Building professional careers that matter: Oriana's story

We believe a career in care isn’t just a job, it’s a role of purpose and one that creates a positive impact – making a difference to peoples’ lives every day.

This Professional Care Workers Week, we are shining a light on Oriana, Registered Manager of Chesfield House, about her career progression and what her role in care means to her.

From starting out as a Social Care Worker to being appointed Registered Manager in a matter of years, Oriana’s story is an amazing example of how, with support and encouragement, a professional career in care creates meaningful opportunities and is a rewarding role.

What does a typical day look like for you as manager, Oriana? 

“The role of a manager is varied and involves tasks such as audits, supervisions and assessments that all help the team to deliver the highest standards of care, for the people we support to thrive. Despite this, every day is still different!”

That sounds great, how did Choice help you develop your career?

“I feel very fortunate that I was supported by my line manager to develop my career in care. I was supported in many ways, including regular supervisions where my progression was discussed and I was encouraged to develop into roles with more responsibility. Choice also offers many different opportunities to obtain new qualifications, which I was able to take advantage of. I completed a Level 2 Adult Social Care Worker qualification, and then once I stepped into the role of Registered Manager I also obtained my Level 5 Leader In Adult Care qualification.

I have also had the opportunity to attend Choice’s Management Development Programme, which gave me greater insight into the manager role, including communication skills and crisis management, and helped prepare me for this change.”

What professional skills have you learnt through a career in care?

“You develop many skills in this role, but the ones that stand out to me are communication, empathy and teamwork. A variety of communication methods are used to share information with colleagues, as well as finding which methods work best for the people we support. This helps improve our understanding and means we can work together with an empathetic approach.

I have also developed skills, including decision making and people management. There are sometimes situations that require a quick response, and what I have learnt have been incredibly valuable in these moments.”

What makes you feel proud of your role, and why is working in care special to you?

“You build incredible bonds with both the people you support and the colleagues working alongside you. Working together as a team to provide care that supports people to live the life they want to lead is extremely rewarding. Being able to celebrate the positive outcomes and achievements of the people we support makes a career in care so incredibly worthwhile.

I feel proud to support the development of our colleagues with their own careers. Many colleagues have achieved or are enrolled in Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications, which is something I would always recommend. It feels amazing to see the development of a new starting colleague into a confident and qualified Social Care Worker.”

Your journey sounds incredible! What advice would you give to someone considering a career in care?

“I would advise them to avoid having doubts and to just go for it!

I remember feeling very nervous before my first care job and wondering if this was something I was even capable of. The role is not at all what I expected, and I loved being a Social Care Worker.

You will be supported by people who want you to succeed, and there are many opportunities for you to progress within the company.”

To build a career that matters to you, please visit our careers website.