Agnieszka Chojnacka is a 43-year-old Service Manager for Crossreach in Edinburgh.
Agnieszka moved to Scotland from Poland back in 2005 and has a background in looking after elderly people as well as young people with autism. During her caring journey, she has achieved a Masters degree in Occupational Health and Special Education and is encouraging others to learn more about the benefits of a career in adult social care for themselves.
“When I moved to Scotland, I knew I wanted a job in adult social care and worked for various different agencies before joining Crossreach in 2008.
“I started off as a Care Assistant, primarily focused around supporting people with dementia. I was then promoted to Care Worker, then to a Senior and then eventually I became a Service Manager in 2022.
“I did have a background in care from my time in Poland but I wanted to get up to speed with the Scottish system and ways of working quickly. Crossreach were brilliant in supporting my training and I gained my SVQ3 and SVQ4 thanks to their support and the amazing team around me, who have always been really supportive.
“I really love my job but of course there can be challenges. You know you’re responsible for someone’s wellbeing and happiness at points so that brings with it pressure. But ultimately, this is why I find the role so rewarding.
“It can be something as simple as getting a cuddle from a resident or just seeing the smiles on their faces when you’re with them that makes each day so personally enjoyable for me.
“This, combined with having such a strong and supportive team around me, makes it a great career and means I’m one of the lucky ones who has a job they truly enjoy.”
Agnieszka’s advice to people looking to apply for an adult social care position:
“There’s a world of opportunity there for people who want it. It takes special people to make good carers but the problem is that so many people don’t realise they are these special people and care can be the perfect career choice for them.
“For anyone considering it, I’d urge them to do their research online and apply for a role that could change their life.”
