Work Experience in detail

Experience - Right Track

I currently work as a Personal Development Group Worker for Right Track Scotland.  In this position I work closely with Careers Scotland who, after an initial interview, refer young people to us.  It is then my responsibility to build sessions around the needs of the young person in order that they develop and build confidence within themselves and go on to further training and employment.

Experience - Falkirk Council

Before beginning full time employment with Right Track Scotland, I worked with the Street Football Initiative run by Falkirk Council.  This project was designed to re-engage hard to reach young people in the Falkirk region by giving them the chance to participate in a free outdoor sporting activity.  The age group targeted was 14-18 year olds in further attempt to cut anti-social behavior in communities throughout the district.  Working closely with young people in an informal outdoor education environment, we were able to find out any issues that they had and also gave them advice regarding healthier lifestyles and alcohol and drug abuse.

Mental Health and Behavioral Problems

Many of the young people I have come into contact with, either through Right Track or the Street Football Initiative have struggled with behavioral issues.  In my current role, I deal directly with those who have anger management problems and mental health issues.  Despite the problems faced with young people I have come into contact with, I have successfully built a program which enables young people to feel involved during sessions due to my understanding of different types of learning needs - an example of this being Right Track Leisure and Art Thursday.

Why football/sport could benefit the young people of Right Track?

The football activity aims to encourage young people to participate in team games which will not only boost the confidence and well being of the young people but also improve their social skills.  It is hoped that by actively encouraging them to participate whilst at Right Track they may improve their social life outside and reduce anti-social behavior in their community.  Also if successful over a short period of time, contact between other national Right Track centre’s or agencies like ours could be invited to participate therefore encouraging friendly competition between young people and further developing skills such as communication.

This approach broke down barriers between young people on the course and due to this made learning whilst in centre much more beneficial as it took the classroom element and young people were more able to express themselves.  I also believe that regular exercise can work as a deterrent for anti social behavior and can make for a healthier lifestyle.

Professional Boundaries

My experience has lead to a great awareness of professional boundaries – specifically in terms of working with young and vulnerable people.  For example, I am aware of child protection policy and good practice and have a thorough understanding of the correct manner in which to address service users e.g. do not use bad or degrading language, do not have physical contact etc.  I am also aware of how best to give an impression of professionalism by having good time keeping, a tidy appearance and the like.

Evaluation and Empowerment - Right Track and Street Football

Every month each young person is taken through a monthly review which I have to compile.  This evaluates any progress made and also raises awareness of any issues that the young person has at this time.  I believe it is an essential tool in progressing and improving their confidence by praising previous achievements which also encourages them to set new goals.  This encouragement often leads to the young person feeling empowered via this dialogue and can help the individual to find a job/work placement or apply for college courses.

Promotion and Networking

In order to promote Right Track both to young people and to the wider sector, I have attended several careers events on behalf of the company.  This has also provided networking opportunities with other agencies and has enhanced my own skills.

Prioitising Workload

 During my time at both Right Track and at Falkirk Council as well as throughout my time at university, I have had to be an effective planner and have honed my organisational skills.  I always try to forward plan and prioritise in order to limit stress and assure quality of work.

Communication and Presentation

On a daily basis at Right Track I have to present verbally to my group as I guide them through the tasks for that day.  This has heightened my verbal presentation and communication skills – something which I received a good grounding in during my time at University when we had to present regularly.  I am able to communicate on several levels and with all varieties of people.  I am accustomed to communicating with young people both individually and in a group setting as well as with colleagues and management.

Oustide Agencies

Contacting outside agencies is vital at Right track in order that the young people are provided with specialised information and support. Over the past few months a variety of outside agencies have made contact with my group at Right Track including environmental wardens, drugs and alcohol advisors and Lothian and Borders Police

Creative Planning and Development

 At Right Track there are little or no resources available to trainers such as myself therefore from the moment I started at Right Track I have had to develop a weekly personal development program of my own initiative.  An example of this is that I organised for a Drama worker to visit the centre once a week to deliver drama workshops which were specifically tailored towards personal and social development.  This was a new and creative way of achieving progress with the young people involved.

Working as part of a team

As well as working to my own initiative, I am also accustomed to working as part of a team.  An example of this is that at the end of each week at Right Track, a short meeting is held to evaluate the past weeks happenings.  Objectives are then drawn up for the following week and tasks are distributed.  This ensures that everyone is playing an equal role in the running of the project and that communication remains strong.

My experience thus far has not required me to be familiar with the Criminal Justice System.  I am, however, quick and eager to learn and I am willing to put in extra work in order that I will be competent in this area.

 Work History