jobs

People First is a dynamic organisation, proud of the organic growth it has achieved throughout its history.

We are always looking for new opportunities to grow and create new jobs for talented individuals interested in working for us.

The picture shows some of the comments from our staff on why they are proud to work for People First (words read: 'embrace change', 'empowering', professionalism', 'free expression', 'promotes individuality', 'caring', 'diversity', 'commitment' and 'ambitious').

The boomerang effect

“People First has an immense draw and frequently welcomes back people who have worked for us in the past. I was here at the beginning of the first decade and have inevitably come back for the start of a new one.
I was delighted to return and I’m not the only one – there are so many we have a boomerang joke about it in the office. Some have returned from as far away as South and West Africa, others like myself from different career projects.”

Dianne Sodhi, Director of Community Support

Community Support Workers

If you are an experienced support worker or equally, if you are interested in starting a career in community support, you should keep an eye out for the opportunities that arise within People First.

Since 2002, when the community support service was set up, the staff in this department has grown from 0 to over 40 and we about to welcome more new starters. We will continue to look for new opportunities and make every effort to create new jobs and ensure the continuous development of our existing staff.

Support Worker to Team Leader

Lindsey shares her experience of career development at People First.

Why did you want to become a Community Support Worker?

"I wanted a complete career change from my 7 year job as a research fellow.  I wanted to be working with people in a pro-active way."

How did you progress from a CSW to a Team Leader?

"After 2 years working on the Mental Health Project, my manager recommended that I apply for a Team Leader role on a new project.  My application was successful and I got the position of Team Leader for the Early Intervention Project."

What do you like most about your job?

"Job satisfaction is a central aspect to this type of work, the most rewarding part is to know that you can make a positive impact, which can change lives for the better."

What are the challenging aspects of the job?

"Building up a trusting relationship with a service user is the most challenging.  It is the first step in providing support and is vital in making progress with a person."

What is it like being a team leader in comparison to your experience of being a support worker?

"My time is much more divided.  I still get the pleasure of frontline work with service users, but also get to dip my toe into the world of management."

What experience do I need?

"You’ve got to want to work with lots of different people to do this job. I think it’s important to have qualities such as understanding, acceptance and respect for people as individuals. Lots of experience is not essential as most of this is gathered while you are on the job."

Why People First?

"The best thing about the People First team is the positive and friendly working atmosphere.  The managers here are approachable and very experienced.  I feel that there is a great deal to learn from them and the organisation as a whole."

 

[Thank You to Carmen for interviewing Lindsey for this article.]

You may also want to look at our organisational chart to see the structure of the Community Support Department.