Hi Amy! So could you start by telling us a bit more about the Keyworker role?
As a Community Keyworker, or the alternative role title of Children and Young People's Practitioner as we will now be known, I give one-to-one support to Young People living in Young Futures community flats. Each community keyworker in the team has their own allocated Young People and will visit them weekly to provide support in a variety of different areas. This support starts from the time a person moves in and continues right through to when they move on into their own permanent accommodation.
How does your day start?
My day starts by checking in with the community team over the phone and responding to emails/messages before I head off to my first appointment.
What is a typical day like for you?
Every day is different!! Community Keyworkers are not office based so each day we are in different locations depending on who we are visiting or what meetings we have. Some days I am out on visits for the whole day, other days I could be home working, attending virtual meetings and completing admin, then the next day I could be out on a Sports, Culture and Art (SCA) activity with a young person, so it really does vary - which means it never gets boring!
What would you say is one of the most challenging things about your job?
I would say juggling so many different tasks and keeping up with admin is a challenging part of the job, especially when there are urgent things that come up and take priority.
When Young People move on to permanent accommodation is also a very intense process, as there is so much to organise and co-ordinate. It is a big step towards independence and a time to be celebrated, therefore it is important that we ensure that moves go as smoothly as possible to minimise the stress on the Young Person.
What is one of the best things about your job?
The best thing about my job is definitely being able to share the moments of success in Young People’s lives and see them strive. Seeing someone grow and develop during their time with us is so inspirational, especially when they move on and you can feel confident that they have the skills to be independent and do great things with their life. It is sad to have to say goodbye but at the same time it is so lovely to see them happy and proud of themselves for what they have achieved.
How does your day end?
I usually finish the day with some admin tasks and setting myself reminders for the following day, before checking out with the rest of the community team…..and relax!