Since August 2021, I have been serving as a Band 4 Associate Practitioner with the Community Dementia Team at the same NHS Trust. This role marked a significant transition from my previous position as a deputy manager of a care home for individuals with learning disabilities, where I honed my management skills.In my current capacity, I focus on providing community-based support and care for individuals with dementia. My responsibilities include conducting comprehensive assessments and reviews, developing personalized care plans, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality, patient-centered services. I work closely with patients, families, and multidisciplinary teams to optimize care and support for those living with dementia.This role leverages my extensive experience in patient care and management, and my ongoing commitment to professional development in healthcare. It embodies my dedication to enhancing the quality of life for individuals with dementia and their families, through empathetic, informed, and effective community healthcare

From August 2019 to August 2021, I embraced the role of Deputy Manager at a care home dedicated to supporting individuals with learning disabilities. In this capacity, my focus was on ensuring the provision of compassionate, high-quality care and creating a nurturing environment for our residents.Key responsibilities included overseeing daily operations, managing staff, and coordinating with healthcare professionals to ensure each resident received tailored care and support. I played a pivotal role in developing and implementing care plans that addressed the unique needs of each individual, fostering a sense of community and belonging.My role also involved staff training and development, ensuring our team was equipped with the knowledge and skills to provide exceptional care. I was actively involved in regulatory compliance, maintaining high standards in line with healthcare regulations and guidelines.This experience reinforced my commitment to healthcare management and provided invaluable insights into the unique challenges and rewards of working with individuals with learning disabilities. It was a period of significant professional growth, underscoring my dedication to improving the lives of those in our care

Beginning my career as a Student Associate Practitioner, I completed an extended placement in the Psychiatric Assessment Unit at Basildon Hospital, as part of my Foundation Degree at Anglia Ruskin University. This role involved comprehensive training in leadership and management, along with patient care duties at varying levels of responsibility, and extensive multi-agency liaison. I was also involved in diverse administrative and reporting tasks related to patient care.In June 2014, I was promoted to a Band 4 role and assigned to a senior position in the same unit. My responsibilities expanded to leading teams and operations as the Second Qualified Member on the ward. This involved coordinating staff for client observation and allocation, overseeing physical health care monitoring and assessment, risk assessment, and care planning, including Mental Health Act auditing. I managed a shift team of five, handling all aspects of line management, operational support, staff performance monitoring, appraisals, and training, including NVQ assessments.My role also encompassed liaison with healthcare professionals, external agencies, and patient families for developing individual care plans and participating in service development initiatives.Additionally, I am a certified Prevention of Management of Violence and Aggression trainer and have taken advanced courses in Enhanced Emergency First Aid. I have been actively involved in the Associate Practitioner forum and pursued further education in diabetes management, reflecting my commitment to continuous professional development and comprehensive patient care

From September 2007 to April 2010, I served as a Mental Health Support Worker in a Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), a role that laid the foundation for my career in mental health care. In this challenging yet rewarding position, I was responsible for providing direct support and care to patients experiencing acute mental health crises.My duties involved closely monitoring patient behavior, ensuring their safety and well-being, and assisting with daily living activities. I worked collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals to implement personalized care plans, contributing to the overall treatment and recovery of patients.A key aspect of my role was building therapeutic relationships with patients, employing empathy and communication skills to support their journey towards recovery. I was also involved in crisis intervention, applying de-escalation techniques to manage challenging situations effectively.This experience was instrumental in developing my understanding of mental health conditions and the complexities of care required in a high-intensity setting. It honed my skills in patient care, teamwork, and crisis management, and solidified my commitment to pursuing a career in mental health

Previous experience includes roles with major retail companies such as the wholesalers Costco and Starbucks as well as data processing roles; also trained as IT Technician in 2003 and worked for various IT companies.Roles have included: 5 years of experience as a Freelance IT Support Technician for various small businesses and private clients in the local area; 6 months of experience as a Barista with Starbucks; 6 months of experience as a Supervisor with Brantano Shoes (which involved all aspects of the line management of a team of 4-5 staff within a busy retail outlet). Also employed as a Cashier by Costco Wholesalers; subsequently promoted to manage the Electronics department, leading as team of 30-40 staff with full P&L accountability for the department, spending a total of 1.5 years within this role. Other previous posts have included a Digital Archiving role with the NHS which involved responsibility for scanning and updating patient files; also spent 3 months as File Clerk in Medical Records Department. Additionally fulfilled a range of temporary construction and factory Labouring roles between other posts, working through various employment agencies including Adecco and Hays Montrose for clients including Argos and Unilever. Also worked on an ad hoc basis throughout this period for a well-established logistics subcontractor (Stephen James Transport), handing a range of administration duties.