A rewarding career awaits at ‘home from home’ Hollybank in Magherafelt

Do you come home from work every day with a sense of satisfaction, knowing you have made a positive difference to those around you?

If you would like to be able to say yes to this question, the Northern Health and Social Care Trust is encouraging more people to consider a career in social care, working with adults like Catherine who have a learning disability.

Catherine is a proud tenant of Hollybank Supported Living in Magherafelt, where she receives the support she needs to enjoy a full, meaningful life built on choice and independence.

Reflecting on her experience, Catherine said: “I really enjoy living here and it is brilliant to have the co-tenants in the house.

“I was nervous the first time I came here as it was new to me, but I was very excited to take such a big step and I love living here. We go places as a team and we do a lot together.”

For Catherine, her positive experience always comes back to the staff and the role they play in her life: ‘I enjoy the atmosphere and we all get on well. I really enjoy the staff — they are all so nice to us, and Hollybank is a lovely place to have in Magherafelt,” she said.

One of those who comes in for a special mention from Catherine is Teresa Quinn, who has worked in Hollybank for over 25 years.

Calling the facility a ‘home from home’, she says the true highlight is watching service users grow in independence — and knowing she’s helped to make that possible

“It is amazing to see the progress of the folks who come here, watching as they learn to do their own things in life, from budgeting to shopping and making appointments,” Teresa said. “For anyone thinking of a new job, a change in direction or even if it’s your first job, I would tell people to go for it. I have been here for over 25 years, and in that time, I have had my children and enjoyed the flexibility offered by the role, which has allowed me to strike a great balance between work and home life.”

Shannah Kelly joined the Hollybank team more recently, having never worked in a learning disability setting before.

“I love it so much,” she said. “Especially seeing the difference you make to the families and the service users themselves. It’s such a good role, it is really rewarding and you will learn so much yourself as well.”

William Sloan is now a Senior Support Worker at Hollybank. Echoing Teresa and Shannah’s sentiments, he too describes it as a rewarding career path.

He said: “Working with service users is the most rewarding part of the job, providing them with a short break service. A lot of people think short breaks are for families and carers but I believe it gives the service users a break from their day-to-day routine as well.”

If you’re interested in working within learning disability, the Northern Health and Social Care Trust is recruiting now for additional Band 3 support workers, based in both supported living and short breaks within Hollybank.

Recruitment Open Days will take place on Thursday, March 5 from 5pm to 8pm and Saturday, March 7 from 10am to 1pm in the Terrace Hotel, Magherafelt, where you can meet with staff members and learn more about what’s involved.

You can drop-in on the day, complete an application form, and take part in an interview if you meet the criteria.

Applicants need to be able to demonstrate that they have six months caring experience, either paid or unpaid; or hold an NVQ or QCF Level 2 in care; or a GNVQ/BTEC National Certificate or Higher Qualification in Care.

ABOVE: Hollybank staff members Darren Mitchell and Kellie Grant.

A full driving licence, valid for use in the UK, and have access to a car on appointment, is also required although this criteria will be waived in the case of applicants whose disability prohibits driving but who have access to a form of transport approved by the Trust which will permit them to carry out the duties of the post.

If you don’t meet the criteria to apply for a paid role, voluntary roles are also available. This is a great way to get experience in the field and find out more about working with our learning disability service. 

If you would like further information, or to register your interest in attending one of the recruitment events, please contact Sylvia Dickey on 028 7930 0878 or email sylvia.dickey@northerntrust.hscni.net