Want to explore the opportunity of working with us, but worried that you don’t have enough experience in our sector? That’s ok! We want to recruit people with heart, with passion, with dedication, people who want to make a difference, people like our Lisa!
Lisa started working with Perth Autism Support 4.5 years ago and is now currently employed in our Transition Team – here’s Lisa’s story!
I have worked at Perth Autism Support for 4 ½ years now.
This time 5 years ago I was employed within the hospitality industry ‘stuck in a rut’ as I call it now. I had spent 11 years in the same role, I could do my job without even needing to think about what I was doing, however I wasn’t happy I was just going with the flow as it seemed to be the easiest option. I knew something needed to change but I wasn’t sure what. Then through a friend on social media I discovered PAS, and as a result of this saw that they were looking for staff. I wondered to myself is this something that could be for me? I have always wanted to do some form of work with children, initially wanting to be a primary school teacher when leaving school but then drifting down another path. Initially I was reluctant to reach out and apply for this, I had no prior experience of working with children and young people, let alone autistic individuals, in fact I could probably have only told you a brief description of what autism was. How could I possibly get a job in this field?
After discussing with my family and some close friends I thought what is the harm in applying, if anything it may help me make that initial step in the application and interview process after 11 years in the same job.
Well you know the saying ‘the rest is history’ I think I can safely say this now! I was successful in my interview for a position within the Children’s Services team and everything just progressed from there. My worries over my lack of knowledge within the autism field were quickly quashed as PAS provide a full and detailed training programme for staff and my depth of knowledge quickly increased. You learn from the young people you work with as well as your colleagues. I have even now had the opportunity to complete my SVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care (Children and Young People) as well as other regular training throughout each year.
As new things develop the management team keep the staff team very well informed and trained up on necessary information where required.
The staff team at PAS are what I can only describe as a family, we are all there for each other and can support each other when we are unsure. 4 ½ years later I now work within the Transition Service at PAS and this is my 3rd role I have held since I started within the organisation, I have made life long friends in some of my colleagues old and new, and every day is something different. The young people I work with teach me so much and even better I get to have fun with them as well.
Who knew a shift could include jumping around an indoor inflatable obstacle course being silly can be classed as work?
Who knows where I would have been if I hadn’t taken that initial leap. If like me you like the sound of the positions currently advertised, however your lack of experience of autism or a lack of health and social care background is putting you off, please don’t let this. Think past this and you may find that the team at PAS is where you are meant to be.
If you would like to check out our current vacancies and start your Perth Autism Support journey check out our Recruitment page here: https://www.perthautismsupport.org.uk/?page_id=7800
