In the Spotlight: Keagan Oostuizen
“There’s lots of room for me to grow in this field, whether that’s going into safeguarding, social care management, or even becoming a social worker.”
We loved speaking to Keagan, who opted for a career change when he joined Buckinghamshire Council in summer 2023…
Hi Keagan! What’s your job role and where do you work?
I’m a Social Care Assistant working with adults with learning disabilities and autism in Adults and Health. I work at a day centre where we provide various activities and care for our clients, giving their parents a much-needed break.
How long have you been with Buckinghamshire Council, and what led you to start a career in social care?
I’ve been with the council for about a year and three months. Before this, I worked in a cleaning company, but I needed a change. The company was going under, and I wanted a job that kept me active. As a gamer, I couldn’t imagine sitting at a desk all day and then going home to sit at my computer again. Social care appealed to me because it keeps me on my feet and engaged. Plus, the work-life balance is great, and it aligns well with my personality. I’m very patient and receptive, which are crucial traits in this field. Additionally, the UK has a significant older population, and the demand for social care is high and expected to grow, making it a stable and essential career choice.
That’s quite a change! What do you enjoy most about your job?
The most rewarding part of my job is seeing the positive changes in our clients. For instance, helping someone lose weight for the first time in years is incredibly fulfilling. It’s also great to see how our team supports each other and our clients. The job is very dynamic, and no two days are the same, which keeps things interesting. One day, I might be colouring with a client, the next I’m taking someone to the park to help them get more exercise. It’s this variety and the ability to make a real difference in people’s lives that I love.
Have you taken part in volunteering or activities outside of your job role?
Yes, I volunteer with Psycare, an organisation that provides welfare and harm reduction at festivals. I enjoy meeting like-minded people from diverse backgrounds, including doctors and psychologists. The most rewarding part is helping someone through a distressing moment in their life. The skills I’ve learned in social care allow me to excel in providing physical care to individuals, sometimes even more effectively than other professionals.
Can you tell us about some of your interests outside of work?
Outside of work, I enjoy gaming, creating terrariums, and watercolour pencil colouring. I also have an interest in art therapy and helping young adults transition into the workforce. These hobbies help me stay creative and engaged, which I believe also benefits my work. For example, I’ve recently started incorporating watercolour colouring into activities with clients, which has been a hit. I also enjoy playing pool and have thought about streaming my gaming sessions. My girlfriend is into videography, so she could help me with editing videos.
How does Buckinghamshire Council support your professional development and ideas?
The council is very supportive of new ideas and professional development. I’ve been able to bring in new perspectives and suggest improvements, and my team and management have been very receptive. This supportive environment helps us provide the best care possible for our clients. For example, I’ve developed a one-year plan to help a client lose weight, and it’s the first time they’ve seen progress in years. It’s about bringing structure and new ideas while understanding and mitigating risks.
How do you feel you are ‘part of something bigger’ at Buckinghamshire Council?
I work directly with clients, parents, social workers, doctors, physiotherapists, and my team. The clients are always evolving, and their needs are constantly changing. It’s a unique work environment where you can actually see how you impact people’s lives directly. For instance, one of my key clients is overweight, and I’ve developed a yearly plan to help him lose weight. For the first time in eight years, he has lost weight, thanks to the collaborative efforts of our team.
Why does the work you do matter?
As a day centre, we provide a break for the parents and expand opportunities for our clients to have a more fulfilling life. Our work matters because it directly improves the quality of life for both our clients and their families.
How are you supported to ‘be the best you’ at Buckinghamshire Council?
This was a complete career change for me, and all the training I’ve done, from personal care to medication, was new to me. However, I am involved in the Early Careers Network, which has provided me with opportunities for further training, such as working with different personalities. There is lots of room for me to grow in this field, whether that’s going into safeguarding, social care management, or even becoming a social worker.
Finally, what would you say to someone considering a career at Buckinghamshire Council?
The council provides a lot of benefits that other companies might not offer. When you work for a profit-driven company, sometimes personal connection is lost. At the council, and especially as a social worker, I don’t come to work because I need the money; I come because I enjoy it, I make a difference, and I am treated with respect. You can see this in the policies and support provided, from sick leave and ample leave days to various support for mental health, menopause, bereavement, and more. I’ve been at the council for around a year and six months, and I am still exploring all the benefits and services I can utilise.
Looking for a new role? Check our current council vacancies here: https://jobs.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/
