At Priory Manor Field in Northamptonshire, our dedicated team offers residential support for people who have a primary learning disability diagnosis, and who may also be autistic.

Amanda joined Priory nearly seven years ago as a support worker and has since progressed into a specialist role. In this blog, she shares her career journey, the training that supported her development, and her passion for improving autism care across Priory.

1. What is your role at Priory, and what do you enjoy most about it?
My role at Priory is Autism Specialist, this is a new development to my base role as Support Worker. I am thoroughly enjoying the ongoing learning and application of knowledge in my role. Being an Autism Specialist has enabled me to get involved in some very exciting developments and changes.

I thoroughly enjoyed my NAS training and I am excited to begin my journey in delivering this across the Priory. I was recently involved in the updating of the Autism Competency which has been rolled out, which I’m very proud to have been a part of. Expanding my knowledge in an area of my job which I am so passionate about is extremely rewarding. I am embracing my new role responsibilities and I am excited to see where this journey will take me.

2. How has your career progressed since joining Priory?
My career started nearly 7 years ago in Priory. I was brand new to the sector and I instantly felt supported to become the best Support Worker I could be. I was soon made a keyworker in my service which means I give more in-depth support for individuals. I have now progressed into the Autism Specialist role, which is proving to be enjoyable and valuable.

3. What opportunities have helped your development at Priory?
I have received incredible support from my management team in my service, and support from the staff team. Training opportunities have been amazing. Online training available has been helpful and insightful from the beginning of my employment. Mandatory training, i.e. EFAW and Fire Marshall, are vital to feel confident in the workspace.

Care as a Career: Autism Specialist development has really opened the door for great expansion of my skills and passion in delivering person centred Autism care and support.

The NAS Essential Autism train the trainer, training has given me tools to develop my knowledge and gain confidence to deliver the training throughout Priory. Ongoing standardisation sessions and training support with the Autism Specialist team have been vital in strengthening the team and giving me comfort and confidence in my role.

4. What advice would you give to someone who is considering developing their career at Priory?
Seek out courses that you think will benefit you, you will enjoy and will develop your skills base. Speak to your manager regarding CPD applications and utilise the amazing opportunities that are available in Priory. Not all job progression is upwards into management, sideways progression is a fantastic way of working into an area of interest and honing it to be an area you may specialise in.

Ready to take the next step in your career and explore a rewarding role in mental health? Explore our latest opportunities at jobs.priorygroup.com today.