Michael Harkin

Accredited by Nottinghamshire County Council Support with Confidence Scheme.

I am currently working as a Care Support Worker which I find very enjoyable.

I have proved to be a very trustworthy, hardworking and reliable member of staff. Throughout this work I have been responsible for varied duties and client groups.

I have enjoyed working with a wide variety of people including the acute mentally ill, forensic patients and the elderly.

I am hardworking and this is reflected in feedback from my employers. One of my biggest strengths is my ability to communicate with people, whether that is on a professional or personal level.

My participation in many activities, both in and out of a working environment, has helped me to develop my social skills. My outgoing and friendly nature has helped me when meeting new people both professionally and personally.

Previous experience whilst working in the Care industry for over 37 years, I have had to work with a variety of professional people, including many members of a Multi-Disciplinary team and in the private sector my managers/co-workers and clients families.

I had to maintain a very professional relationship and gain their respect and trust. When working in hospitals and secure units, I had to work in a team of up to 10 people per shift, and this experience has helped me to develop my team working skills, allowing me to have my input into the team whilst also respecting the roles of others. Whilst I work effectively in a team environment.

I also work very well independently as I have proven since working in the community for the last 25 plus years and have often been set individual tasks for which my self-motivation and determination has come into play.

Outside of work I go to the gym most days, mainly cardio vascular workouts on the treadmill etc. I go for long walks and I like to go to the pub occasionally for a game of pool with my friends and family, though I admit I am not really a drinker but like the odd glass of Guinness once in a while. I am very good with computers, self-taught since the age of 40 on how to locate and rectify problems for both friends and family. I like surfing the internet, looking for interesting articles and videos and am a massive QI fan. I love comedies whether they be films, sitcoms or actually seeing comedians, thus far I've seen Michael McIntyre, Lee Evans, Jason Manford , Billy Connelly, Jimmy Carr, Sean Locke, Bill Bailey, Jack Whiteall and the list goes on. I follow most sports on TV and in the paper.

Skills Gained/Developed

• Teamwork
• Working well under pressure
• Good communication skills
• Good Client Care
• Very trustworthy
• Reliable and flexible regarding shifts and covering other staff absences etc.