Counsellor/Personal Assistant/AdminWhat type of job are you looking for? I am a qualified counsellor and member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy and am ideally looking for a counselling post. I do however possess excellent secretarial and administrative skills and would consider personal assistant, secretarial or administrative posts. I can also sing (I run a hospital choir) and I grow my own vegetables and am a self taught hairdresser. What nationality are you? I am English. What languages do you speak (and at what level)? English What country or area are you looking to work in and why? I would love to live and work in Bhutan. What countries have you worked in? England What countries do you have a visa to work in? None yet; I will apply for visa. What field do you currently work in? I work as a Family Support Specialist Practitioner, in one of the biggest children's hospitals in the United Kingdom,supporting families in crisis. My post also covers maternity and gynaecology services in the adjoining women's hospital, where I support women and their families when a baby dies before or after birth. What fields have you worked in before? I have previously worked as a personal assistant and secretary. I have also worked within hospital management, patient information and the hospitality industry What qualifications do you hold? I hold the Diploma in Counselling, as well as the Certificate in Counselling. I have undertaken Bereavement and Loss and Life Coaching courses. I hold 8 O Level qualifications and have an NVQ in business administration and secretarial skills. Which do you consider more valuable? Formal education or skills and why? I think there is a place for both. Formal qualifications show that a person is able to study to a certain level and specialise in a particular area. Skills are equally important however, there are millions of people in the world that for one reason or another have not had the opportunity to advance in further education (I would have welcomed the opportunity to study for a degree and beyond but due to circumstances this wasn't an option for me at the time and so I have gradually built up my formal qualifications). Skills aquired over my working life mean that whilst I do not hold extensive qualifications I am an experienced chef and in my early working career I helped run a hotel, running the kitchen, covering housekeeper's and bar manager's posts. I am a horticulturalist and grow my own vegetables. In my role I undertake the same work as a qualified socia worker. Describe the benefits of working with others Everyone is a teacher, and when working with others we learn from them. It is good to work as a part of a team, helping to make the team productive, sharing good practice. Describe the benefits of working alone In my current role I work autonomously, I am responsible for my workload. I find it a satisfying challenge to be successful in my own right, decision making to benefit those I work with. What was your worst working experience? When I was young I worked in the holidays at a perfume factory and all day I would put labels on the bottom of lipsticks or perfume bottles. This work was totally monotonous and did not challenge me at all (with the exception that I had to get up at 5am to arrive in time!) What is the most important lesson you have learnt throughout your career? Never make assumptions and be prepared for change. What would you consider as your 'dream job'? My dream job would be to work as a counsellor/life coach and help turn someone's life around. What are the most interesting aspects of your field? I work with people of all ages, age 0 to 99. Everyone is different. What can you offer an employer? I can offer an employer a worker with vast experience of working with people from different social and ethnic backgrounds, when they are experiencing difficulties or in crisis or in need motivation. I am hard working, sensible, perhaps a little crazy, and honest and as well as the experience mentioned on this form, I have lots of life experience. How can potential employers contact you? You can contact me by email on gypsy288@hotmail.com or telephone 447717414201 (email is best). Thank you for reading to the end :) | 
