Joining SW Education & Care - staff perspective
Before returning to care work, I had a career as a tree surgeon. I loved that job but I felt a desire once again to help and connect with people who need support.
Life brought us back to Devon and my friend was working for SWEC. He spoke so highly of the organisation, Kiks and Andy, that I found myself applying for a role!
The in-house training is thorough and equips you to take on the challenges of the role, from trauma to fire safety and first aid. The training and support is ongoing. I was given the role of ‘senior’ as my experience grew, and I was given a clear path of progression to deputy and manager in the future. As it happens, I was also offered a different role entirely for the company and I now provide maintenance for the homes as well as outdoor activities. My training is also maintained so I can still take on shifts with the children we care for.
This is a company that care for and supports everyone. Try to learn and understand about the industry before interview (there can be a lot of acronyms) but don’t try and blag it. If you’re unsure just ask. SWEC are interested in the right people to support our children in the best way and they may see potential in you, that you didn’t even realise.
This is the best care company I have worked for, for so many reasons. They are truly young person focused in their provision of care. I can testify to their support for the team, being beyond what I expected. I have seen remarkable change in children, who from other organisations shy away from. Read the feedback from both care professionals and young people to get a glimpse of the fantastic work SWEC does.
Challenging, fulfilling workplace
"There is no typical day at work - that's what makes the job interesting. There will be good days and bad days. Bad days are important because that's how both young people and staff learn, so that we have more good days. We work with traumatised, vulnerable young with challenging behaviours. Don't expect to be their best buddy on day one or to have short term results. It takes time to build relationships and to support young people to develop positive coping strategies. However, over the longer term we do make a difference to people's lives. We can't wave magic wands, but we can work alongside young people to help them to develop skills to live independently. You aren't alone in this: we work as a team and support each other. I have met some fantastic young people and some fantastic colleagues. I love the fact that the children's homes are exactly that: homes. We work in the children's homes; they do not live in our workplace. On my first day I was struck by the happy atmosphere of the home I work in. I have visited the other homes and am proud to say that's the same at all our homes."
SWEC Deputy Manager
The team is carefully chosen and well-trained
"Since working for SWEC I feel like I have had my eyes opened to how care can really REALLY, change the lives of troubled young people for the better.
The team is carefully chosen and well-trained. The management team are outstanding in knowledge and support, but also fun and approachable. I have been made to feel valued and supported to learn and progress In both my job role and salary. Care work can have challenging times, but the progress in the children I have seen here at SWEC has impressed me no end."
SWEC Senior Therapeutic Support Worker
Desire to do the best for the young people
"I have worked in residential childcare for over ten years but each time I met with director and head of operations of SWEC I saw passion to care, understanding of my personal life, desire to do the best for the young people and two high up individuals who wanted more then anything for the team members to feel appreciated for the difficult career they do."
SWEC Deputy Manager
- Social Worker ManagerSW Education & Care have this ability to reach some of our most traumatised, untrusting, and hard to reach children and young people. They have a way in which they are able to establish positive working relationships, to hear the child’s voice and use this to drive forward change and support young people to meet their goals and meet their potential. The transition process offered by SWEC is highly individualised to the young person and tells them from the Ofsted that they are not just a “placement” but that they want this to be their home.