Victoria Williamson

adkhh7@r.postjobfree.com 074********

PERSONAL PROFILE

I am a soon to be Psychology graduate passionate about supporting individuals of all ages with mental health conditions, neurodevelopmental disorders, neurodegenerative diseases and brain injuries to reach their full potential and have the best quality of life possible. I aspire to be a Clinical Psychologist and partake in research to improve outcomes for individuals suffering from psychological distress. I am compassionate and understanding, as evidenced by my dedication to helping others within the Health and Social care sector since 2012.

EDUCATION

September 2015 – Present Birmingham City University BSc (Hons) Psychology Grade pending

Modules studied include: Clinical Health Psychology in Practice, Intellectual Disabilities and Developmental Disorders, Attachment and Interpersonal Relationships, Counselling, Biological, Cognitive, Developmental and Social Psychology.

July 2012 – July 2015 Birmingham Metropolitan College

Level 3 Access to Higher Education (Social Science and Humanities)

Subjects studied: Psychology, Sociology, English Literature, History and Social Policy

Level 2 Diploma in Health and Social Care

September 2004 – July 2009 Plantsbrook School

9 GCSEs grades A-C including English and Mathematics

EMPLOYMENT HISTORY

October 2019 – Present ForwardThinking Birmingham Clinical Support Worker

Picking up shifts on a zero hours contract basis at the North Birmingham CAMHS hub, supporting patients aged up to 25.

March 2018 – August 2018 Priory Group (Woodland View) Health Care Worker

31-bed male (aged 18-65) locked rehabilitation unit (forensic) at Woodland View psychiatric hospital, supporting patients presenting predominantly with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder with daily living skills, managing their mental and physical health.

Built professional relationships and rapport with patients, as well as the multi-disciplinary team including, occupational therapists, psychiatrists, clinical psychologists and social workers to discuss any issues, progress and treatment plans.

Monitored patient’s mental state and behaviour in response to treatment, managing any aggressive behaviour and reporting back to the nurse in charge.

Advocated on patient’s behalf and liaised with other external professionals, including police officers, social workers and care co-ordinators.

Safeguarded patients from exploitation and abuse (i.e. monitoring interactions with family or friends), listened to and actioned patient’s concerns during community and ward meetings.

Accompanied and encouraged patients to attend healthcare appointments (i.e. GP, dentist, neurology) externally and internally escorted them within the hospital grounds, to attend occupational therapy and psychology sessions.

Worked closely with clinical and assistant psychologists, occupational therapists and nurses to carry out anxiety management interventions, develop relapse prevention plans, update treatment plans, risk assessments and incident reports and updated patients’ notes onto ‘CareNotes’ electronic database.

October 2017 – March 2018 Safe Haven Accommodation Support Worker (for LAC)

Lone worked in various supported accommodations for 16-18-year-old looked-after children (LAC) in the Coventry area.

Supported young people to be independent and develop life skills such as daily living skills, applying for jobs, training and education, and applying for housing when they reached 18-years-old.

Advised young people on money management, careers, drug use, sexual health, relationship issues, emotional support, managing their mental health and wellbeing.

Accompanied them and encouraged them to attend health appointments (i.e. dentist, GP, CAMHS), youth offending service appointments, job or education related appointments.

Safeguarded young people from criminals i.e. gangs, CSE, radicalisation, abuse (financial, physical, sexual etc).

September 2015 – October 2017 Medbank Healthcare Solutions Ltd. Healthcare Support Worker

Worked for a healthcare agency, picking up shifts at short notice within the Birmingham area, adapting quickly in a variety of settings including psychiatric hospitals, nursing homes and supported accommodation.

Assisted individuals with acquired brain injuries, intellectual disabilities, personality disorders, depression, anxiety disorders, addiction, eating disorders, psychosis, mood disorders, PTSD, ASD, ADHD and those that are deaf/ blind.

Worked with a variety of children, adolescents, adults, and older adults.

February 2014 – September 2015 Absolute Care Homes (Boldmere Court) Care Assistant

Worked in a locked, specialist unit for individuals with severe Dementia (incl. Alzheimer’s disease, Frontotemporal, Vascular and Mixed, as well as Parkinson’s disease) and challenging behaviour.

Supported residents to be as independent as possible with daily living tasks, personal care, taking medication, assisting with fluid and food intake and engaging in activities.

Filled out important paperwork, had difficult discussions with family members regarding putting a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) in place.

July 2012 – February 2014 Embec Care Ltd. Assistant Supervisor (Day Services)/

Apprentice Home Support Worker

Visited service user’s homes to provide personal care, support with food preparation, assistance with managing their health (i.e. assisted with medication, replaced bandages/ stockings), assisted with shopping and housekeeping tasks and provided companionship to individuals aged 65+ within the community.

Promoted to assistant supervisor of the day service centre, where I carried out risk assessments, care plans, planning and organising events, making phone calls and completing administrative duties.

Providing respite to family carers.

VOLUNTEERING

Sept 2015 – July 2016 Birmingham City University Student Representative

Gathered feedback from students through verbal and written communication methods, including emails and focus group meetings. Attended faculty meetings and voiced any student concerns or compliments about any Social Science course related matters, took up any unresolved issues with the Student’s Union.

April 2012 – April 2013 Clifton Road Youth Centre Youth Work Volunteer

Helped to set up and run a brand-new LGBTQ youth group, to support young people (aged 13-21) with their sexuality, gender identity, family relationships, friendships, sexual health and build confidence using fun and engaging activities.

Jan 2012 – May 2012 Leonard Cheshire Disability Activity Volunteer

Assisted residents with acquired brain injuries with one-to-one computer-based activities, encouraged independence and increased confidence in computer and communication abilities by developing trust and rapport.

ACHIEVEMENTS

Finalist- Dementia Carer’s Award (Great British Care Awards)

Winner- Adult Learner’s Award (NIACE)

Student STAR Award (Birmingham Metropolitan College)

Duke of Edinburgh Bronze and Silver Award

Prince’s Trust Award

INTERESTS

Enjoy spending time in nature, listening to music, volunteering for charities, cycling, climbing, supporting friends with their mental health difficulties, meditation and yoga, campaigning for human and animal rights, researching, keeping up to date with scientific discoveries and politics, playing the guitar, exploring new places, trying new foods, interested in learning Spanish and BSL, and hope to have my own allotment one day.

REFERENCES AVAILABLE ON REQUEST

ADDITIONAL TRAINING & INFO

NCFE Level 2 in Principles of Dementia

Management of Actual or Potential Aggression (MAPA)

Level 2 Safeguarding of Vulnerable Adults and Children

Graduate member of the British Psychological Society (BPS)

Full, clean UK driving license

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