Human Resources

How long have you worked at Brothers of Charity Services Ireland? 

I commenced working in the Brothers of Charity in 2017. Initially, I was employed as a part-time Nurse educator in one of the Children’s Development Centres, I then did Locum work within the school and children’s respite services, where I became employed as a full-time staff Nurse in Children’s respite in 2017 and took on the role of Team Leader in 2019.

What attracted you to working there?

I am a dual-qualified nurse with intellectual disability nursing and children’s nursing. The role gives me the opportunity to utilise my qualifications and experience and gain further experience in my nursing.  The Ethos of the organisation also attracted me to working within the Brothers of Charity services, they are very much focused on the rights of the people we support and offering the best standards of care. There are many advantages for staff too with regards to training and opportunities within the organisation.

Tell us about your average day

My average day as Team Leader is very changeable. It requires flexibility and adaptability. I work as part of a wonderful Team in Crannóg and enjoy caring for the children we support. I am involved in the day-to-day running of the service and also in the planning of respite for families. I link with families and the MDT on a regular basis. I attend regular meetings and support staff in the service.

What do you enjoy? 

I enjoy working with the children and families and advocating for the families and children on a regular basis. I also enjoy being part of a wonderful team.

What are the challenges? 

The main challenges are that we would always like to do more in regards to supporting the children and families. We advocate very strongly for the families and children we work with, but an increase in services is always wanted and not always available.

What is the work culture like? 

There are wonderful supports available to staff and staff are very supportive to each other within the organisation. Staff show great flexibility and willingness to help at all times.

What advice would you give to somebody interested in working at Brothers of Charity Services Ireland? 

It is a lovely organisation to work for with a lot of supports available for staff and flexibility around the service needs and staff needs.

Is there something unique or interesting about your company that you’d like to share with job seekers?

There are many training opportunities available to staff within the organisation. These include the mandatory training and other training that are applicable to the role, there is also support given with additional training.

Céard a mheall thú le dhul ag obair anseo?

Is banaltra mé agus is maith liom a bheith ag obair le daoine le riachtanas specialta. Chomh maith le sin, bhí an post seo ghearr don mbaile.

Insigh duinn faoi do gnath lá?

Tá chuile lá difriúila i mo phost, mar shampla, d’fhéadfainn a bheith ag obair san oifig lá amháin, ag obair ar páipéarachais laethanta eile, bíonn mé ag coinní san oispidéal/dochtúir, agus ag freastáil ar cruinnithe MDT chomh maith.

Ceard iad na rudaí a thathnaionn leat?

Is maith liom go bhfuil gach lá diffriúil.  Bainaim taithneamh as an spraoí agus an obair leis na daoine a fhaigheann tacaíocht ón seirbhís.

Ceard iad ná duthlain ann?

Mar gheall ar an gántannais dochtúirí/seirbhísí sa gceantar faoí láthair, tá sé deacair uaireanta choinní a fháil le haghaidh tástálacha leighis.

C’en sort cultúr oibre atá ann?

Tá an cultúr oibre oscailte agus dinimiciúil.

Céard a déarfá le duine atá suim acu so bpost seo?

Molfhainn le aon duine atá suim acu obair anseo, labhairt leis an fhoireann a bhfuil eolas éigin acu ar riachtanais casta agus míchumas intleachtúil, agus b’fhéidir cuairt a thabhairt ar an áit.

An bhfuil aon rud suimiúil/difriúil faoin chlomhlacht seo ar mhaith leat a roinnt le daoine atá ag lorg fostaíochta?

Tá neart deiseanna íontach agus forbairt ghairmiúil le fail leis an BOCSI. Tá siad an-aireach freisin ar chothromaíocht oibre/saol I dtaobh uaireanta oibre srl. Tá clubanna éigsiúil again mar shampla club sóisialta agus club na Nollaig.

I gained great experience from my mentor as they allowed me to gain experience in both the residential services and day services. I got a taste of the working life of a Social Care worker.

What attracted you to working there? 

Through my work placements as a student, then a support worker, then a Social Care worker, and now a Team Lead, I have seen how the role of a Social Care worker allows you to have a fulfilling, rewarding career where you make a real difference in a person’s life.

Tell us about your average day?  

Generally, I will support people supported with their daily tasks. I provide a quality service to the person supported with a view to helping them to maintain their independence and to increase their quality of life. I might be helping with just everyday tasks like housekeeping that seems small to the average person, but it can make a huge difference to someone else’s life as well as being rewarding.

What do you enjoy? 

Every day is a chance to do something different and make a difference. You are constantly being challenged and learning something new. Witnessing people supported living their lives and achieving their goals is hugely rewarding.

What is the work culture like? 

From working as a student to a team leader, I have worked with many different team members. I have worked alongside many multidisciplinary teams such as Management, Social Work, Psychology, Behaviour support, and Psychiatry departments a few to mention. Staff retention is evident in the BOCSI and seeing staff progress in their careers within the organisation is potent. The BOCSI supports colleagues by offering kindness and compassion while working to inspire each other.

What advice would you give to somebody interested in working at Brothers of Charity Services Ireland? 

The social care profession is unique in the sense that two days are never the same. There will never be a dull day.

Is there something unique or interesting about your company that you’d like to share with jobseekers?

I would not be in the position I am today without the continuing professional development the BOCSI provides. The BOCSI have funded two courses for me to study to progress my career.

I completed a Level 6 Management Essential course that the training department in the BOCSI held with Health Management Institute.

Kemmy Business School in Limerick – University of Limerick, completing Certificate in Management funded by the BOCSI – West region.