I began my career with master’s studies as a social worker and hospital chaplain at the Saint Charles Borromeo Home in Prague – Řepy. I did not perceive service to ill people as a burdensome job where you simply have to go, but as an exciting opportunity to “commit good to people” and grow both humanly and professionally at the same time. When I finished my master’s studies in theology and psychosocial sciences, I transferred from LDN (health facility for long-term sicknesses) to mobile specialized palliative care, where I acted as coordinator of social services and a hospital chaplain.
Again, work has brought challenges and opportunities, especially in the field of communication with those with severe illnesses and their families. For the first time, I have experienced people management, planning interventions, lecturing, etc. In cooperation with VŠZSP, I have participated in publishing study materials for social work and nursing in palliative care, lectured PSP courses and many more. After two years, a bunch of good work has been done. But because life’s a change and the tree of life is very colorful, from April 1st, I started as the leading social worker at TopHelp’s branch in Prague. What I do here is coordination of services of assistants, conducting meetings with interested parties, social investigation at the client’s place of residence (or i.e. in the hospital, if the service applicant is hospitalized). I also communicate with the family, because a good quality personal assistance has to always be on a level of a good partnership. I like clear arrangements which make good friends. And because making such friendships is my daily bread, I go to work with a smile…