My Working DayAs family support worker for relations of people with spina bifida, Shani Williamson is enjoying her new career
Shani Willamson made a complete career change this year - without changing jobs.
A public relations practitioner, she joined the Irish Association for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus (Iasbah) as its communications officer three years ago.
"I got involved in helping to co-ordinate and run the summer camp and assisted with social events. I came out of the office and became hands on," she says.
Established in 1968 in the basement of a tower block in Ballymun, the association has developed over the years to 10 branches around the State.
One baby in every 1,000 is born with spina bifida and hydrocephalus. The words mean "split spine" and "water on the brain", with the condition ranging from mild to profound. In the past, many of those affected had a limited lifespan; today they range from newborns to people of retirement age.
As Williamson became increasingly familiar with special needs, she realised she wanted to work directly in the area. She began a foundation course in counselling and started job hunting. "I thought I would have to leave to do what I wanted. But word got around. My new boss approached me and asked me if I would be interested in training to be a family support worker within the organisation," she says. "At first, I doubted myself, said I didn't have enough experience. Later I felt I had been putting myself down - it was a job I could do."
Earlier this year she completed her in-service training and today her catchment area is Cavan, Monaghan, Louth and Meath, with a client base of 120. "Most clients are adults or teenagers. We are in contact by phone or e-mail. I visit people at home as well or meet them for coffee. At present I work out of the head office in Clondalkin, but I'm hoping for a northeast base," she says.
"Someone living on their own may need support around home adaptation. People can be depressed; there can be family difficulties where someone just wants to let off steam. I do a lot of listening. I'm shortly beginning a four-year counselling diploma which will be a great help," she says. "State services have improved greatly, but at 18, you're out of the system. How do you find employment? We link people with local services, act as liaison.
"With new parents it can be helping them to know what they can expect, and linking with larger organisations such as Enable Ireland or the Central Remedial Clinic."
Her working day is varied: "I work from 9.30-5.30pm, but often don't get away until about 6.30pm . . . I love this work, each day is different. I feel I'm using more of my caring, compassionate side, with a fusion of the personal and the professional."