Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Samantha Knibbs

Sandy,England

Summary

A knowledgeable, self-motivated Communication Support Specialist & Teaching Assistant to ASD pupils , that excels in working with students with complex learning and behavioural difficulties. Experience working with highly complex learning and behavioural difficulties, and lower complexity learning difficulties. Experience working with high risk and vulnerable children from 5-10 years old. Experience liaising with families, carers, parents and schools. Highly skilled communicator, adaptable, persevering and enthusiastic member of the team. Will play an integral role with in a team by listening, managing and learning.

Overview

17
17
years of professional experience

Work History

Emergency Operation Control Trainer/Auditor

East of England Ambulance Service
Bedford , Bedfordshire
11.2013 - 08.2023
  • Developed employee skills by delivering comprehensive training programmes.
  • Tailored training modules for improved staff productivity.
  • Prepared detailed training materials, ensured ease of understanding for all participants.
  • Collaborated with management to create personalised development plans for employees.
  • Evaluated staff performance post-training; provided constructive feedback accordingly.
  • Facilitated open discussions during sessions, encouraged active participation from attendees.
  • Complied strictly with company policies whilst developing and executing all training initiatives.
  • Demonstrated exceptional communication skills when conveying complex concepts in simple terms.
  • Monitored employee progress, offering feedback to management on additional training requirements.
  • Prepared training materials and supplemental aids to support employee comprehension.
  • Held refresher courses and workshops to reinforce key concepts and skills.

999 Call Handler

East of England Ambulance Serive
Bedford, Bedfordshire
11.2013 - 08.2023
  • Provided accurate information for patients, facilitating effective decision-making.
  • Maintained confidentiality of patient records in compliance with NHS regulations.
  • Assisted callers with general enquiries, delivering quality customer service.
  • Managed high call volumes calmly during peak periods or emergencies.
  • Collaborated effectively with team members to handle complex situations.
  • Completed necessary information after each call, sustaining operational efficiency.
  • Improved patient satisfaction with clear, empathetic communication in stressful situations.
  • Recorded detailed caller information accurately to support medical staff response.
  • Streamlined call flow by efficiently prioritising emergency and non-emergency calls.
  • Kept up-to-date with NHS policies and procedures for consistent performance standards.
  • Liaised effectively between patients and healthcare professionals enhancing overall communication process.
  • Fostered a supportive environment through understanding and compassion towards callers' concerns.
  • Handled sensitive information ethically-upheld privacy standards at all times.
  • Aided distressed callers – provided reassurance whilst awaiting medical assistance.
  • Communicated complex medical instructions clearly – ensured caller comprehension.
  • Demonstrated compassion, emotional resilience and respect to handle high volume of emergency calls.
  • Supported callers through trauma, including accidents and death.
  • Listened actively to caller concerns, questions and priorities.
  • Served as first point of contact for callers seeking emergency support.
  • Logged critical information onto computer system.

Communication Support Specialist

Gamlingay Village Primary School
Gamlingay , Bedfordshire
09.2023 - Current
  • Enhanced parent-teacher communication for a more cohesive educational environment.
  • Managed the school calendar, ensuring smooth scheduling of activities and events.
  • Handled correspondence between staff, parents, and students for improved understanding and transparency.
  • Liaised with external agencies to secure resources for school programmes.
  • Maintained school databases, providing up-to-date information at all times.
  • Served as a point of contact for queries from staff, parents and students-resolved issues promptly.
  • Kept filing, administration and recordkeeping up to date.
  • Communicated with parents to address student issues related to behaviour, attendance and academic challenges.
  • Answered telephone and email enquiries promptly, signposting requested information.
  • Provided a safe, positive learning environment for students with varying disabilities.
  • Assisted in creating individualised education plans to cater to each student's unique needs.
  • Fostered an inclusive classroom atmosphere by promoting empathy, acceptance and respect among peers.
  • Helped organise outdoor activities to boost physical health and social skills amongst the pupils.
  • Offered emotional support during challenging situations whilst respecting student's personal space and emotions.
  • Prepared visual aids for interactive lessons which increased engagement within the classroom.
  • Maintained up-to-date records of each pupil's progress, attendance, medical information and behavioural patterns.
  • Participated in professional development training sessions to stay informed about the latest in special education teaching strategies.
  • Encouraged participation by adapting tasks according to each student's capabilities.
  • Coordinated with multidisciplinary team members such as speech therapists or psychologists for holistic child development.
  • Participated actively in parent-teacher meetings providing updates on child's progress, strengths, and areas requiring improvement.
  • Supported teachers in managing challenging student behaviour, contributing to progress meetings to provide feedback, raise concerns and recommend appropriate action.
  • Identified signs of distress in students, resolving behavioural and emotional issues.
  • Supervised students during break times, lunchtimes and after school clubs.
  • Supported classroom teacher in monitoring, assessing and recording students progress.
  • Provided individual support during examinations.
  • Maintained child safety, security and good behaviour during classroom and outdoor activities.
  • Observed children during social interactions and encouraged positive choices for minimising and resolving conflicts.

