Sarah Squibb
Southampton,Hampshire
Summary
Through my previous experience as a Restaurant Manager, Senior Care Assistant, and over two years working within the Disabled Facilities Grants Team, alongside achieving a Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Lead Adult Care with Distinction, I have developed a strong range of transferable skills highly relevant to a Senior Caseworker role.
My current experience within the Disabled Facilities Grants Team has provided me with extensive knowledge of the grant application process, case management, housing adaptations, and supporting vulnerable and disabled clients to maintain independent living. I am fully up to date with relevant policies, procedures, legislation, safeguarding responsibilities, and local authority guidelines, ensuring all cases are managed professionally, accurately, and compliantly.
My background in care has strengthened my ability to work compassionately and effectively with vulnerable individuals while maintaining a person-centred approach. I have experience liaising with occupational therapists, contractors, and healthcare professionals, and families to coordinate support and achieve positive outcomes for service users.
In supervisory roles, I have developed strong leadership and organisational skills, including managing workloads, delegating responsibilities, mentoring staff, resolving complex issues, and maintaining high standards of service delivery within fast-paced environments. I am confident handling sensitive situations, prioritising competing demands, and communicating effectively with both clients and professionals.
My experience as a Restaurant Manager further developed my communication, administration, customer service, and problem-solving skills. Managing teams and operations in high-pressure environments strengthened my ability to remain organised, adaptable, and solution-focused while delivering excellent service standards.
Combined, these experiences have equipped me with excellent interpersonal, case management, and time management skills, along with the ability to build strong professional relationships, manage complex caseloads, and support clients through challenging situations with empathy, professionalism, and efficiency.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
5
5
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Case Worker (DFG)
Southampton City Council
Southampton
2022.10 - Current
- Managed a caseload of Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) applications from initial referral through to completion.
- Assessed client needs and eligibility in line with housing legislation, council policies, and grant regulations.
- Liaised with occupational therapists, contractors, surveyors, social services, and healthcare professionals to coordinate adaptations.
- Supported vulnerable and disabled clients throughout the grant process, providing guidance and regular updates.
- Conducted home visits to assess property suitability and identify required adaptations to promote independent living.
- Prepared and maintained accurate case records, reports, and documentation in compliance with data protection requirements.
- Monitored project progress, ensuring works were completed within agreed timescales, budgets, and quality standards.
- Assisted clients with completing forms, gathering supporting evidence, and understanding grant procedures.
- Resolved queries, complaints, and issues efficiently while maintaining a professional and empathetic approach.
- Ensured compliance with safeguarding, health and safety, and local authority procedures at all times.
- Worked collaboratively with internal departments and external agencies to achieve positive outcomes for service users.
- Prioritised workloads effectively to manage deadlines and deliver high-quality customer service in a fast-paced environment.
Senior care assistant
Southampton City Council
Southampton
2019.05 - 2022.10
- Supervise and support care assistants to ensure high standards of person-centred care are consistently delivered.
- Lead by example in providing compassionate, safe, and dignified care to residents/service users.
- Allocate daily tasks and responsibilities to care staff and monitor completion of duties.
- Conduct staff handovers, provide guidance during shifts, and ensure effective communication within the care team.
- Support the induction, mentoring, and ongoing development of new and existing care staff.
- Monitor staff performance and report concerns, training needs, or conduct issues to management.
- Ensure care plans, risk assessments, and daily records are accurately completed and updated.
- Administer or oversee medication administration in line with company policies and regulatory standards.
- Respond appropriately to emergencies, incidents, safeguarding concerns, and resident wellbeing issues.
- Promote compliance with health and safety, infection control, safeguarding, and CQC/company standards.
- Liaise with families, healthcare professionals, and external agencies to support residents’ care needs.
- Assist management with audits, shift reporting, staffing issues, and maintaining service quality.
- Encourage a positive team culture, supporting staff morale, teamwork, and professional conduct at all times.
