Residents at The Knowles are going back to work, joining the management team as Employment Consultants and assisting with the interviews for new care assistants.
Valerie Underhill, a former secretary for the Coventry Evening Telegraph has lived at The Knowles since 2017. In a recent interview, she took the opportunity to find out what she really wanted to know about the applicants by asking personal questions such as; what they like to do in their spare time and why they wish to work in care.
“I think it’s important that as residents, we get to meet and help choose who will look after us. I do trust the manager do this but it is a privilege to be included in the interview process. I was very excited and it gave me a sense of purpose as my opinion really matters. I specifically asked one lady if she was keen to learn as I think it’s important to be open to learning new things from new people. You’re never too old to learn something new!” Valerie Underhill, Resident Employment Consultant.
“It’s been a good while since I had job! I’m very happy to be one of the Employment Consultants and I really like wearing my badge. Very official,” Peter Cafferty, Resident Employment Consultant.
“This is a unique hands-on approach to help recruit the right person or people for the job! We’re a family-run home care home and including our residents in our selection process is a great way to make sure we recruit people who not only have the skills to work in care, but who can genuinely connect with our residents. The scheme has also given our residents an important sense of purpose.” Bev Jones, The Knowles Home Manager