Day in the Life of…


After graduating from the University of Liverpool with a degree in psychology, 24 year-old Deborah Kidd didn’t need any help in deciding what career path she wanted to follow; with a keen passion for helping people, and a personal commitment to challenging the barriers faced by many people with support needs, Deborah knew that social work was her vocation.


Now Deborah is getting the practical work experience she needs for her dream job by taking part in CIC's volunteer programme - Experience. Deborah volunteers three days a week at CIC’s Vocational Support day service, helping people with learning difficulties, autism and mental health concerns find meaningful employment and training.


Here, You First catches up with Deborah who shares with us her diary of a typical day as a volunteer with CIC…


15th February 2012 9am


Arrive at the office and switch on the computer (and the kettle!) My role includes everything from helping out with the day-to-day running of the office, to delivering support to our service users, and so my first task of the day is always to check my emails and make sure I get any important dates or jobs in the diary.


9.15am


Keeping service users’ files up to date with all the relevant paperwork is one of my main jobs; this part of my placement has taught me a lot about the administrative side of running a large case load – something I’m sure will help prepare me for life as a busy social worker!


10.00am


I'm heading out with Vocational Support Facilitator, Paul Caslin, as he needs to do a one-to-one review with a support worker. This means that another person has to go along to support our service user. This is where I step in! I love this aspect of my role as I get to meet the people we support and see first-hand how happy they are in their places of work.


10.30am


Today I meet Jordan, who is working for Liverpool City Council’s environmentally-friendly recycling service, Bulky Bobs. When we arrive Jordan is happily singing along to the radio whilst he and his co-worker sort out the day’s deliveries.


12 | You First | www.c-i-c.co.uk


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