Rachel Ainsworth

My motivation for volunteering at the contact centre is two-fold, whilst wanting to help local children and families, I also wanted to gain hands-on experience, to support my long-term career goals in child welfare.

• Completed safeguarding children training prior to commencing the role, this included recognising the signs of physical and emotional abuse, neglect and coercive control.

• Attend team briefings before and after each contact session to discuss: the dynamics of each family, relevant court orders that must be followed and how parent–child relationships are developing.

• Supported new parent interviews conducted during contact sessions, ensuring all interactions were handled with sensitivity and professionalism.

• Ensured smooth and safe transitions between resident and non-resident parents, ensuring contact between adults was avoided when necessary. Created a welcoming and child friendly environment every session.

• Remained neutral when parents discussed matters relating to their child or case.

• Maintained accurate and detailed records for safeguarding and compliance - recording arrival and departure times for all, documented any concerns and escalated issues appropriately to the co-ordinator.

• Enabled parents to spend quality time with their child/ren without feeling observed or judge, whilst remaining vigilant ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all.

• Completed further training in the Pathfinder approach to family court cases - this is a new system being rolled-out locally.

• Currently applying to become a trustee of the centre upon achievement of charitable status, demonstrating ongoing commitment to child and family welfare.

This role has also enabled me to meet many individuals that have worked in child welfare and safe-guarding for many years, giving me further advice and understanding of various roles.

My current job role, whilst not my career choice, has given me the flexibility of being self-employed whilst I earned my degree. It has also been insightful psychologically and enabled me to become comfortable communicating with a diverse range of people.

• Advertised my services by designing and distributing leaflets, also advertising in the local newspaper and social media.

• Initially focused on a target client when advertising - the elderly and vulnerable.

• Kept in good, consistent communication with clients, clearly agreeing a quote in writing, updating them on any changes along the way.

• Consistently worked to a high standard, paying close attention to detail, treating each customer's home and belongings with care and respect.

• Made time-management a priority - for myself and my personal responsibilities and to ensure I am working during appropriate times for their lifestyle.

• Interacted with many different personalities and homes with unique standards and challenges, ensuring I adapted my communication style accordingly.

• Kept organised tax records for submitting my self-assessment tax return on time each year.

• Assisted with daily living activities in service-users homes, closely followed care plans to support them, yet encouraged independence where possible.

• Delivered discreet and respectful personal care, upholding service users dignity.

• Provided emotional support for clients when required, helping them feel valued and listened to.

• Maintained a clean and hygienic environment, ensuring I treat the service users homes respectfully.

• Ensured medication was administered appropriately, adhering to strict medical guidelines including concise documentation.

• Worked closely with service-users families, providing updates on the health and well-being of their loved ones.

• Consulted with a number of services, including GPs, hospitals and pharmacies to ensure continuous and comprehensive care to the service user.
• Attended the day centre supporting other staff to provide a variety of entertainment and activities to the service-users.

• Prepared and served nutritious food both in the home and the day centre - ensuring all dietary requirements were adhered to.

• Enjoyed positive working relationships with co-workers, working collaboratively and supportively.

• Kept up to date with mandatory training, ensuring the continued safety of the service-users.

• Completed health and safety training, and an induction - due to the sensitive nature of the company a NDA was signed.

• Led a team in the on-site costa coffee shop, this was an intense high-pressure environment where it was crucial to stay calm and focussed.

• Responsible for cashing up the tills ensuring they balanced - highlighting any issues to management.

• Responsible for ordering stock, stock-taking, staff rotas and ensuring all documentation was up to date.

• Maintained high standards of hygiene, adhering to health and safety guidelines at all time.

• Set up conference rooms with appropriate computer equipment and refreshments.

• Communicated with various departments in order to ensure the hospitality department ran smoothly.

• Built positive, professional relationships with individuals from a variety of backgrounds and positions, adapting communication style appropriately.

• Delivered a discreet and professional service during high-sensitive VIP meetings.
• Kept up to date with training, regularly training new staff members in various roles.

• Set up for large evening functions - up to 600 people, providing formal silver service.

This role began as a short-term role to cover illness, however I stayed on longer as I enjoyed it so much.

• Completed child safeguarding training specific to The Scouts.

• Kept in good communication with the parents, keeping them informed of their child's progress or any issues.

• Organised activities for the children following the badge merit system, focussing on encouraging team work.

• Taught outdoor and camping skills including how to build a fire, read a map/compass and building an outdoor shelter.

• Organised outdoor camps with other leaders, fulfilling responsibilities in preparation.

• Supervised camps, organising games and activities, guided the children on essential skills such as cooking and cleaning outdoors.

• Resolved any issues between the children and offered reassurance to any nervous or home-sick children.

• Attended local meetings with other leaders and the AGM.