Andrea is one of our dedicated Scheme Coordinators who works in a development designed for independent older people.

Why did you choose to become a Scheme Coordinator?

I knew someone else who had worked as a Scheme Coordinator in a development for independent older people for many years and I knew that she loved her job.

When I noticed a Scheme Coordinator role advertised locally, I thought that I would apply as the experience I had gained in my previous employment in the caring industry was very relevant.

I wanted to use my skills and experience to continue to help people. I had worked in nursing and recruitment previously and I thought I could bring some of the skills I had gained to the Scheme Coordinator role. I was over the moon when I got the job!

What’s your typical Working day like?

In my role I work normal office hours Monday to Friday which is a great benefit. I also can take some time in lieu each month if I work over and above my normal working hours.

There are rarely two days the same, it is incredibly varied. Coordinators wear several different hats while managing the day to day running of the Scheme and supporting tenants. From checking on the welfare of tenants, completing health and safety checks, reporting maintenance issues, liaising with Health Trust staff and family, to arranging coffee morning and lunch clubs, it’s a busy but rewarding role.

Often the Scheme Coordinator’s job is about showing a sense of calm and providing reassurance to our tenants. We need to be good listeners so we can shape our services around the tenants’ changing needs to support them to lead full and independent lives.

What’s your favourite part of the job?

I simply love making a positive difference in the tenants’ lives and get such a thrill when I see a smile on their faces. It can be so rewarding!

My job is a real 'feel good' job. I get such a sense of satisfaction in getting things done, I love it when a plan comes together, whether that be an event going to plan and that the tenants just love it or, I achieve a positive outcome for a tenant that significantly improves their quality of life.

Why would you recommend this job to others?

No two days are the same, and that is a positive aspect. It is certainly not a boring job, and it is not without its challenges.

If you enjoy working with people, want to make a difference in someone’s life in various ways and feel that you could manage a busy and sometimes a demanding scheme then you should definitely consider a Scheme Coordinator role as a career.

An added bonus is that whether you are looking for a job which you can grow into, or a career in housing, Radius provide a lot of opportunities to develop your knowledge and expertise through a structured induction programme and ongoing training. There are also great career opportunities within the organisation.

I’d strongly encourage anyone interested to apply!

A Scheme Coordinator’s job is about showing a sense of calm and providing reassurance to our tenants.

They need to be good listeners so they can shape our services around the tenants’ changing needs to support them to lead full and independent lives.

Karen is one of our longest serving employees, and has provided support and care to thousands of our service users for 30 years.

How long have you worked with Radius Connect 24?*

I’ve worked here for almost 30 years. I love my job. You know that you're helping people and some people don't even have people to talk to, and they'll just call us for reassurance.

What’s changed in those 30 years?

In the past 30 years, the job has changed considerably. We have moved from having just a few clients or a few hundred to tens of thousands of people relying on our service, and we help them get through their days. We also cover a lot of emergency maintenance for other housing associations.

How has technology changed the service we provide?

The technology has improved immensely, as in now that there are so many different sensors that can be installed for the people. For example, door exit alarms for people who may have alzheimer's who might be at risk of wandering off in the night. These alarms have enabled us to alert their families and avoid potential catastrophes.

We also use sophisticated fall detectors, which alerts us should someone fall ver. We are able to respond quickly, to both the person and their family, as well as emergency services if needed. It gives the families great peace of mind.

You obviously find the job very rewarding?

it's a very rewarding job. As in that we know that you're helping people and you can go home at the end of the day and think back on things that have happened. I know that there's been people's houses have gone on fire and the smoke detectors come through to us. Families have phoned up later to say thank you for saving my mommy's life.

*Radius Connect 24 is the new name of our long standing tele-healthcare service of 30 years.