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Joe - Team Manager

A typical day starts for me by responding to emails, calls and messages from young people, social care professionals and staff members. I make sure that all young people’s appointments are covered, that safeguarding issues take precedence and that the rota covers the needs of all the young people across the service. Requests from social workers can arrive at very short notice. These requests need prioritising alongside essential maintenance visits carried out by contractors, which need to be supervised.  

Once every fortnight Max (Team Manager) and I host a team meeting. Here we get a chance to share our concerns around young people, share jobs with the team that need completing and discuss other related matters. This is a chance to catch up with a team that is by nature “floating” and constantly on the move.  

Training is ongoing and so usually makes up part of my day. Additionally, I complete in house and council audits- which are often exhaustive.  These audits help to set minimum benchmarks of excellence in our service. 

I am expected to complete 60 staff supervisions a year (not including my own) so barely a week goes by where a supervision needs to be organised, completed and written up- but crucially it also needs to meaningful- this in itself can be demanding- but of course ultimately rewarding.  

Most days I visit our accommodations and speak with the young people. I consider requests, give guidance, warnings, support and offer encouragement.  

During the day I liaise with other professionals and look for interesting therapeutic activities and opportunities that our young people can undertake with limited or no budget. I support to keep a hard-working team motivated and focused. I am often reminded how important it is to let them know they are appreciated – their regular accomplishments do not go unnoticed.