We asked Michele to tell us a little bit about her job and her interests in this interview...

What’s your job title?

Community Inclusion Officer for Inclusion Matters

How long have you worked for Cedar?

15 years
 

What does your job entail?

The Community Inclusion Officer (CIO) supports adults with disabilities to set and achieve personal goals to become more involved in social, leisure and recreational opportunities in their local communities.  The CIO helps them to explore their interests, plan for the future, and helps them to address barriers to inclusion in community life. The CIO works with individuals to enable them to become more independent in their community.

What is a typical day like?

A typical day would include meeting with up with service users as they attend an activity in the community to review how this is working for them. The CIO would be able to assess how well the service user is enjoying the activity, consider any risks involved, record, monitor and review outcomes.  It would also include meeting with service users to complete reviews and action planning or to assist them to look at what is happening in their local areas and to support them to become independent in this.

This also offers an opportunity for a more personal face-to-face contact with the service user, which builds confidence and develops friendships. 

What’s your favourite memory from your work so far?

In 2007 I nominated a Service User for an MBE. This was because of his contribution to voluntary work for over 20 years.

When he was chosen to receive the honour he was naturally quite nervous about going to Buckingham Palace.

As I waved him off that morning at Belfast International airport, he said….”I can face meeting Elizabeth, now that I’ve seen you one last time.”

A memory I will carry with me always. 

 

What do you like most about your job?

"The opportunity to make a positive difference in a service users’ life.

To see them grow, and to share their success.

To work as part of a team.  To enjoy the friendship and support of those around me".

 

Why do you like working for Cedar?

Cedar has an excellent reputation for looking after both the service users and the staff. I always feel confident that Cedar will listen to any concerns I might have.

Cedar recognises staff achievements and rewards them accordingly.  I feel this creates a happy, safe working environment.

  
What do you like to do when you aren’t working?

Favourite past times include researching my next travel destination, gardening, reading, entertaining and watching TV dramas.

 

What’s a fun fact about you many people may not know?

i love entertaining, and regularly have friends to dinner. The home cooking is often highly praised…….

However, I would not want anyone to check the bin for hidden M & S packaging!!!!!

My secret ingredient (Shhhhhh).