Gemma Mcdonald
Coatbridge,North Lanarkshire
Summary
Since the earlier 00's I have worked supporting disabled individuals in a variety of different Roles. I am adaptable and provide a person centred approach to every person I meet and support . Communication and the supporting the individual to access information is extremely important to me and I strive to adapt my practice to the needs of the individual .
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work history
SDS Development worker
North Lanarkshire Disability Forum
Motherwell, North Lanarkshire
02.2022 - Current
- Supported Disabled individuals , their parents and carers to access community recourses and supported individuals whose needs couldn't be met by community services to seek Self Directed Support to meet their outcomes.
- Promoted independence and positive wellbeing when working with adults and children in a person centred way.
- Kept detailed, accurate records, maintained confidential case documentation in line with data protection regulations.
- Provided unbiased accessible information to individuals to enable them to make informed choices, as well as signposting community resources and local charities.
- Partnered with external support networks to deliver holistic client care.
- Supported with welfare benefit applications
Family Support Worker
Reach Lanarkshire Autism
Cambuslang, South Lanarkshire
01.2022 - 02.2022
- Providing family and child focused family support to families whose child is Autistic or is going through the diagnostic Pathway in North and South Lanarkshire. Providing unbiased information to promote informed choice
- Support with applying for benefits such as DLA , ILF , Family fund . Empowering , preparing and supporting parents and young people in educational meetings.
- Initiated and led parent support networks through Support groups Craft groups and workshops.
- Managed complex caseload of up 30 families through strategic caseload prioritisation.
Family Support Officer
National Deaf Children Society
West of Scotland, Scotland
11.2017 - 12.2020
- A Family Support Officer providing support to families who had a D/deaf child in North and South Lanarkshire , North South and East Ayrshire and Dumfries and Galloway . Supporting with everything related to childhood deafness so from newly diagnosed babies and emotional support for parents.
- Benefit application support .
- Delivering deaf awareness sessions for other agencies such as schools and other agencies .
- Support at school meetings and signposting to other agencies.
Stay at Home Parent
Myself
Lanarkshire
08.2011 - 11.2017
- Stay at home parent to my three Children
Transitions Family Support Worker
PAMIS
Hamilton , South Lanarkshire
11.2009 - 08.2011
- Supporting Young people with PMLD and their families/Carers transition from Children Services to Adult Services in South Lanarkshire .
- Supporting Families/Carers to make Informed decisions about their young persons future .
- Supporting families/Carers in multi agency meetings
- Gathering unbiased information about services in South Lanarkshire .
Family Support Worker
North Lanarkshire Carers Together
North Lanarkshire
01.2023 - Current
- Supported and advised parents regarding various issues and signposted additional services.
- Improved children's behaviour by implementing structure and routine.
- Mentored parents in managing challenging behaviours; fostered positive changes.
- Assisted families in navigating the welfare system; secured appropriate benefits.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams for effective care planning.
- Worked closely with schools; improved child attendance rates.
- Advocated on behalf of clients, resolving issues promptly.
- Liaised closely with social services to safeguard at-risk children.
- Established trust with clients to enhance communication.
- Assessed needs of families for better service provision.
- Delivered training workshops to parents; enhanced understanding of child development stages.
- Engaged with children and families using creative strategies and professional approach.
- Managed complex caseload of vulnerable families through strategic prioritisation.
- Provided written and electronic reports of conducted work adhering to policies and procedures.
Education
SVQ Level 2 - Understanding Autism
West College Scotland
Clydebank06.2017
NVQ Level 1 - British Sign Language
Lanarkshire Deaf Services
Coatbridge, North Lanarkshire05.2015
Bachelor of Arts - Social Sciences
University of the West of Scotland
Paisley11.2009
Skills
- Experienced Family Support Worker
- Excellent Communication Skills
- Empathetic to Families/Carers Needs
- Team Player
Timeline
Family Support Worker
North Lanarkshire Carers Together
01.2023 - Current
SDS Development worker
North Lanarkshire Disability Forum
02.2022 - Current
Family Support Worker
Reach Lanarkshire Autism
01.2022 - 02.2022
Family Support Officer
National Deaf Children Society
11.2017 - 12.2020
Stay at Home Parent
Myself
08.2011 - 11.2017
Transitions Family Support Worker
PAMIS
11.2009 - 08.2011
SVQ Level 2 - Understanding Autism
West College Scotland
NVQ Level 1 - British Sign Language
Lanarkshire Deaf Services
Bachelor of Arts - Social Sciences
University of the West of Scotland
Similar Profiles
Eva-Rose McKenny (Proctor)Eva-Rose McKenny (Proctor)
Assistant support worker at North Lanarkshire CouncilAssistant support worker at North Lanarkshire Council
Reema LawrenceReema Lawrence
Recruitment Advisor at North Lanarkshire CouncilRecruitment Advisor at North Lanarkshire Council
Liam FallonLiam Fallon
Catering assistant at North Lanarkshire CouncilCatering assistant at North Lanarkshire Council
Jamie McFarlaneJamie McFarlane
Caregiver for family member at NACaregiver for family member at NA
Hannah PollockHannah Pollock
Cricket Scorer at Drumpellier Cricket ClubCricket Scorer at Drumpellier Cricket Club