Our Team

Katie Longford

Brain Injury Case Manager

Specialism

Adults with brain injury and complex needs

Geographical Area

Sussex
Hampshire
Kent
Surrey
London & surrounding areas

Career History

I have 9 years leadership and management experience in community and residential care settings, supporting adults with complex physical disabilities including brain injury.

I started out as a support worker in 2007, in a residential home for disabled young adults, focusing on life transitions and building independence. I quickly progressed to become a team leader and then into the role as a deputy manager. My role included supervision and appraisal of support workers, management of overseas volunteers, carrying out team meetings, organising and management of training and recruitment of new staff. I have also taken on additional lead roles in medication, health & safety and infection control.

Between 2018-2023, I worked as a team leader in the community, coordinating a large support team providing rehabilitation and complex care to an individual with a traumatic brain injury. During this time, I was involved in the transition from a residential setting to a community setting. Additionally, I provided pre and post settlement support and organised trips and holidays for the client.

I have an in-depth understanding and compassion for those working in care, and strive to promote a happy, fun and professional working environment where the clients’ needs and goals are always at the forefront.

Current Work

As a Case Manager with Head First I am very much enjoying using my experience within the care industry to support recruitment, induction, supervision and management of support workers and teams.

Competencies and Key Skills

Effective communication skills and ability to build a positive rapport with clients, families and support workers, including in challenging circumstances.
A highly organised, motivated and resourceful approach to problem solving.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, families, carers, professionals and services.
Experience in the provision of holistic, person centred and goal driven assessments.
Knowledge and experience in providing complex adaptations, to meet the long term needs of the disabled person and their family, with a view to maximising independence and facilitating safe care.
Experience of multidisciplinary, inter-agency practice, team management and leadership.
Experience of implementing community-based rehabilitation programmes, linking in with local services where possible.
Unique experience of managing and working within different social care settings.

Professional Affiliations and Additional Qualifications