La Baronia restaurant
paul thompson
Southampton
2013.11 - 2019.05
- Oversee daily restaurant operations to ensure smooth service
- Manage and supervise staff, including hiring, training, and scheduling
- Maintain high standards of customer service and resolve complaints professionally
- Monitor food quality, cleanliness, and health & safety compliance
- Control inventory, order supplies, and manage stock levels
- Handle budgeting, cash flow, and daily financial reporting
- Ensure compliance with licensing, hygiene, and employment regulations
- Coordinate with kitchen and front-of-house teams for efficient service
- Develop strategies to increase sales and improve customer satisfaction
- Monitor staff performance and conduct performance reviews
- Organize staff rotas and ensure adequate staffing during busy periods
- Promote teamwork and maintain a positive working environment
- Oversee opening and closing procedures
- Manage reservations, events, and special customer requests
- Implement marketing promotions and support business growth
The grange nursing home
Angela
Southampton
2012.11 - 2013.11
- Carried out day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
- Quickly learned and applied new skills to daily tasks, improving efficiency and productivity.
- Successfully delivered on tasks within tight deadlines.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Supported team by demonstrating respect and willingness to help.
- Liaised between patients and healthcare professionals, facilitated effective communication channels.
- Managed personal hygiene of bed-bound patients, maintained dignity and respect at all times.
- Provided emotional support to patients and their families during difficult times.
- Delivered high-quality patient service by maintaining cleanliness in wards.
- Kept detailed records of patient progress, assisted medical staff in treatment planning.
- Upheld patient confidentiality at all times whilst performing duties as per data protection norms set down by the NHS.
- Assisted in patient care, improved comfort and well-being.
Education
NVQ Level 3 -
NVQ Level 3 Lead Adult care
2023.07 - 2026.05
NVQ Level 2 -
NVQ Level 2 Hairdressing
2010.09 - 2012.06
GCSEs -
Oasis Academy Mayfield
Skills
- Over 2 years’ experience working within the Disabled Facilities Grants Team managing complex caseloads and supporting vulnerable clients through the grant application and adaptation process
- Strong knowledge of Disabled Facilities Grant legislation, housing adaptations, safeguarding, and local authority policies and procedures
- Experience supervising and supporting staff, including delegating workloads, mentoring colleagues, monitoring performance, and maintaining high standards of service delivery
- Ability to oversee and prioritise multiple cases effectively while ensuring deadlines, targets, and service standards are consistently met
- Excellent leadership skills developed through management and supervisory positions within care and hospitality settings
- Experienced in coordinating with occupational therapists, contractors, surveyors, social services, healthcare professionals, and external agencies to achieve positive outcomes for clients
- Strong understanding of safeguarding responsibilities, confidentiality, equality and diversity, and compliance within housing and social care environments
- Confident in handling complex or sensitive situations professionally, calmly, and with empathy
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build positive relationships with clients, colleagues, contractors, and professionals
- Skilled in conflict resolution, complaint handling, and supporting clients through difficult or challenging circumstances
- Strong organisational and administrative skills, including maintaining accurate records, updating case management systems, and preparing reports and documentation
- Ability to work independently using initiative while also contributing effectively within a team environment
- Experience conducting staff handovers, coordinating day-to-day operations, and supporting smooth service delivery
- Proven ability to remain organised and adaptable within fast-paced and high-pressure working environments
- Strong decision-making and problem-solving skills with the ability to assess situations and identify practical solutions quickly and effectively
- Experience supporting vulnerable adults using a person-centred and compassionate approach
- Confident managing competing priorities while maintaining professionalism and attention to detail
- Experience training, supporting, and guiding junior staff members and promoting a positive team culture
- Excellent customer service skills developed through both management and client-facing roles
- Ability to communicate clearly and professionally both verbally and in writing
- Experienced in monitoring service quality and ensuring compliance with health and safety procedures and organisational standards
- Strong teamwork and collaboration skills with the ability to work across departments and with external partners
- Ability to manage confidential and sensitive information in accordance with GDPR and organisational procedures
- Achieved Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Lead Adult Care with Distinction, demonstrating advanced leadership, supervisory, safeguarding, and person-centred care knowledge
Timeline
NVQ Level 3 -
NVQ Level 3 Lead Adult care
2023.07 - 2026.05
Case Worker (DFG)
Southampton City Council
2022.10 - Current
Senior care assistant
Southampton City Council
2019.05 - 2022.10
La Baronia restaurant
paul thompson
2013.11 - 2019.05
The grange nursing home
Angela
2012.11 - 2013.11
NVQ Level 2 -
NVQ Level 2 Hairdressing
2010.09 - 2012.06
GCSEs -
Oasis Academy Mayfield