Penelope Ackaert

I currently work with individuals with Profound Multiple Learning Disabilities which I find rewarding and challenging however I am keen to diversify and expand on my skill set.  

As a support worker it is important to be dependable. I acquired this skill when working in America, I was responsible for up to three campers who had high levels of support need. I attended to their physical needs, such as getting them ready, making sure they had their medication and engaging them in various activities like art, music and swimming. As a teaching assistant I used my ability to be patient and understanding when assisting students with learning difficulties to reach their full potential in the classroom. At university I have learned about the importance of adhering to clinical procedure, the severe ramifications when procedures are not complied with and that being in a highly pressurised environment is no excuse for poor practice.

Prior to university, I worked for a charity that assists asylum seekers, this taught me how to be empathetic and understanding, to earn the clients trust and obtain the correct information. The clients had been through significant trauma and it is very emotive for them repeating the details of their persecution or what they have been through at the hands of traffickers. I was assertive when clients got frustrated with the system and targeted their frustration at me. It was even more challenging because the clients first language was not English, and some cannot read or write. Dealing with vulnerable people comes with a lot of responsibility I needed to think quickly and alert my manager if the client was a danger to themselves or other people. I worked in a pressurised environment there were strict targets to meet getting the client off the street and sending applications to the home office. My ability to work in a team was essential to keep on top of the case load. 
I am very hardworking, despite having dyslexia I have a degree in English literature. My interest in different cultures and people has meant that I have travelled extensively, backpacking around South America and Asia both with friends and by myself. I enjoy meeting new people and for my gold Duke of Edinburgh award I worked at a school in South Africa.

What I will bring to the role is my positive outlook, sense of responsibility and ability to work under pressure.

July 2024-Current                                Martha Trust                           Care Support Worker

•  Ensure that the rights and dignity of all individuals are respected 
• Assist, encourage and liaise with relatives, friends, visitors and voluntary workers 
• Maintain and enhance quality of life for residents 

October 2021-June 2022                    Twyford House                    Care Support Worker

•  Supporting people with autism and behaviours that challenge to reach their full potential.
• Encouraging people to live as independently as possible and providing personal care where necessary.
• Used a wide variety of communication tools to identify needs and ensure that individuals where able to get their needs met.

March 2014- 2020                                Migrant Help                            Submissions Officer

•  Work as part of a team to ensure compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements, policies, and procedures.
• Check and approve documents before they are submitted liaising with internal and external agencies to ensure that all documents are correct. 
• Ensure that all documents are submitted within the required time limits 
• Maintain effective working relationships with the Home Office regional teams and Asylum Help regional case working teams 
• Keep full accurate and up-to-date records and complete case follow up. 

November 2009–May 2010        Student Associate Scheme            Teaching Assistant

• Support the staff and students at a local secondary school   
• Teach small groups of students French
• Help the students who struggle to reach their potential

Summer 2009                                 Camp Albrecht Acres                    Camp Counselor

                                                                Iowa

• Responsible for the social and physical care of four physically and intellectually disabled campers   
• Work as a team to get the less able campers ready for activities

Education:

2020-2023   Learning Disability Nursing  Diploma Coventry University       

2011-2012      MA  English and American Literature University of Kent (Paris)               

2008-to 2011   BA (Hons) English Literature at the University of Portsmouth

2006-08           A’ Levels English Literature and Language, History, French at Canterbury 

                        College

2001-06           GCSE’s:  8 GCSEs A-C including English, Maths and Science 

Skills: 

• ECDL MS Excel / Ms Word / Ms Power Point 
• Care Certificate
• Basic Hospital Life Support