Rachel's Career Progression to Service Manager at Northern Healthcare
Some careers move fast when the right person meets the right opportunities. Rachel O'Brien joined Northern Healthcare as a part-time Support Worker while still at university and has since earned three promotions, taking her all the way to Service Manager.
We caught up with Rachel to talk about her rapid progression, the academic background that shapes how she leads and her advice for anyone considering a career in health and social care.
Rachel, where did your journey with Northern Healthcare begin?
I started as a part-time Support Worker while I was still at university. I was studying and working at the same time, and from early on I could see this was something I wanted to build a real career in. It turned out to be the perfect place to grow.
You have a strong academic background. Tell us about that.
I spent three years studying for a BSc in Psychology, followed by a year studying for an MSc in Psychological Wellbeing in Clinical Practice. That grounding in psychology really informs how I understand and support people, and it's something I draw on every day in my work. I've also voluntarily published research in the field, specifically in the area of post-traumatic growth, which is something I'm really proud of.
Your progression has been quick. Can you walk us through it?
I started as a Support Worker, moved up to Team Leader after just four months, then to Deputy Service Manager a further twelve months later and now I've secured my next step up to Service Manager after another fourteen months. Three promotions in not much more than two years.
Each step has stretched me in a different way, and I've always applied myself for the next opportunity rather than waiting for it to come to me.
How have you kept developing alongside such a demanding role?
I'm a big believer in continuous learning. I've completed all of Northern Healthcare's training as well as the Future Leaders programme to boost my leadership knowledge and skills. Right now I'm undertaking my NVQ Level 5 Leader in Adult Social Care qualification alongside my role to keep developing as a leader in the sector.
I'm also always looking for extra shadowing, duties and tasks outside my own line of responsibility, including supporting other services. If there's a chance to learn something new I'll take it.
Developing other people clearly matters to you. Can you give us an example?
It's one of the most rewarding parts of the job. I mentored a Support Worker, Rebecca Duffy, and supported her progression to Team Leader and now to Deputy Service Manager. Watching someone you've coached grow into a leadership role is brilliant.
I also support other services to share knowledge and best practice, so we're improving outcomes not just within my own service but across the organisation as a whole.
Your work reaches beyond Northern Healthcare too. Tell us about that.
I've volunteered with the SHOUT crisis helpline and within a grassroots autism charity, and I've provided insight to Nationwide bank around mental health and financial management. I really care about using what I know to make a difference wherever I can, both inside and outside of work.
You recently won an internal Rising Star award. How did that feel?
It meant a lot. I was nominated by the organisation last year and I've achieved so much more since then, so to be recognised as a Rising Star felt like real validation of the work I've put in.
One of the people I work alongside, Siobhan Barlow, an NHS Bed Manager, said it was "a pleasure working alongside Rachel in managing the mental health step-down beds in Bolton" and described me as approachable and professional. Hearing that from a colleague outside the organisation honestly meant the world, because those relationships are such an important part of what we do.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out, perhaps as a Support Worker themselves?
Throw yourself in and don't be afraid to put yourself forward. I started part-time while at university and went on to earn three promotions, so a Support Worker role really can be the start of something much bigger. Take every learning opportunity, ask to shadow and support beyond your own remit and show up for your team when it matters. The progression follows.
Finally, what's next for you?
Stepping fully into my Service Manager role is the immediate focus, and I want to keep developing my leadership through my Level 5 and beyond. Most of all I want to keep doing what drew me to this work in the first place, supporting people to live well and helping the colleagues around me to grow and succeed.
Inspired by Rachel's story?
At Northern Healthcare, we're proud to support our people to grow, develop and build long-term careers in health and social care. Whether you're just starting out as a Support Worker or looking for your next leadership step, we'd love to hear from you.
