Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Accomplishments
Certification
Bank Work
Timeline
Generic
Rachael Hurley

Rachael Hurley

Portishead,North

Summary

Energetic and motivated Support Worker for people with mental health conditions and learning disabilities who is organised, flexible and skilled at balancing the needs of young people and adults; in emotional, physical, social, intellectual and personal capacities.

Focused, assertive, and adaptable professional who can effectively multi-task in challenging situations and meet critical deadlines.

Enthusiastic and committed to continual professional and personal development, appreciating opportunities to further train, develop and enhance knowledge and skills, and having a passion for helping, inspiring and supporting others.


Overview

25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work history

Support Worker Care Horizons, Yate – March 2021 to

Care Horizon
Yate, South Gloucestershire
02.2021 - Current

Currently working 9–10 extended (24-hour) shifts per month, providing dedicated one-to-one support for a service user with complex learning disabilities, mental health challenges, and medical needs. My role focuses on promoting independence, building trusting relationships, and empowering the individual through practical tools and emotional support to overcome challenges and lead a safe, fulfilled life.

Key responsibilities include:

• Supporting daily living tasks such as meal preparation, household chores, and medication administration.

• Assisting with personal budgeting, shopping, and accessing community facilities and social opportunities.

• Providing consistent emotional support and fostering the development of self-esteem and confidence.

• Attending and facilitating appointments while advocating for the service user's needs.

• Collaborating closely with a multidisciplinary team of professionals, practitioners, and external agencies to ensure cohesive, person-centred care.

Solution Focused Hypnotherapist

Self Employed
Bristol, Bristol
09.2013 - Current

Solution Focused Hypnotherapist (Self-Employed)

Awarded DHP from Clifton Practice | Since 2013

Delivered therapy combining neuroscience, CBT, NLP, and solution-focused techniques.

• Helped clients of all ages manage issues such as anxiety, self-harm, eating disorders, exam pressure, and low confidence.

• Focused on future outcomes and positive change rather than problem analysis.

• Empowered individuals to build self-esteem, resilience, and a more optimistic mindset.

Personal Assistant

Private Client (Mr A Hemmings),
Bristol
03.2005 - 08.2025

Provided part-time, one-to-one support to a wheelchair user with Cerebral Palsy, delivering comprehensive assistance with daily living and mobility needs.

• Assisted with personal care, meal preparation, appointments, shopping, travel, and leisure activities.

• Supported the client in professional duties, including attending meetings as a Governor for SCOPE and a local primary school, aiding with note-taking and communication.

• Ensured consistent, respectful care tailored to the individual's lifestyle, promoting independence and social engagement.

Senior Residential Support Worker

Empower Support Services
Taunton, Somerset
09.2019 - 02.2021

Held a lead role in a residential setting, supporting the care and development of a young person with complex needs. Responsibilities included overseeing care delivery, guiding team members, and ensuring adherence to care and behavioural management plans. Promoted education and personal growth through structured routines, activity planning, and positive reinforcement.

• Collaborated closely with multi-agency professionals including social workers, educators, and healthcare providers.

• Maintained detailed records, including incident reports, care updates, and medical logs.

• Provided mentoring and training support to staff, ensuring adherence to policies and best practices.

• Actively contributed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the young person within a nurturing, structured environment.

Residential Support Worker (Young People)

Keys Group
Almondsbury, South Gloucestershire
05.2017 - 09.2019

Provided consistent, person-centred care for two young people with diverse needs, including learning difficulties and mental health challenges, in line with individual care plans. Fostered a safe, nurturing environment and supported emotional, social, and behavioural development through structured routines and therapeutic practices.

• Delivered 1:1 and 2:1 support, promoting independence, confidence, and self-regulation through tailored strategies and de-escalation techniques.

• Maintained high standards of care, adhering to company policies, safeguarding procedures, and risk assessments.

• Collaborated effectively with families and a wide range of professionals, including psychologists, social workers, and educators.

• Kept thorough records, including incident reports, key work sessions, and care plan updates.

• Achieved Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare during this role.

Learning Support Assistant

Ravenswood School,
Nailsea, North Somerset
10.2010 - 05.2017

Provided dedicated support to pupils in a KS2 class with a range of special educational needs, including learning difficulties, social, emotional, and mental health needs. Worked under the guidance of the class teacher to deliver tailored learning and behavioural support on a 1:1, group, and whole-class basis.

• Supported pupils' access to the curriculum and extracurricular activities, promoting well-being, self-esteem, and positive relationships.