Theatre Health Care Assistant

Bedford Hospital
Bedford , Bedfordshire
03.2011 - 11.2013
  • Delivered efficient pre-operative care by preparing patients mentally and physically for surgery.
  • Assisted surgeons in complex surgical procedures, ensuring patient safety.
  • Maintained sterile theatre environment to prevent infection risks.
  • Managed post-operative care, promoting faster recovery.
  • Provided emotional support to patients and their families, reducing anxiety levels.
  • Ensured availability of all surgical equipment for successful operations.
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary team to provide holistic patient care.
  • Monitored vital signs during surgeries, alerting physicians of any changes.
  • Liaised effectively with surgical teams, improving communication and collaboration within the theatre setting.
  • Safeguarded patient confidentiality in accordance with health service regulations.

Ward Health Care Assistant

Bedford Hospital
Bedford , Bedford
03.2010 - 03.2011
  • Improved patient comfort by assisting with daily personal hygiene tasks.
  • Provided emotional support for patients and their families during difficult times.
  • Assisted medical staff with routine clinical procedures, enhancing efficiency.
  • Worked closely with multidisciplinary team to deliver holistic care.
  • Maintained a clean, safe environment for all patients.
  • Practised infection control standards to maintain patient health and safety.
  • Monitored vital signs of patients under supervision of registered nurse, ensuring well-being.
  • Facilitated social activities for patients, boosting morale and wellbeing.
  • Assisted in mobility exercises to enhance physical strength and recovery of patients.
  • Documented patient observations accurately for healthcare team's reference.
  • Communicated sensitively with patients whilst respecting privacy and dignity at all times.
  • Ensured timely delivery of meals and refreshments, maintaining hydration levels of patients.
  • Supported the implementation of care plans tailored to individual patient needs.
  • Attended mandatory training courses on regular basis to keep skills updated.
  • Provided companionship and emotional support to distressed or lonely residents.
  • Supported patients through personal care tasks such as toileting, showering and feeding, maintaining sensitivity to needs and ensuring comfort, dignity and safety throughout.
  • Maintained strict confidentiality of information regarding patients.
  • Used outstanding communication and interpersonal skills to build positive relationships with clients for exceptional satisfaction ratings.
  • Maintained confidentiality and compliance standards for optimised patient care.
  • Monitored client health conditions and reported immediate issues to manager.

