It’s that time again when another member of the BHL team is put in the spotlight for our Brains, Banter & Brilliance feature!
We sat down with Lorna Smith, one of the recent arrivals in our fabulous clinical team. Take it away, Lorna!
How and when did you first join the industry?
I have a social care rather than healthcare background – I got into case management through my social care work because they align so well. There are so many transferable skills between the two sectors.
I’d worked in local authority statutory services for a long time, but felt like I wasn’t doing the job I really wanted to do, while in case management I can do just that. I really feel like I’m helping people in creative ways.
What was it about case management/occupational therapy that drew you in?
I have personal experience in supporting people with disabilities through my family. I initially started working with adults with learning disabilities when I left college. I later returned to education, and after qualifying as a social worker in 2012 I worked for about 7 years as a social worker for disabled children and adults.
What’s the best thing about working here?
It’s a really nice place to work with really nice people in a great atmosphere. Together we have a good approach in how we support people. Everyone is approachable, whatever you need.
What’s your career highlight to date?
It’s really hard to pick one example. When I first started out in case management, I had one client who shortly after we’d completed an initial assessment for and set up their rehabilitation plan, they had a change in circumstances and had to move.
I had to help them move house, find accommodation and set up all the services again. I actually received recognition from their solicitor about how quickly I got everything sorted for them, which was really nice to receive – especially so early in my career.
That’s what I love about case management, helping people and being able to see the difference you can make.
Are there any common myths about case management that you would like to dispel?
There’s certainly a myth that only people with a healthcare background make good case managers. There is so much crossover with social work and those who have worked in social care can make great case managers.
So much of it is about building relationships with people, identifying their goals and putting plans together which help them achieve their outcomes. That’s social work to me.
Having that experience can absolutely help, but I wouldn’t say it’s necessary to be a good case manager for your client.
