Tell us about your career so far
I qualified as a social worker in 2012. I then worked for Swindon College as a youth worker where I worked with 14 to 18-year-olds and taught personal, social and health education. It was really empowering to work with and advise young people.
After the college, did you go straight into social work?
No, I moved to Peterborough where I worked for a charity, CLIC Sargent, for nine months. I worked within hospitals and communities with 16 to 24-year-olds with cancer as a young people’s community worker.
I loved working with CLIC Sargent but unfortunately Peterborough wasn’t the right place for me. It was a long way from home (Wiltshire), so I left and started work as a family support worker with Wiltshire council.
My focus was to work with young people – I didn’t think I would want to work with children and families. But I found that I really liked the work; it was really interesting. Then my manager suggested that I should apply to be a social worker. I did the family support role for just over two months before being interviewed and taken on as a social worker.
What made you look for a job with Wiltshire council rather than other neighbouring authorities?
Wiltshire council was offering positions as a family support worker which enabled me to get experience with children and families. But what really brought me here and got me to stay was the fantastic, can-do, child-centred culture and team, and the support on offer to progress my career. I have a practice supervisor and an external teacher to supervise my assessed and supported year in employment (ASYE), so I feel really well supported.
Wiltshire council gave me a positive experience and showed me what working with children and families is really about – making a real difference. I soon realised that there are reduced caseloads and people around who are there to support me, both colleagues and amazing managers.
Why is having a lower caseload important to you?
As a social worker, you want to help people and have an input into their lives. Whether you like it or not, you are having an impact and influencing lives. A lower caseload allows me to spend more time with families and build relationships, as opposed to just managing cases. I can offer families one-to-one support, get to know them and work alongside them effectively – children are not numbers on a caseload.
As a social worker, what makes your day?
Positive visits, where I feel like I’ve really helped a family and challenged myself and my practice: sometimes social work can be a thankless job, so you’ve got to be able to step back and reflect on your visits and the positive difference you made in a family. I like being able to walk away from a visit knowing that there was a positive outcome.
Do you think the social work profession is changing and what do you think the future looks like?
It’s always changing. The same way people, culture and society are always changing. I can’t say what the future holds. I worry about the impact of austerity measures that will make life more difficult for our families and what we can provide for them. However, I think the future for social workers in Wiltshire is bright, as we are bringing in different services as well as lower caseloads. We’re moving away from being reactive to proactive. We are implementing a child sexual exploitation team and a multi-agency safeguarding hub, giving time back to work with our families.
How has your ASYE year been at Wiltshire council?
Positive. I have a really great practice educator who meets my learning needs. As that person is also my caseload manager, they understand the demands of the job. It’s fantastic that someone puts their time aside to help me grow in my practice.
Are you supported by colleagues within the team?
Absolutely. All the managers are prepared to help and when they aren’t around, other social workers are always there for you too. We have a community culture of help and support which is amazing.
Any advice for someone who would like to become a social worker?
Make sure that you are motivated by the right reasons. Look at the available opportunities. My experience as a youth worker, educator and charity worker has shaped me and influenced my practice, how I build relationships and rapport, and how I communicate. I would encourage others to gain a range of experiences before embarking on a career within social work.
For more information on social work opportunities at Wiltshire council, visit socialcarematters.co.uk. Alternatively, contact Pier Pritchard, pier.pritchard@wiltshire.gov.uk for an informal discussion about the opportunities available.
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