“Watching motivation come to them is inspiring, it’s the best feeling”
“When Kerry Mallon completed her undergraduate degree in psychology, she wasn’t sure where her career path would lead. Unlike many of her friends from her course who pursued Masters degrees, she decided to enter the workforce and gain experience in working with people rather than more study. What she didn’t realise was that this decision would set her on a path that would define her 20-year career.
The 42-year-old from just outside Omagh in County Tyrone began her social care journey with social care provider Positive Futures as a support worker. Speaking about her first job, Kerry said, “I didn’t have any expectations of this being the first step on my career path. I just wanted to figure out what I enjoyed doing. However, as soon as I started working there, I realised that I loved it. It suited my personality, and I enjoyed the practical and social nature of the work.”
In this role, Kerry worked as an entry level Support Worker in the Supported Living service, her responsibilities included supporting people with everyday living tasks such as shopping, cooking, cleaning, supporting people to manage their medication and finances, helping people to get involved in their local communities as well as supporting people with their personal care.
“Our services are about doing with rather than doing for the person, thereby assisting people to develop new skills and become more independent,” she explained.
Kerry found the job both rewarding and meaningful. “It was great to help people and I got to go home knowing I had made a difference to someone’s day.”
After six months, Kerry was encouraged by her manager to apply for a Senior Support Worker role, which she got.
“Building trusting relationships is the most important part to get right in all of the roles I have had. The people we support are opening up their lives to us, I can only imagine how difficult that must be” she said. About a year later, Kerry was successful in her application for a Deputy Manager role in Positive Futures in Enniskillen. My fear when I started this role was that I would miss the direct support and everyday contact with people, as this is what I had enjoyed most. I didn’t relish the thought of being stuck behind a desk all day,” she said. Fortunately, her role still involved engaging with the people her team supported, ensuring she remained connected to the heart of the work. This role involved more of an element of coaching and mentoring, supporting other staff members in their role, guiding them to work within the ethos of Positive Futures.
“Luckily with Positive Futures, the priority is always the people we support. No matter what level you are at, your work must always be led by the needs of the people who need our service. This meant that I was able to continue to have contact and engage with the people we support.”
One of the things Kerry loved most about her new position was the ability to bring improvements to the team and service. I brought all of the knowledge and experience I had gained over the years, along with any learning I had from mistakes I had made, to help the team improve to ensure we were providing a service to be proud of.
Her career journey continued, Kerry soon became a Service Manager and later an Operations Manager and just in November 2023 she was successful in obtaining the position of Operations Director of Positive Futures Ireland. “My role initially involved connecting with people to determine if there was a need for our services in the Republic of Ireland. Since then we haven’t looked back as we now provide services across the island of Ireland.”
One thing that has remained constant throughout Kerry’s career is the sense of accomplishment she feels daily. Increasing the expectations people have and supporting them to broaden their horizons and having different experiences is very rewarding.
Reflecting on the journey of someone supported by Positive Futures that has stayed with her, Kerry shared, “I supported a 17 year old who needed help to move out of hospital and into her own house. She had no expectations or aspirations for her life and just wanted to get out of hospital. The people around her talked about her limitations and needs but never about what she hoped for the future. Kerry expanded on how she supported this person through her journey: “It began by just really listening to her and helping her to understand her worth. We slowly introduced small goals, like going to the local shop or a café. Each small success built up her confidence. That was 3 years ago. She is now living in a lovely house that she is incredibly proud of, starting a college course in September and has many hobbies, interests and dreams for her future.
For those considering a career in social care, Kerry advises, “Give it a go. There are many people that you will meet along the way who will help and guide you. Don’t miss out and take every opportunity that comes your way.
Looking back on her career, Kerry is proud of her own journey. Each change, although scary at times has felt like a natural progression. I have been very fortunate to match with a company that shares my own personal values. We put the people we support at the centre and enable them to take control of their own lives.”
Want to find out more about Kerry’s story? Listen to the Care to chat? here.
Feeling inspired? Working together to change people’s lives… Make a difference by embarking on your journey into social care. 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.
ENDS