“Every single day is different. It’s a privilege to be part of their lives.”
For Karolina Vilkelyte, the journey to becoming a social care worker in Northern Ireland has been one of adaptation, resilience, and an unwavering passion for helping people. Originally from Lithuania, Karolina’s story is a testament to the courage required to start anew and the rewards of building meaningful connections in her chosen profession and care for her community.
Karolina came to Northern Ireland in November 2019, just before the COVID-19 pandemic. A trained physiotherapist with a university diploma from Lithuania, she quickly discovered that her qualifications were not recognised here. Undeterred, yet still wanting to work in a health and social care role, she sought out new opportunities and found her calling in social care.
“This was my first job in Northern Ireland,” Karolina recalls. “The system here was new to me, and I needed to get a lot of things put in place to work, like a National Insurance number. But I had a driving license and a car, and wanted to use my training, so I thought social care would be a great fit. I like working with people and communicating, I couldn’t sit in the one room all day. It also gave me a chance to improve my English by communicating with people daily.”
Karolina is a social care worker in the community with the Southern Health and Social Care Trust, providing homecare to individuals in their homes and based in Lurgan. Her role involves helping clients with personal care, supporting their independence, and becoming a trusted part of their lives.
The transition to a new country and career was not without its difficulties. Learning English was one of her initial hurdles. Despite studying the language at university level in Lithuania, Karolina found it challenging to speak fluently at first. However, interacting with clients daily has improved her confidence and communication skills.
“I was a little bit afraid to talk in the beginning. I did learn English at university but it was the little phrases that people say here that were a little harder for me to follow.
“As time went on I just got better, doing this kind of work, interacting with the people I care for and their families, was really helpful for me to learn to communicate better.”
Talking about her social care work Karolina lights up.
“Every single day is different,” she says. “Even if I visit the same houses and people, their emotions, stories, and needs are different. Sometimes, I’m helping someone prepare for a big event or sharing in their excitement about Christmas plans. It’s a privilege to be part of their lives.”
Karolina’s ability to form close bonds with the people she supports is a hallmark of her work. Visiting some homes multiple-times a day, she offers care, companionship, and practical assistance. Her work helps people to remain independent in their own homes for as long as possible.
Another challenge has been balancing her past qualifications with her current role. While her physiotherapy background gives her valuable knowledge, she also knows that there are strict regulations and standards in Northern Ireland which means she must ensure she follows best practice when it comes to providing social care.
For now, Karolina is very content with her work in social care, which she describes as flexible and fulfilling. “Social care is exciting and never boring,” she says. “You get to meet so many people and even learn from them. It’s like being part of a big family and community.”
Looking ahead, Karolina plans to continue developing her skills. While she dreams of one day returning to physiotherapy and exploring her career options, she’s open to advancing within social care, potentially working towards taking on a supervisory role. Her experiences have taught her the importance of staying open to new opportunities and embracing the journey.
Karolina encourages others, particularly those who live in Northern Ireland but are from other countries, to explore a career in social care. “Don’t be afraid,” she advises. “It might seem scary at first, walking into someone’s home, but people need our help and support, and it’s rewarding to give it. Social care is flexible, and you can adapt it to your needs. Plus, you become part of the community and learn so much.”
Karolina’s journey is an inspiring example of resilience and dedication. From navigating a new country to making a difference in the lives of others, she has shown that with determination and a compassionate heart, it’s possible to build a fulfilling career while contributing meaningfully to the lives of those in need.
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