Isabel Durkin
Carlisle,United Kingdom
Summary
Support worker, working with individuals with autism and learning disabilities, who is highly empathetic, motivated and committed to providing the highest possible quality of support through developing support plans and strategies to develop skills and help individuals become more independent. A recent psychology graduate, this role has allowed me to apply my understanding of autism, cognition, sensory processing and associated mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. Looking for an opportunity to further develop and practically apply my existing knowledge to pursue a career in clinical psychology. I am currently based in Carlisle but would be very willing to relocate, and I am currently learning to drive.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
10
10
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Support worker
Turning Point
Carlisle, Cumbria
2024.10 - Current
Working with vulnerable individuals to complete tasks in everyday life to encourage independence, including maintaining their household, personal care, medication and more.
Providing emotional support and interventions for mental, physical and emotional struggles, maintaining strong trusting and positive relationships.
Following support plans and keeping detailed records of interactions and ongoing issues, and being familiar with and following regulations and guidance relevant to role.
Working within a team to develop existing support plans, and to employ strategies to support service users to develop their skills and to have a full life engaging in meaningful activities and involvement in the community.
Communicating effectively with individuals with different verbal capacities, tailoring communication to meet their needs (including use of Makaton to communicate with non-verbal individuals).
Volunteer shop assistant
Oxfam Charity Shop
Halifax, Calderdale
2018.11 - 2020.03
Communicating with customers, maintaining a positive attitude and assisting with any needs.
Working within a team to maintain shop and ensure all customers are tended to.
Cleaning and maintaining a presentable environment.
Education
Master of Arts - Psychology
University of St Andrews
St. Andrews 2020.09 - 2024.06
A-Levels - Mathematics, Psychology, English Literature
Greenhead College
Huddersfield, Kirklees 2018.09 - 2020.06
GCSEs - 11 GCSEs
Crossley Heath Grammar School
Halifax, Calderdale 2013.09 - 2018.08
Skills
Strong communication skills, including limited ability to communicate in Makaton
Experience supporting individuals in crisis, interpersonal skills
Following and modifying support plans, contributing ideas and strategies for improving quality of support, and involvement in risk assessment and management
Strong understanding of psychological principles and experience applying these
Experience in conducting research and statistical analysis within my degree
Understanding and experience of working with individuals with autism and learning difficulties
Working within a team to deliver support
Administering medication
Hard-working, highly empathetic, adaptable and skills with time management
Affiliations
- I am very creative, and have a keen interest in creating through knitting, crochet and embroidery - I am always looking for opportunities to develop these skills. I am an avid reader and enjoy watching films. I enjoy swimming and going for walks, as well as spending time with my friend and family.
Timeline
Support worker
Turning Point
2024.10 - Current
Master of Arts - Psychology
University of St Andrews
2020.09 - 2024.06
Volunteer shop assistant
Oxfam Charity Shop
2018.11 - 2020.03
A-Levels - Mathematics, Psychology, English Literature
Greenhead College
2018.09 - 2020.06
GCSEs - 11 GCSEs
Crossley Heath Grammar School
2013.09 - 2018.08