The role of a care coordinator may be the perfect role for you if you are organised, good at building relationships, caring and compassionate and have strong communication skills. While in the role of a carer you would be based out in the community, a care coordinator’s role differs as you would be based in an office due to the responsibilities of the role. A big part of this role is providing extra support to colleagues and customers. If you are thinking about becoming a care coordinator or want to hear more about what the role involves, find out here what Hayfa has to say about her role as a care coordinator at our Didsbury branch.
What are your responsibilities as a care coordinator?
I have many responsibilities and love the variety the role brings. Some of my responsibilities include:
- Organising
I plan and allocate rotas on a weekly basis for the care colleagues in my area. This also includes planning cover for absences, sickness and holidays. I am also there to provide care out in the community when we have carer absences at short notice and during busier periods. I usually go out in the community to provide care around twice a month and as I started my role as a carer this is something I really enjoy. If any unpredictable situations occur out of work hours it is also my duty to be there to assist so I will usually be on call every other weekend.
- Problem solving
If anyone has any problems whether that’s a colleague or customer I am there to resolve these problems promptly and appropriately. I also document any complaints and compliments we receive so that we can avoid these problems in the future and recognition can be given to my team. It is so important for our colleagues to feel valued.
- Communicating
I am involved in new care packages so communicate frequently with social workers, customers and customers friends and family. I am also there to make sure the care is delivered at the high standard as it should be and that the customers care plan is appropriate for their requirements. A great deal of my role is offering support to my colleagues and have a really good relationship with everyone, they are like my extended family. Communication and relationships are so important in this role and you need to be trustworthy so that colleagues feel comfortable talking to you about any problems or worries they may have. My team know they can speak to me at any time about anything and that we are a team.
What are your working hours and your working environment like?
My contracted hours are 37 1/2 plus on call time and I am mostly based in the office but also complete visits out in the community.
How did you get into the social care industry and why?
I started to help out with caring for a relative and it felt good knowing I was helping, so this led me to think about a career in care and I applied for the role of a carer. After valuable training, I worked as a carer for 4 months and quickly progressed into a senior carer and then care coordinator. I have been a care coordinator now for around 1 year, have had great support and great opportunities to progress in my career with HSG.
What makes the role rewarding and what are the challenges?
Being there to offer support to other people is what I enjoy most about the role. Supporting someone gives you a feeling that I just can’t describe. You feel important and fulfilled because if we weren’t there to support our customers they would be living a completely different life. As a care coordinator you are really relied upon and it is important to provide the very best care at the high standard that you would to your own family members. That’s something that everyone deserves and it’s great to be a crucial part of this.
The biggest challenge for me is trying to balance all of our care colleagues requests and needs. The work that they do is incredible and I make it a priority to listen to each individual so they can continue to provide the very best care. This is why communication is a key skill to the role, you need to make sure everyone’s needs are being listened to and have the confidence to make the best decisions for the situations you are faced with.
What advice would you give to anyone looking to start their career in the social care industry?
If you want to make a difference in people’s life on a daily basis then a career in social care could be the best role for you.
For further details on the role of a care coordinator or to apply for the role check out our latest vacancies here.
