What it’s really like being a Family Support Worker at Amber Family.  

Nicki Crompton.  February 2023.

My idea of a support worker’s role was very limited, before applying at Amber Family. I had previously worked as an admin assistant at a company that had ‘service users’ and ‘support staff’. The support staff shifts were 24-hour shifts, and they would sleep in the staff bedroom. The service users lived in their own flats and came to staff when they needed assistance with medication, shopping, and day-to-day things like that. I remember back when I went for an interview there and saw the bed in the office and thought ‘What on earth happens here!’  Support work wasn’t a job that appealed to me at that time, administration was definitely more my thing.

Fast forward 10 years and I had left the world of administration, 7 years previous, and was working as an HLTA (a teaching assistant that also teaches) at a primary school. I always told myself that I would see my children through primary school, and then I would get a ‘real’ job. I mean, a job where you get 13 weeks’ holiday a year is a bit of a swizz! Having said that, looking after 30 small people requires great courage, strength, and patience! Skills come in very handy actually.

So, the time had come for me to become a grown-up. I honestly thought I had no transferable skills when applying to be a support worker at Amber Family. My day consisted heavily of glue, whiteboard pens, books, being the head of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force, and dishing out dojo points as bribes – I mean rewards! I was also worried the hours would absolutely kill me off. If working 6 hours a day was tiring, what was going to happen to me during a 13-hour night shift? I honestly thought I would have an out-of-body experience. I applied anyway, as I saw it as a challenge and maybe I would enjoy it as people kept telling me I would. Nothing is set in stone; you’ve got to try new things before you decide if it’s for you. I somehow made it through my first interview in 7 years, although I don’t remember much of it (sorry Carol). I was so nervous. It played on my mind the thought of being around people who could potentially have their children removed from their care and the massive impact it would have on everyone involved. How could I be a part of that decision-making? Who was I to comment on a parent’s choices for their child?

I was then invited to do a 4-hour shadow shift. My kind of hours! I arrived at Amber Grange and was greeted by the lovely staff, who were all so friendly…or nosey, I’m not sure! It was February 14^th and for 3 of those 4 hours, I sat and made Valentine’s crafts (again, sorry Carol). This was like a home from home! Maybe I could do this.

My second shadow shift was the next day, as I had asked to cram them all in during the February half-term. This time I went to Amber Lodge and again, was greeted by warm and friendly staff. I really felt welcome, and everyone was happy to help and answer my barrage of questions. This time the shift was 8 hours long – the challenge begins. The time absolutely flew by, and I left with some kind of support worker high as I was buzzing. I had a great day out with parents and got to grips with logs and referrals and weekly meetings.

All that was left was to do a waking night shift. Never have I ever stayed awake all night. I love sleep, it’s the best. I came wildly under-prepared, even though I had googled what to do! Luckily, the staff who were on until 8 p.m. gave me lots of food and warned me about the 4 a.m. wall that was rushing my way. But I live to tell the tale! I survived and I felt so proud of myself. The night shift support worker is a different job from the daytime support worker, so it was interesting to compare them both.

I went back to school, the following Monday, and handed my notice in. It was a horrible day, but I’ve honestly never looked back. I often think to myself ‘Why didn’t I do this sooner?’.

No two days are ever the same, which means you’re never bored! Some days are lovely, some not so much. The job brings me a lot of challenges, in a good way, whereby I get to reflect on the day and learn from what has happened. In the beginning, I felt like I was doing something bad when I had to approach a parent to discuss a sensitive matter, or when a parent was voicing their frustrations at being assessed. I don’t know why, but I allowed myself to somehow feel at fault! Thankfully, I did have a ‘Eureka’ moment. I was passed some wise words of wisdom one day and that was ‘Parents write their own assessment; we just hand them the pen.’ When the parents are pointing the proverbial finger at everyone else, they’re really just deflecting the pain they are feeling. Knowing this, helped with feelings I was having and has made me a better support worker for sure.

I find it so helpful that information is shared, and you are encouraged to read up on families – warts and all.  This type of learning suits me down to the ground. With everyone in the same boat, I feel fully supported by the staff that I work with, and I feel accomplished thanks to the training I have been given.  Finally, I have never once been asked to sleep on a bed in an office, which is a huge relief!