• Contributed to behaviour management through consistent handling plans, MAPA strategies, and incident reporting procedures.

• Maintained effective communication with teachers, parents/carers, and external professionals, including therapists and social workers.

• Played a key role in fostering a safe, supportive learning environment that encouraged pupil development and independence.

Health Care Support Worker

Chrysalis Home Care,
Bristol, Bristol
08.2007 - 10.2010

Provided high-quality care and support to clients with physical and mental health needs within their own homes, promoting independence and dignity in all aspects of daily living.

• Assisted with personal care, meal preparation, household tasks, shopping, medication administration, and engagement in personal activities.

• Collaborated with a multidisciplinary team including doctors, nurses, social workers, and therapists to ensure comprehensive, person-centred care.

• Maintained accurate records and upheld strong communication practices to support continuity of care and safeguard client well-being.

• Ensured respectful, dignified support while helping clients live as independently as possible.

Director & Promotions Manager (Co-Owner)

The Ultimate Flavour Vodka Company
Bristol
09.2000 - 02.2005

Director & Promotions Manager


Co-founded and co-managed a small business specialising in flavoured vodka products. Oversaw brand development, promotions, and operational management.

• Led marketing and promotional strategies, including events, tastings, and partnership campaigns.

• Managed supplier relationships, product development, and distribution logistics.

• Handled budgeting, sales tracking, and customer engagement to drive business growth.

• Gained hands-on experience in business ownership, team coordination, and brand positioning.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Education

University of the West of England
Bristol

NVQ Level 3 - Social Care/children's Residential Care

NVQ 3 - Social Care/Children Residential Care
Bristol
11/2018 - 04/2019

Diploma in Clinical Hypnotherapy and Psychotherapy - Hypnotherapy

Clifton Practice
Bristol

HNC Graphic Design - Graphic Design

City of Bristol College
Bristol

Foundation Degree in Arts - Art

Filton College

GCSEs - Maths, English, science, art, textiles

Filton college
Bristol

Skills

  • Empathy for clients
  • Personal care assistance
  • Personal care
  • Medication Administration
  • Meal preparation
  • Social care
  • Therapeutic care
  • resilience in difficult situations
  • Professional boundaries understanding
  • Resilience and stamina
  • Respecting confidentiality
  • learning disability knowledge
  • Autism support experience
  • Efficient time management
  • Building trust relationships
  • Strong work ethics
  • Positive behavioural support
  • Patience in difficult situations
  • People-Centred approach
  • good listening and communication

Affiliations

  • Drawing
  • Painting
  • Paddleboard boarding (Paddleboard instructor)
  • Reading
  • Spending time in nature, walking
  • Neuroscience
  • Spirituality

Accomplishments

British Sign Language level 1

Certification

Certificate in Counselling level 2

Bank Work

Ad Hoc Complex Care Support Worker

Client: 12-year-old female with complex medical needs

Care Responsibilities:

  • Providing 12-hour care cover during staff absences (holiday/sickness)
  • Supporting a service user diagnosed with cerebral palsy and hypertonia
  • Managing PEG feeding and maintaining a nil by mouth protocol
  • Monitoring and responding to muscle spasms and seizures, including emergency intervention as required
  • Assisting with personal care, repositioning, and mobility
  • Administering prescribed medications in accordance with care plan
  • Communicating with parents/guardians and healthcare professionals to ensure continuity of care

Timeline

Support Worker Care Horizons, Yate – March 2021 to

Care Horizon
02.2021 - Current

Senior Residential Support Worker

Empower Support Services
09.2019 - 02.2021

Residential Support Worker (Young People)

Keys Group
05.2017 - 09.2019

Solution Focused Hypnotherapist

Self Employed
09.2013 - Current

Learning Support Assistant

Ravenswood School,
10.2010 - 05.2017

Health Care Support Worker

Chrysalis Home Care,
08.2007 - 10.2010

Personal Assistant

Private Client (Mr A Hemmings),
03.2005 - 08.2025

Director & Promotions Manager (Co-Owner)

The Ultimate Flavour Vodka Company
09.2000 - 02.2005

Bachelor of Science - Education

University of the West of England

NVQ Level 3 - Social Care/children's Residential Care

NVQ 3 - Social Care/Children Residential Care
11/2018 - 04/2019

Diploma in Clinical Hypnotherapy and Psychotherapy - Hypnotherapy

Clifton Practice

HNC Graphic Design - Graphic Design

City of Bristol College

Foundation Degree in Arts - Art

Filton College

GCSEs - Maths, English, science, art, textiles

Filton college
Rachael Hurley