After working for over ten years in the education sector, I am seeking a career change where I can continue to make a positive difference in people’s lives. The role of a social carer appeals to my passion for helping others and requires a skillset that I have utilised in my career thus far. Working across three education sectors (primary schools, juvenile incarceration and university) reflects my interest and skills in building strong relationships with people of all ages. When I moved to London and worked as a relief teacher in over (30?) schools I learned how to build rapport quickly with staff and students whom I was meeting for the first time. Similarly, in my role as a juvenile justice educator, developing positive relationships quickly with the teenage male population was crucial. I taught and modelled to my students how to listen actively which is an essential skill when working as a social carer. I have worked with a variety of people, including those with disabilities or challenging social histories leading to complex trauma. I have taught students with autism, aspergers, ADHD, down syndrome, mute/non-verbal, hearing impairments, visual impairments, cerebral palsy, dyslexia and other learning difficulties. I have also cared for students with dietary and health requirements such as coeliac, diabetes and allergies. My experiences teaching in both Sydney and London has made me resilient and capable of working under pressure. My friends and family would describe me as someone with high empathy and emotional intelligence. I am genuinely interested in getting to know others and learning from their life experiences. I believe that should I be given the opportunity to care for others I could make a positive difference in their lives.
- Football (soccer): For the past four years I have played football for my club, Roselea FC. Having never played any sport before… I was extremely nervous to try something new. Playing team sport has allowed me to make new friends, gain new skills and develop confidence in myself. Since joining the team, I have become the captain, and now volunteer for my club in two roles – organising and supplying the club’s away kits and conducting fortnightly cleaning of our clubhouse.
- Gardening & Plants: I have a collection of plants, and I taught myself propagation. I enjoy gardening and caring for plants.
- DIY & Home Renovation: Having renovated two homes, I have learned how to use a variety of power tools and have enjoyed learning and applying new skills such as painting, laying flooring, tiling and more.
- Cleaning: Being raised by a father in the Australian Navy and a mother who was house proud, I have always enjoyed keeping my environment clean and tidy. I find it satisfying to see the before and after of a space that has been cleaned and tidied.
- Animals: I have grown up with a variety of animals including a cat, a dog, fish, cockatiels, chickens and a cockatoo. Anyone who knows me would say I am an animal-lover (even animals which others would consider pests). My favourite place to visit is the zoo or any other place with animals. I now have two cats which are my (very spoiled) children.
- Arts & Crafts: I really enjoy making art and crafts. I have made my own artworks that I have displayed in my house and I like supporting small artists by buying their works.
- Musicals/Performances: Over the years I have seen the Lion King, Les Miserable, Harry Potter & The Cursed Child, Phantom of the Opera, Billy Elliot, Book of Mormon, Priscilla Queen of the Dessert, Mamma Mia and more. I have also seen various plays, orchestras and some ballet. I love to watch performances both on screen or on stage and always get the songs stuck in my head for weeks!
- Museums & Documentaries: I like to visit museums and learn new things. I am particularly interested in Egyptian history (and have visited Egypt), WW2 history, natural history – particularly animals, and often listen to podcasts on murder investigations.
- Charity: In school, I volunteered at a retirement village and spent time playing games with the residents there. I also volunteered for meals on wheels. As an adult I have raised money for animal shelters and completed the ‘ration challenge’ for Syrian refugees.
I know that I would be a great social carer because of my personality and skillset and hope to be given the opportunity to work for LikeFamily.
