Michaela's Story - A Decade in Social Care

To learn more about the development and career opportunities at Lifeways, we asked our Community Engagement and Development Manager Michaela Butterworth all about her internal progression within Lifeways and her experience in the care industry.  

What was your care experience before working as a Community Engagement & Development Manager for Lifeways? 

"I have worked in the Social Care sector for 11 years including my time at university, where I studied Social Work. After graduating, I joined Future Home Care in 2014 as a Support Worker in our newly developed supported living service in Ollerton. I later transferred over to Lifeways, where I got a role in the Development Team as an Enquiries, Referral and Assessment Manager (ERAM)." 

What does your role as a Community Engagement and Development Manager involve? 

"I am currently the Community Engagement and Development Manager for the Central East region. My role involves supporting the operational team in looking at opportunities for business development including increasing turnover,  filling vacancies and opportunities for growth through setting up new service such as the new supported living service in Sutton in Ashfield which recently opened and will house its first tenants in the coming weeks.  

I also work closely with the tendering team to look at framework opportunities, expressions of interest for new business, and opportunities to develop into new areas. 

Can you tell us why you decided to apply for your new role? 

“I am very pleased about the opportunities I have been given in Lifeways. Whilst I worked as a Support Worker my manager informed me of the Enquiry, Referral and Assessment Manager position that was being advertised and encouraged me to apply for the position which I got. I applied because I was keen to support people into their new homes. I have worked as an Enquiry,  Referral and Assessment Manager for 5 years. I have a very good understanding of the region I cover and a good working relationship with both internal colleagues, commissioners, and social workers. I felt that it was a natural progression to apply for the role of  Community Engagement and Development Manager and to work on opportunities for new developments and business growth. 

My current role is tremendously rewarding as I can continue to support individuals into some of our beautiful properties and see them develop skills and achieve lifelong goals. I also get to work with some incredible teams who all have the qualities and attitudes towards the job that are required to make a difference to people’s lives". 

What do you enjoy most about working at Lifeways? 

"I love the interactions I have with commissioners, colleagues, people we support, and their families. I find my job is one of the most rewarding positions I could wish for. Everyone I come across in Lifeways has made me feel at ease. Lifeways has given me life-changing opportunities to progress my career and shaped me to become the person I am today". 

What advice would you give anyone looking to progress their career internally within Lifeways? 

"I would encourage anyone thinking to progress their career in Lifeways to jump at the opportunity. Everyone has been so supportive and I have seen many people be given the chance to advance in their career and really succeed".