Published on 12, July, 2020
Hi folks,
Today was the first day of my week-long induction into my new job, working as an Individual Support Worker in day services in a local autism charitable trust. It was an interesting, if exhausting day. We all got to introduce ourselves and talk about our experiences with autistic people. I seemed to be the only one who'd worked in care for several years. Many people were completely new to it. It was great to see such enthusiasm, though, for working with people on the spectrum. Most of the people we'll be working with are severely autistic and need 24-hour support.
I was also the only person there with an autism diagnosis, which I mentioned - and which generated a flurry of interest. The trainers would often come to me for perspectives, and most people seemed generally keen to hear of my experiences both through working with autistic people and through my own personal experiences as an autistic person. I think this is really going to be a great place to work!
I was anxious as hell over the weekend - mainly about the journey there. I did a lot of planning, though (my car doesn't have sat-nav) and didn't get lost once, despite a lot of complicated city-centre navigation. I have a hopeless sense of direction, and one wrong turning would have left me in Nightmare-land! I feel so much better now!
How was everyone else's day today?
Tom
Well... Day Two over, and so far so good. Their approach and ethos is exactly what I've been looking for in a care organisation. Basically, it's the approach that, in an ideal world, would be the standard. Completely non-aversive. Completely person-centred. Pro-active, not reactive. The fact that they focus solely on autism obviously helps, so the care is appropriately specialised. They seem to look after their staff and offer some excellent benefits, including counselling if required (and including bereavement support). The senior managers are all human beings! The other staff, too, are really on the ball with autism issues. Good stuff. It's what we need!
Glad it's going so well Tom!
So pleased for you. I've survived my first day properly back at work since May, going into a new role. Not sure the role is really 'me' (my old job was relocated so I had to take what was available) but it will pay the bills.
So pleased for you Tom. It sounds like you feel as comfortable as you can in a job It makes a huge difference to have good management and happy staff. And rare to find such a good attitude and support towards both staff and clients. And the counselling for staff is also rare so hope you find it helpful.