Background
My employment with Focus Care commenced During October 2023. I have over 20 years of experience working in the health care sector, working with Adults with Dementia, Mental health, Learning disabilities, Autism and Brain injury. I started my career as a Health care assistant working in residential and nursing homes, then moved to mental health rehabilitation as a support worker. I joined the Occupational therapy department whilst working in a mental health rehabilitation hospital for adult males, and worked as an OTA, I also worked for the same company as a Therapy Co-ordinator in a female rehabilitation hospital with Learning disabilities, Mental health and Autism. From there I moved on to work as a deputy manager in a residential home in the popular Derbyshire town Matlock. I have also worked as a welfare officer and a Manager for supported living companies across Derbyshire and Wolverhampton, housing the homeless, ex-offenders, drug and alcohol addicts and those escaping domestic violence.
Experience
Before I Joined Focus care I was managing sheltered accommodation for adults over the age of 50, with all different needs and disabilities.
I have completed my NVQ Level 4 in Health and Social care management and have completed many other courses related to Social care throughout my working environments.
The Focus Care management team are very supportive and are encouraging me to undertake the training I need to achieve my career aspiration.
Experience
Over 20 years working with in the care sector supporting individuals with behaviours of concern, Autism, Complex needs, and Learning Disabilities.
Qualification
Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care and Children and Young Peoples services. Diploma in in Applied Behaviour Analysis. Prader Willi Training.
Interest
Ipswich Town Supporter
Favourite quote
“Always remember, you are stronger than you think, Braver than you believe, More beautiful than you can imagine, loved more than you know. I’ve got you"
My name is Nicolas Mateo, and I have been a part of Focus Care Supported Living for the past six years. My career here began as a support worker, progressed to team leader, and since June of last year, I have served as an Area Manager. Prior to relocating to England, I pursued my studies in Hospital Management and Public Health in America.
Role: In my current role, I am responsible for fostering person-centred environments that cater to the unique needs of our service users. I ensure that each home within my area receives the necessary support to flourish daily. Recently, I have embarked on an exciting journey of sharing my expertise with colleagues through training sessions. These sessions cover a range of topics including moving and handling, first aid, and soon, NAPPI and PBS.
Interests: Outside of work, I have a keen interest in tennis and enjoy continually expanding my knowledge on healthcare topics. I also love going on holidays. One of my favourite quotes, which guides my approach to both work and life, is by Benjamin Franklin: "Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn."
About Me: I am one of the lucky people that can say that they love their job. I started my journey in the care industry 19 years ago at a point when I would never have believed this was my destiny and very soon after I started this journey, I realised that there was nothing else that I would ever enjoy doing. Working my way up in this career proved to me that so many years ago I had made the right decision. Knowing that my work makes a difference in people’s lives, is an immense achievement that cannot be replaced by anything else. I love reading to the extreme that I could read one book every day-best live is in the books.
I enjoy traveling, seeing new places, getting to enjoy new cultures and meeting new people. Spending time with my family is MY quality time and it is one of the most important aspect of some one live, from my point of view.
Responsibilities: As part of my responsibilities, I ensure that the service users and the staff team working with me are supported, listened to, and guided where needed. I ensure their safety and help them achieve goals such as leading a fulfilled life (for service users) and progressing in their knowledge and careers (for staff members). Additionally, part of my responsibilities includes building and maintaining relationships with outside professionals, families, and service users. I promote and maintain the core values of the company and strive to expand my knowledge in regard to my duties and position.
Favourite Quote: "Everything happens for a reason! Even though at times, we might not be able to see that reason, in time we come to realise it"
To coordinate and manage a team of staff at the service and to ensure the provision of care and support services for people with mental illness, learning disabilities, autism and/or behaviours that may challenge; to maximise the recovery and skills potential of individuals living at the home; to achieve the highest possible standards of care and support in a professional manner through competent management and administration of the home
Experience: 30 years of working in a variety of roles in health and social care. I worked my way up from support worker to other roles such as team leader, deputy manager and then registered manager with the CQC (Care Quality Commission) in a residential service for 22 service users with learning disabilities. and a quality and compliance manager. I have now been an area manger at Focus Care supported living for the last 7 years
Qualifications: Makaton tutor, NVQ level 3, level 5 in leadership and Management. Currently studying for level 7 in health and social care leadership.
Interests: Travelling, spending quality time with family and friends and I am a season ticket holder at Brighton and Hove Albion football club.
Favourite Quote: “You’re braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think”.
I have over 25 years' of experience in health and social care, working with a diverse range of client groups in leadership roles. I have supported children in care, young people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, and adults with ill mental health, who are being treated in hospital, I have worked with Adults with Learning disabilities and complex needs. I was part of the transforming care program, where worked at Fulbourn Hospital and supported adults who had been institutionalised transition into the community. I have excellent communication skills, which I use with the people we support, with my support team, and with wider professionals and families. My main focus is to support people to achieve and reach their full potential. I am solution focused and can lead the team to think outside the box. I am dedicated to my role and ensuring that the staff are supported to deliver the highest standard of person-centered support and ensure service users feel safe and secure in their homes and the community in which they live. This is achieved through fostering community links. Staff training, supervision, team meetings, mentoring and guidance from the Senior Management Team Management Leaders and I. I believe that every achievement, no matter how small needs to be recognised and celebrated.
Qualifications: City and Guilds, Level 3 Diploma for the children and young people’s workforce: Social Care Pathway
City and Guilds, Level 2 Employment and rights in health, social care / Children and Young People’s settings
City and Guilds English and Mathematics function skills level 2
NCFE - Mental Health awareness - Level 2
NCFE - Understanding the safe handling of medicines level 2
Currently studying - Care – STD – Leadership in Adult Care Level 5
Interests: I'm an avid reader and have been an active member of a local book club for some time now. I love music and going to concerts. Now that I have a puppy, walking in the countryside is my new found passion. I also like days out locally with family and friends, they are always fun and where time permits, further afield, Cornwall is one of my favourite places to holiday.
Favourtie Quote: ‘but if you never try you’ll never know, Just what you are worth.’ - Cold Play
