Dave Smith, Acting Senior Support Worker (Respite Centre)
My name is David Smith and I work as a Support Worker for Wiltshire Council at Bradbury House, which is a Short Break Service for Young Adults from the age of 18 years to 75 years with a learning disability. My role is supporting the service users in all aspects from personal care, going out into the community, supporting them to understand how to control their money when shopping for food or clothes, and taking them to the cinema, bowling or other activities. The best part of my job is the satisfaction I get when I have helped someone within the service we provide, and also the help I get from my colleagues, as we work together as a team.
The most interesting task I have taken on was as the Medication Officer in charge, this is the most important part of the job, making sure that we have everything in place, and ensuring no mistakes are made, as medication is a vital part of life for the customers we work with. Wiltshire Council has given me opportunities, skills and knowledge by putting me on courses such as my NVQ 2 in Health Social care the Managing and Safe Handling of Medicines, Health and Safety at Work with Service Users and Colleagues, Manual Handling, and First Aid.
The most enjoyable part of working for Wiltshire Council in Short Break Services for the learning disabilities is the satisfaction I get out of supporting the customers. Wiltshire Council is a good employer in this career and they give full support, both professionally and personally to all employees and to the customers who come in for short breaks.
