004
Chantelle Richardson