Jackie Barr

I gained my Psychology degree through the Open University whilst working full time and coping with the demands of being a mother to three children. This has ensured that I have perfected my time management, prioritising and organisational skills meaning that I can work, study and research while under pressure and adhering to deadlines.

At present I work within a children’s residential care home. Using Trauma informed practice, I support young people who are involved in, or at risk of offending behaviour. I ensure that each of the young persons individual emotional, educational, social and basic needs are met in a nurturing and positive way. I ensure that I maintain a safe and calm environment while they are living in a group setting. I develop, review and update care plans and risk assessments working in partnership with other professionals to ensure a holistic approach for each young person’s care is taken.

My previous job saw me with young people and adults who present with a wide range of mental health problems, trauma and social stressors. Individuals were referred to me via the DBI pathway (referrals from Police, Ambulance service, and mental health assessment units) and were in distress/crisis. I helped to reduce the immediate distress by talking through safety plans, identify coping strategies, self-management and cognitive restructuring techniques. I kept in touch with individuals via telephone for up to four weeks and encouraged them to empower their ability to manage future distress. Being able to work with people in a person-centred way ensuring they feel empowered and supported left me with a strong sense of job satisfaction. During my time working with a mental health charity, I have undergone various training sessions. I completed ASIST and SAGE and THYME and various other coursed relevant vis TURAS, the NHS training platform. I value supervision within any job role, particularly when working with individuals presenting with mental health difficulties or high levels of trauma and distress.

Whilst working in a primary school I worked as part of a wider team to support children who needed additional support for various reasons. I worked closely with the child on a 1:1 basis and ensured their safety during times of crisis. I worked alongside a wider multi-disciplinary team including teachers, social workers, play therapists and psychologists. We would have regular meetings about each child and my role would include ensuring the views and feelings of the child were heard as well as reporting progress, incidents and disclosures. When working with the child I would take guidance and advice from teachers, psychologists and play therapists on how best to support the child, in doing this we ensured the best possible outcome.

I have recently completed training and been appointed as a panel member within Children’s Hearing Scotland. This is a voluntary role and requires me to read and collate information on the family that find themselves within the hearing system. I am then required to attend hearings and make an independent decision on the child or young person’s care. This role has taught me the importance of reading and understanding details of importance and giving informed reasons on my decisions. I regularly deal with complex issues and highly charged situations. Despite this, I always ensure I communicate professionally with empathy throughout the hearing.

All my job roles have required the use of IT systems and databases and keeping accurate records while working and communicating with other agencies. I can work well as part of a team but can follow my own initiative to work independently when required. I am reliable, trustworthy and fun. I am eager to learn new skills and expand those I already possess.