Home carer

Medico
Shefford , Bedfordshire
03.2009 - 03.2010
  • Ensured client comfort by providing direct personal care, including bathing and dressing.
  • Improved patient nutrition through careful meal preparation in line with dietary requirements.
  • Maintained a clean and safe home environment for patients to promote their wellbeing.
  • Administered medication as prescribed to manage health conditions effectively.
  • Built strong relationships with clients, enhancing their emotional wellbeing.
  • Assisted clients with mobility issues to increase independence and confidence.
  • Provided companionship for elderly patients, reducing feelings of loneliness and isolation.
  • Coordinated appointments to ensure optimal healthcare provision for all clients.
  • Conducted risk assessments around the house, minimising potential dangers for clients.
  • Demonstrated empathy towards family members during difficult times, offering emotional support when needed.
  • Utilised lifting equipment correctly to move disabled or frail patients safely around the home environment.
  • Maintained strict levels of confidentiality regarding personal information and medical records; adhering strictly to data protection regulations.
  • Provided overnight care when required; ensuring peace of mind for both client and relatives.
  • Handled emergency situations calmly; contacting relevant medical teams efficiently when necessary.
  • Assisted in daily personal care routines for improved patient wellbeing.
  • Picked up client shopping and prescriptions.
  • Administered medication and kept comprehensive records.
  • Hoovered and tidied rooms with keen eye for detail.
  • Completed laundry, ironing and dry cleaning.
  • Cooked meals to meet diverse dietary requirements.
  • Offered compassionate physical and emotional support to patients, enhancing overall health and wellbeing.

Beauty Therapist

Serenity Day Spa
Letchworth Garden City , Hertfordshire
07.2007 - 03.2009
  • Conducted detailed client consultations to assess skincare needs and goals.
  • Maintained stringent hygiene standards within the treatment area, ensuring client safety.
  • Facilitated relaxation by offering soothing massage therapies.
  • Improved sales of beauty products through personalised recommendations to clients.
  • Trained junior therapists in advanced beauty therapy techniques, enhancing team skills set.
  • Cultivated strong relationships with clients, promoting loyalty and repeat business.
  • Ensured compliance with all relevant health and safety legislation in the salon environment.
  • Assisted in managing stock levels of skincare products and supplies to avoid disruption in service delivery.
  • Handled sensitive client information with discretion, maintaining confidentiality at all times.
  • Provided helpful aftercare advice post-treatment ensuring continued benefits at home.
  • Collaborated closely with other spa staff members creating a harmonious working environment.
  • Enhanced client satisfaction by providing high-quality beauty treatments.
  • Managed appointments for optimal efficiency.

Education

A-Levels -

Award in Education & Training
Bedford
03.2021

Certificate of Higher Education -

Emergency Medical Dispatch
Bedford
05.2018

NVQ Level 2 -

Health and Social Care
Shefford
08.2010

NVQ Level 3 -

Beauty Therapy
Bedford
06.2007

NVQ Level 2 -

Hairdressing
Bedford
08.2006

NVQ Level 2 -

Art & Design
Sandy
06.2004

GCSEs -

Maths
Wootton
07.2003

GCSEs -

Sociology
Wootton
07.2003

GCSEs -

English
Wootton
07.2003

GCSEs -

Science
Wootton
06.2003

GCSEs -

Food Technology
Wootton
06.2003

GCSEs -

Art Design Technology
Wootton
06.2003

Skills

  • Competent in Microsoft Office
  • Special needs support
  • ASD Certificates
  • Customer Service
  • Communication skills
  • First Aid Trained
  • Attention to Detail
  • Information analysis
  • Record-keeping
  • Timekeeping
  • Organised with the ability to prioritise

Timeline

Communication Support Specialist

Gamlingay Village Primary School
09.2023 - Current

Emergency Operation Control Trainer/Auditor

East of England Ambulance Service
11.2013 - 08.2023

999 Call Handler

East of England Ambulance Serive
11.2013 - 08.2023

Theatre Health Care Assistant

Bedford Hospital
03.2011 - 11.2013

Ward Health Care Assistant

Bedford Hospital
03.2010 - 03.2011

Home carer

Medico
03.2009 - 03.2010

Beauty Therapist

Serenity Day Spa
07.2007 - 03.2009

A-Levels -

Award in Education & Training

Certificate of Higher Education -

Emergency Medical Dispatch

NVQ Level 2 -

Health and Social Care

NVQ Level 3 -

Beauty Therapy

NVQ Level 2 -

Hairdressing

NVQ Level 2 -

Art & Design

GCSEs -

Maths

GCSEs -

Sociology

GCSEs -

English

GCSEs -

Science

GCSEs -

Food Technology

GCSEs -

Art Design Technology
Samantha Knibbs