Role: Manager
Company: Barnardo’s
Track Record:
ME AND MY JOB
JOAN MCGOVERN,
MANAGER, BARNARDO’S TUAR CEATHA FAMILY SUPPORT SERVICE FOR BLACK, ETHNIC, MINORITY, REFUGEE AND ASYLUM SEEKING FAMILIES
‘The biggest reward for my work is knowing we have made a difference to the lives of children and families,’ says Joan.
What does your job entail?
As the manager of Barnardo’s Tuar Ceatha (which means rainbow in Irish) service, I have operational management of a very busy and expanding family support service for minority ethnic families based in Belfast.
I manage a team of staff offering a range of outreach family support programmes and generate income through funding applications for the maintenance and expansion of the service.
The job also involves policy development and research into the needs of our families.This influencing role means that our work can make a difference to regional policies which effect children and families.
Is it 9-5?
Like most workplaces office hours are flexible to meet the demands of the job but it is not unusual to work outside the standard hours.
How did you get into this line of work?
As a young person I knew I wanted a job that entailed variety and that would benefit others so social work seemed like a natural course. Following the completion of my degree and graduate training in social work, I moved to Texas USA for two years, but always knew I would work in social work when I moved back.
Outline your career to date
On my return to Ireland I worked in north and west Belfast social services for over three years and subsequently joined Barnardo’s charity almost 30 years ago which is where I have stayed ever since.
I worked in a number of Barnardo’s services before becoming the manager of Tuar Ceatha which offers a range of family support programmes for BMER and asylum seeking families.
Barnardo’s attracted me as an organisation because it drives and promotes best practice. As a charity it invests funds in neglected areas of work and I have been very fortunate to have helped develop new models of social work practice.
My current role is challenging but provides great opportunities to address need and help promote good relations.
Tell us about your qualifications/training
Having obtained a BA (Hons) degree which combined the professional social work qualification (CQSW), I completed a post qualification diploma in social work five years later.
As part of my management training I completed a diploma in supervisory management and as I was involved in domestic violence training I also completed a ‘training for trainers’ qualification.
What qualities are required for your job – personal and professional?
The key qualities required for the job are a commitment and belief that your work really makes a difference to children’s lives. You need to be flexible, have the ability to use your initiative, patience, creativity, the art of delegation and of course, a sense of humour.
What are the biggest challenges and rewards of your work?
The biggest reward for my work is knowing we have made a difference to the lives of children and families. I love seeing a good idea develop into a service which will directly benefit children and their parents.
Working with a very diverse and energetic team and seeing the fruits of all our work keeps my motivation going for the job.
One of the key challenges is income generation and working to sustain and develop the services which we know children and families need to improve their life situation.
The short term nature of funding leaves staff feeling vulnerable. I have been very fortunate that the team have stayed with the service while awaiting the outcome of applications.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Being out in nature is one of my favourite pastimes and walking the Mourne Mountains or the Sperrins at the weekend is a great way to de-stress.
I am also a member of a book club which has been going five years and which has developed into a culture, travel and friendship group.I am part of a large family circle – so there is always something going on and I am never bored!
Tell us an interesting fact about yourself.
I am just back from an eight day walk in Galicia, northern Spain along an ancient pilgrimage route to the city of Santiago de Compostelo whose old city has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Who has inspired you most in your life?
That would have to be a joint choice between two women: my daughter Julie has been the centre of my life since she was born and it has been wonderful to watch her grow and develop into the young lady she has become, full of enthusiasm and plans for the future.
My mother was an amazingly strong and centred person who remained calm regardless of what was going on around her. Despite her own worries she always had time to listen and show compassion for others: she faced difficulties courageously and later in life took to travelling to foreign parts – she was indefatigable and a great role model.