Senior Employment Co-ordinator for the 14-21 team  | Jersey Employment Trust 

What does a typical day look like for you? 

I am fortunate to have variation in my role, which includes working with students in education, admin in the office, supporting clients in work, being a part of professional meetings and giving presentations to other agencies. My role also means that I can be working at any of our three sites at Oakfield, Kensington Chambers or Acorn as well as out in the community. The core of what I do is to work with the young person in front of me and to support them on their employment journey.  

How did you get your job? / What training, degree, education do you need? 

I started with JET 13 years ago as a support worker and have been promoted four times. I gained experience through my previous role working in a special needs setting. To start my career working with young people I volunteered in schools and for the Jersey Youth Service.  

What are the most important skills needed for your role/job? 

My biggest skillset would be motivational interviewing, the guiding style of communication, that sits between listening and directing. It is really important to me that I embolden the young people I work with, as they may not have been able to experience control due to a wide range of reasons and to support them towards their goals.  

Are there any future skills you will need to learn for your role? 

As we are a pan-disability service, working in the employment sphere there is always something to learn, I would personally like to further develop a deeper understanding of the range of mental health presentations as it is something we are incedingly seeing in our younger clients. 

What is the best part of your job? / What motivates you in this role?

Working with an incredible team across the whole organisation and seeing the immediate progression of the young people I work with. Having worked with JET clients for as long as I have, means I have seen the wider successes for individuals long after they have progressed from my team. 

What advice would you give someone interested in a career in your profession? 

Do what you love! Finding your passion is so important to a happy career.  Working in the third sector brings such a variety of opportunities and self-development. Within JET there are a wide number of roles that suit all skillsets. I believe helping people achieve their goals brings a wealth of personal enrichment.  

What would you tell your younger self? 

I would tell my younger self (and others) that there are always opportunities. Sometimes you just need to put yourself out of your comfort zone to realise that.