When thinking of a lifelong, exciting and fulfilling career in healthcare, social care may not be the first profession that comes to the mind of many. However, social care is currently going through a process of redefining career pathways in the profession and many working in social care know it is just as an exciting and important job-for-life prospect as other areas of the integrated health system in Northern Ireland.
In this episode Dr Wendy Austin MBE, sits down with Positive Futures Director of Operations, Kerry Mallon, to talk about her own 20-year career journey in social care from starting as a support worker, to moving into different areas of practice, to becoming a manager and social care leader in her own right.
Feel inspired? You should be.
Listen on to hear how Kerry’s real-life insights might inspire you to start your journey working in social care, or if already work in social care to take that next step in your career.
Talking about why someone should get involved in social care, Kerry said:
“I really encourage people to become involved. I am a walking, talking tribute to it. I fell into it 20 years ago, I didn’t expect to stay there and yet I am still here. I still have all the motivation that I had 20 years ago and that’s because there is a great camaraderie within health and social care. We have good team work. We are all there for the same reason and we are there together.”
For more information on how you can start your journey check out our A career in social care page or read more social care stories here.
For more information:
The Social Care Council releases a new episode every fortnight, discussing current topics about social care and social work regulation in Northern Ireland. Download, subscribe and listen to the latest Social Care Council ‘Care to chat?’ podcast episode today here, or by searching ‘Care to chat’ in your podcast player.
If you have questions or feedback about the podcast, email comms@niscc.hscni.net.