Our People - Trainee Team Leader, Beechwood College

How would you summarise your role?

“My role is essentially leading the team. I supervise 4 Support Workers and ensure the smooth daily running of the shift. I have to deal with the transition of new students, assessing them prior to arrival, and also with ensuring that students who leave have a smooth transition. I attend MDT meetings and also work closely with Managers, Social workers and family members. My role is very hands on and when working with students I focus on helping then with their daily living. There are lots of off site activities that the students enjoy such as swimming, cinema trips, and arts and crafts activities. We also take them on shopping trips to give them additional access to the community. All of these activities have to be risk assessed and planned in advance.”

Why do you like working for LSH?

“It’s a good company to work for. I’ve been with the company for nearly 18 months and have progressed from being a Support Worker to my current role of Trainee Team Leader. There are really good benefits to working for the company too. I’ve worked in the mental health field previously and the career path is much clearer here. You know that you can progress here if you want to. The best thing about working here though is seeing the students develop and progress during their time with us. That’s what we’re here for and it gives me real satisfaction to know I’m making a difference to their lives.”

How have you developed since joining LSH?

“I had no experience of autism prior to working here. The companies’ training is amazing. There are so many different courses that you attend covering so many different areas. The training during induction is very good, but it’s also ongoing during your career which gives you the sense of continued development. I’m much more rounded now with the experience I have than I was when I started. If you have a development need that is highlighted during supervision, there’s usually a training course to attend to ensure it is addressed.”

Would you recommend working at LSH to a friend?

“Yes.”