When did you join Transform?   

November 2017. I was a trainee Housing & Support Officer.

What experience did you have in the sector?

I hadn’t had a role like this before so I was learning on the job. Before I joined Transform I’d gone back to college as an adult learner doing paramedic science, I also had some experience of retail management which included face-to-face client interaction. But my most significant experience was volunteering at my sister’s place of work – supporting young adults with learning difficulties. So I think that helped get my foot in.

What made you apply for the role?

I remember reading the job spec and thinking it sounded interesting but wanting more information so I checked out the website, it said “trainees welcome” so I thought – ‘let’s go for it!’

After my first interview I was invited to come and check out the project. I was given a little mini tour and I was like, “Wow – so this is the job. Okay, great!” To be honest, it's a difficult job to really explain – you kind of just have to get on with it to really get a feel.

What other roles have you had at Transform?

So while I was here as a trainee, things were changing in my home life that meant I couldn’t work full-time. I had to prioritise my family so I became a full-time parent.

About a year later I got a phone call from the deputy manager at the time – she explained they were looking for staff, she’d told the new manager about me and asked if I’d consider coming back. I was really up for it so I went to meet Theresa to have a cup of tea and a chat and we agreed I would come back full-time.

The night before my first day back I actually found out I was pregnant! Theresa was so supportive and accommodating – she did a whole risk assessment for me, if I was tired during the day I was able to have a rest in a quiet space and relax. Throughout my pregnancy we completed risk assessments together with the emphasis of keeping me safe – she’s a great manager.

I was off for a few years raising my son, I came back one day a week just to dip my toe in the water – I was really nervous because a lot had changed, but I really enjoyed it. My son was going to be in nursery four days a week but I needed my work pattern to be flexible so we agreed I would come back as a sessional HSO and that's where we are now.

Describe your typical week

So every Monday morning we have a team meeting – it really sets me up for the week. We talk about what we achieved the week before and what needs to be done in the week ahead. Then there’s things we have to do monthly, weekly, daily, fortnightly, etc. like the health and safety checks.

The rest of the week is a lot less structured – because it needs to be.

So there could be a referral in the afternoon which could mean a “move-in” in two days, so I’d need to prepare the paperwork and make sure the room is ready. We might need to do banking for the team or some client involvement, for example, I've got a wellbeing walk this afternoon and we did some baking yesterday with a group of clients.  

But we always leave Friday afternoons free on the calendar just in case something happens and it needs to be dealt with before the weekend hits.

What would you say is the hardest part?

There can be really tough days. It’s hard when you see someone's struggling and you have to work out the best way to point them in the right direction of what to do next. Then there's things like doing an eviction. A big learning curve for me is how to be present and dealing with a situation in the right way, while still being human and professional and then leaving it at the door and not taking it all home.

Some days are more challenging than others but the good days definitely outweigh the bad. When someone just sends a thank you text or brings in a card. We got a postcard last week from a client, they went on a little holiday to see their family abroad. Those kinds of things make you realise, “Oh okay. That's why you do it.”

What’s your team like?

We all get on so well, we’re quite a tight-knit team. I work part-time around the school run, so I have to make a sharp exit at 3pm. Some days I just feel awful, it's like five to three and I've got to do a mini handover and say “I did all the property checks of these three houses today, but I'm afraid I can’t finish off the documents.” And someone will pick up what I’m not able to finish. But it works both ways – if someone else has an emergency, I’m also happy to pick up what they can’t.

Theresa and Chloe (team manager and deputy manager) are so approachable. If I emailed either of them and said I'm struggling with something or I can't handle this, she’d be like, “No problem. We'll sort it out. How can I help you?”

What's been your most satisfying experience?

Probably the success of my first official client. I actually worked with him from start to finish through his journey with Transform.

I did his sign-up on his assessment, moved him in, worked with him weekly. We had quite a good relationship – he actually listened, took things in, came to me when he had problems and responded really well to everything we did. Then he had a positive move on and it was just wonderful – it was like a baby bird flying the nest. He actually contacted me about three months ago and told me he felt like I’d saved his life.

It makes you realise how worthwhile the job actually is. People always say they want to ‘make a difference’ but when you actually do it – it’s great!

What do you enjoy most about working for Transform?

It's probably equal parts who I work with and then also the job. I was really pleased to be able to come back and when people ask me what I do I'm really proud to talk about my job. I genuinely look forward to going to work on a Monday – how many people can say that!

I like the hubbub of the hostel. Because of the nature of the service, there’s a medium amount of turn over with clients, so I can come in after a weekend and there might be a new person to meet. But then there’s clients who have been here longer who you get to know quite well. When they move on it’s quite sad but I’m also proud of them.

What training and development have you received?

I love the training here – there’s always something available. I’ve done my first aid, just this week I was doing training on dealing with aggression and violence. As a trainee they put me on all kinds of training which really helped me with my development – I appreciated that a lot, ranging from housing management and disrepair, to the benefit system.

What do you think you've gained personally through working here?

I think I'm a lot more patient and compassionate. Years ago I might not have given certain people my time, but now I've got a deeper understanding of where things can stem from and the issues people can face – I’ve got more empathy.  

What would you say to someone who's thinking of working for Transform?

It sounds a bit cliché but honestly – just go for it. Even if you feel like you haven’t got the right experience, there are people like me who felt the same but Transform helped me feel capable and now I’m thriving, so just take the risk.

What do Transforms values mean to you?  

I love that they aren’t just applicable to the staff but to the clients as well. For them it's about taking responsibility for themselves and their actions, and by working together we empower them to move towards independent living. The values encompass us all.