My Care Journey - Kerry Harris

• March 06, 2023

Kerry Harris - Employee Development & Mentoring Lead

• Department: Quality
• Joined First City: Sept 2019
• Previous Positions: Community Living Lead, Extra Care

My Care Journey began 17 years ago, and my first job was working in a residential home for teenagers and young adults who had Autism, Asperger Syndrome and associated learning disabilities. I found this job challenging but extremely rewarding and after completing my NVQ3 in Health & Social Care, it inspired me to complete my Teaching Qualification, so I could move into the Education side of the company.

After completing my Teaching Qualification 10 years ago, I became part of the in-house Education Team and was an in-house Tutor, creating and delivering bespoke education programs tailored to the students learning needs. This is a job that I really enjoyed, and I became passionate about being able to develop and mentor people so that they were able to reach either full potential.

I joined First City in 2019 and became the Community Living Manager, and it was my responsibility to oversee everything relating to care & support, and the day services provided within the Extra Care schemes. This was a role which allowed me to develop my management and leadership skills and become involved in all aspects of Health & Social Care. This role has also allowed me to begin studying for my NVQ5 in Leadership and Management in Health & Social Care.

I have recently been appointed to a new role, Colleague Development & Mentoring Lead. The purpose of this position is to ensure competency and compliance throughout the company, and to provide support and mentoring to all colleagues with their development. Another key part of this role is to monitor quality, customer satisfaction and deal with any concerns or complaints in a professional and timely manner. This may include safeguarding referrals and whistleblowing.

1. What excites you about working in healthcare?

Looking after a wide range of individuals with differing health conditions and changing needs. Every person you encounter and every situation you face is unique and that is what keeps the role exciting.

2. Tell us about your fondest memory when working with First City?

COVID19 for most, was an extremely worrying and concerning time. However, at First City we bravely threw ourselves into the unknown to continue delivering high quality care safely to our customers, which made me feel extremely proud, watching all the teams across the whole company, pull together as one to ensure that the service remained strong and resilient.

3. What advice would you give to someone new to care work?

Caring for people is an extremely rewarding job, knowing that you have made a positive difference to a person's day is a nice feeling. If I could give any advice, it would be to always treat each person you care for, as you would want your own family member to be treated.

4. Thinking about working for First City, how would you describe the company?

First City is not just a company, it is a family. We all work together to provide the best service possible, and we are provided with invaluable training, support and guidance to help each of us achieve our goals, whatever our role may be.

5. Do you have any other comments about working in healthcare, for First City or more stories to share?

If you are kind, caring, trustworthy and reliable and are interested in making a positive difference to someone's life, then please contact First City and begin this exciting new journey into the wonderful world of Health and Social Care!