Sue

Susan started her working life as an auxiliary nurse in London, but a move to West Sussex meant she had to leave the healthcare job she loved behind. After enjoying a diverse career which saw her tackle roles varying from lifeguard to small business owner, seven years ago Susan decided it was time to return to her caring roots with ECL…

“If anyone is reading this and considering applying, I say go for it. It will be the best thing you have ever done for your career.”

Before moving to West Sussex at the age of 21, Susan had been working at St. George’s Hospital in Tooting as an auxiliary nurse, now often referred to as a healthcare or nursing assistant. As someone who loves caring for people the job had suited her down to the ground, but after the move she fell into other employment and any nursing ambitions she’d once held took a back seat.

That was until she heard about a Community Care Assistant (CCA) job with ECL through a local recruitment agency seven years ago. Susan jumped at the opportunity to get back to caring for others and hasn’t looked back since, progressing from CCA to an office-based role, before taking on her newest challenge as one of the company’s Trusted Assessors (TA).

She says, “I was enjoying my administrative role in the office, but I was also keen to take on a new challenge and I missed delivering hands-on care to people. So, when a vacancy for a TA came up it seemed like the ideal solution. Thankfully my interview went well, and I found out I had the job the very same day. Now I get the best of both worlds and I absolutely love it.”

“As a TA my job is to make sure every customer receives the tailored care they need. I get to meet lots of different people, assess their individual requirements, and then agree goals that our CCAs and the customer work towards together. The overarching aim is to allow people to achieve greater independence and go on living safely in their own homes for longer,” says Susan.

Despite being disappointed to lose her, Susan’s former line manager understood and supported her desire to take the next step in her career. Susan feels that same support is replicated in every area of the business, “I never feel like a ‘lone worker’ as I get so much help from everyone,” she says. “I’ve always got someone I can turn to for advice and I’m never rushed. There are so many opportunities for progression with ECL and the support you get at every stage really is wonderful.”

“If anyone is reading this and considering applying, I say go for it! It will be the best thing you have ever done for your career.”