Role: Service Manager
Company: The Rowan, Regional Sexual Referral Centre for Northern Ireland
Track Record: Every victim of sex abuse has their own unique needs.
“A police colleague recently told me about the work of Viktor E Frankl who wrote: ‘When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.’ This resonates with me on both a personal and professional level,” says Karen.
What does your job entail?
I am the service manager of The Rowan, Regional Sexual Assault Referral Centre for Northern Ireland, Jointly funded by DHSSPS and PSNI.
It provides a one-stop location, 24-hour care and support, 365 days a year for all victims, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, ability or sexual orientation, who have experienced sexual assault, whether recently or in the past.
The centre also provides a comprehensive and co-ordinated package of care to promote recovery and well-being with follow-up support.
My role is to ensure the smooth running of the service and lead an inter-professional team in safeguarding the needs of victims of sexual abuse/violence and in promoting their recovery.
Is it 9-5?
I work Monday to Friday, but like so many other health and social care services, it is important to be flexible and this may include working in the evenings and weekends.
How did you get into this line of work?
I have been employed since 1998 both as a social worker and a manager, working with children and families, many of whom had experiences of being sexually abused.
The move to developing and managing The Rowan service seemed a natural transition.
Outline your career to date?
I qualified from Queens University, with the Master of Social Work and Diploma in Social Work.
I specialised in the area of family and child care and moved from practitioner to manager in 2002.
I have been service manager for The Rowan since August 2012.
Tell us about your qualifications/training?
I have a primary honours degree in social science from the Open University, and Master of Social Work alongside Diploma in Social Work from Queen’s University I was awarded the Masters in inter-professional health and social care management with a commendation from Queen’s University.
I am currently undertaking a doctorate at Queen’s University
What qualities are required for your job — personal and professional?
Firstly, it is vital to care about others, and to want to make a positive difference.
The Northern Health and Social Care Trust’s vision ‘to provide for all, the quality of service we expect for our families and for ourselves; captures how the Rowan Team approaches work.
It is really important to listen attentively and quietly, whilst being respectful of diversity, understanding that every individual and family will have their own unique needs, views and choices to make.
What are the biggest challenges of your work?
Challenging myths and stereotypes about sexual assault and abuse is a considerable issue.
It is important for anyone affected by sexual abuse or sexual violence to know there are supports and services in place to assist them when they are ready to engage, and for their loved ones.
What are the biggest rewards of your work?
Knowing that what sometimes seems like a small gesture can have a significant and positive impact on another human being.
Knowing that another person trusts you enough to share their own experiences and seek support and help is rewarding.
It is inspiring to see the growth someone has made over a number of weeks or months.
The transition from the initial shock and distress to what one gentleman referred to as the ‘haze’ being lifted from their mind and beginning to feel back in control again.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Establishing The Rowan has taken considerable time over the past two years which I have thoroughly enjoyed.
When I do have free time, I spend it with my daughters and grandson.
What has given you the most satisfaction over the last year?
The greatest satisfaction has been hearing from children, young people, and adults, and their parents and carers, that The Rowan team has helped them on their road to recovery.
Who has inspired you most in your life?
My two daughters, Emma Leigh and Laura, they are a huge source of inspiration.
I am so proud to be their mum.
They remind me daily how much our children and young people can teach us if only we stopped and listened.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
A police colleague recently told me about the work of Viktor E Frankl who wrote: “When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.”
This resonates with me on both a personal and professional level.
What advice would you give to someone who wanted to do the same lob?
Go for it! I think of my role as a vocation rather than a job.
A lady once told me ‘the job chooses the person’ not the other way round. I agree with her.