Staff Case Study
Clair Dodd – Assistant Manager – Residential Care
“I knew I’d made the right decision… I have met some amazing young people… We have had fun and shared amazing experiences I know they will take with them in their own journeys through life.”
Before coming to Restorative, Clair had spent 26 years working in childcare, beginning as an apprentice at 16 years old and quickly working her way up to nursery management. During this time she had three children of her own, but it was following Covid-19 that she felt she needed to make a change in her career.
“My brother is a manager for Restorative SCS so I contacted him, and he explained some of the aspects of what a role would entail and how the shifts worked.”
Clair took the plunge and applied to Restorative as a support worker. She gained an interview and although nervous, found the experience positive.
“The two people interviewing me were very supportive and encouraging. I did know the answers in the interview, but this was a big career change for me. When I then heard I was successful with the interview I was very happy and knew I’d made the right decision.”
Within seven months Clair became a senior support worker and, a year after that, was successful in gaining an assistant manager’s role and began working towards her level 3 and 4 in Residential Care.
“I received a distinction on both parts of my level 4 and felt that this mirrored the effort I had put into my work. I now look forward to completing my level 5.”
Clair describes herself as “an extremely caring person and empathetic to anyone’s needs” but that also, “I am not naive, and I do believe these are definitely the qualities you need to work in this environment. These young people have the rest of their lives ahead of them and it is our responsibility as carers and role models to bring out their full potential and ensure they have opportunities to follow their aspirations in life.”
Commenting on what it’s like to work for Restorative the company, Clair says, “I feel they invest heavily in upskilling people to ensure they’re able to meet the needs of the young people. I personally enjoy training and feel that we should embrace it and use it. I’m not afraid of change and when working with people, change is inevitable.”
Restorative’s unique model of care in working with young children, was also new to Clair. She says, “When I first started working with the model of care, I didn’t fully agree with some of the principles. However, over time I have grown to understand it and in fact now I use it for my own family life!
“It’s common sense… and really makes you reflect on how we approach certain situations and how easily we can deescalate something or make it much worse for the young person and ourselves.”