Yvonne: Day Opportunities Manager

I have worked at St Elizabeth’s Centre since October 2003 and originally joined as a Day Care Support Worker. My job immediately prior to starting here was in residential care and I saw this as an exciting opportunity to work in a new setting which enabled me to work with residents in a way that enabled them to engage in meaningful and structured activities in their daily life.

Within Day Opportunities at St Elizabeth’s we work with a wide variety of clients, all of whom have different and varying degrees of support and health care needs. This makes the role both more challenging and rewarding.

During my employment at the Centre I have participated in all the training that has been offered to me, this is one of the best aspects of working at St Elizabeth’s, there is good training available and development opportunities for  staff.

After about 4 years I applied for the position of  Lead within Day Opportunities This was my first step into a managerial position at St Elizabeth’s and I welcomed the opportunity to support, supervise, and assist staff to develop within their role.

With further training and support I became the Day Opportunities Manager and have now been in this position for nearly 3 years.

I am now fortunate to manage a team of over 20 people, who all bring their various skills, talents and experience and together we provide a service to over 100 residents and day clients.

My role, although challenging at times is extremely rewarding. I particularly enjoy being able to see clients achieve their goals, take part in activities and fulfil their potential. Alongside this, I enjoy seeing new staff develop within their role and working with a strong team of talented individuals.