Team Spotlight: Lauren, Care Co-ordinator
Super organised, fast-thinking and compassionate – that’s how we describe our team of dedicated Care Coordinators here at Abbots Care. Ensuring care is well-planned and delivered in a timely manner, they go above and beyond to support our customers and community care teams.
Let’s take five minutes to ask five questions with team member Lauren to find out more about the all-important role of a Care Coordinator.
Hi Lauren, in a nutshell, can you tell us about your responsibilities as a Care Coordinator?
I’m responsible for organising weekly care rotas ensuring that care in the community is delivered on time and to an excellent standard. This means planning and allocating cover for any absence, holiday and sickness that may occur, as well as answering queries, resolving issues and documenting all feedback to ensure that we are always taking steps to improve our care service.
What are your hours and place of work?
I’m based in our central support office in St Albans and am contracted to 42 hours a week, this includes on call support time. On call time involves some mornings, evenings and alternate weekends, after all, care isn’t a 9-5 industry.
What three skills would you say are key to being successful in this role?
Strong communication, resilience and being approachable.
Can you tell us what you love about your role and the challenges you face as a Care Coordinator?
It really makes my day knowing that I’m part of a team that supports other people, making their day-to-day life that little bit easier. I love building relationships and getting to know the little things that make a big difference – for instance, understanding how a small act like having a cup of tea and a chat can mean a great deal to someone who has difficulty getting out and about on a daily basis. It’s what drives me to support them in the best way I can.
I would say the biggest challenge in my role is balancing the daily requests that come in from our care team while ensuring that our customers needs are supported. At times this can lead to added pressure in my department. But we always face it together and no matter what the challenge or how stressful it gets, I know I’m supported by a great team of people whether that’s in the office or our care team out in the community – we always go home with a smile.
Do you have any advice for someone considering this role?
Communication and responding to change are a big part of being a Care Coordinator, so the ability to listen and make decisions with confidence will definitely help you succeed! Put this together with a genuine desire to help people and the ability to stay calm under pressure, and you’ll find this role gives a great sense of reward.
Lastly, as well as using your own initiative, being able to work in a team is essential in this role and if you choose to join Abbots Care, that’s exactly what you get, teamwork!