What inspired you to start a career in children’s social services?

I am part of a very close family who have always acted as a strong and stable support network through difficulties times, but I am mindful that not everyone is fortunate enough to have a support to fall back on. I wanted a career in children’s social services to help families build support networks through family, friends and professionals so they don’t have to overcome difficult times alone.

What has been the biggest surprise since working in Children’s Social Care / your authority?

The biggest surprise I encountered was how willing colleagues were to support me as a new starter despite their high caseloads and busy schedules. Colleagues from my team and other teams were happy to answer questions, to look over work I had completed and to take me on visits with them to shadow. This really helped me to understand my role, the processes and build relationships with colleagues.

Why did you choose your authority?

I live in Essex which makes this the most convenient local authority to work for, however the good reputation Essex holds, along with the vast amount of training offered and secondment opportunities is why I remain in Essex.

Tell us about your career journey to where you are now.

I began working in Essex Child and Family wellbeing service as a family support worker. During this time I, ran groups and supported families 1-1 at a very low level. After a few years I moved into Family Solutions where I was carrying out the same work but of a higher complexity. Whilst I was in this role I started the social work apprenticeship degree, where I undertook two placements, one in a neighborhood team in adult social care and another at the family centre. Upon completing my degree, I began working in family support and protection.

Working in different teams has allowed me to gain knowledge in different areas, all of which contribute to my confidence and skills in supporting families.

What development, skills or learning did you undertake?

Whilst completing my degree I carried out placements in the adult social care neighborhood team and the family centre. During this time I learnt different roles of social workers, ran different programmes and learnt new skills

Further training:

•  Impact of trauma on the lifespan
• Court skills
• Sibling sexual abuse
• Child neglect and poverty aware practice
• Systemic social work practice
• Child sexual abuse
• Trauma

Tell us about your day to day as an Apprentice Social Worker.

• Visits to children and families
• Child in need or child protection meetings
• Assessment writing – sibling, viability, pre-birth, risk assessments
• Court reports

What are your future aspirations?

I would love to become a practice educator so I can encourage and support other workers who wish to study.

What is the most challenging part about your role?

As a newly qualified worker, the most challenging part has been learning the different processes within the role. However, the team has been very supportive in sharing knowledge and overseeing work to support me with this.

What is the most rewarding part of your role?

Being able to support families to overcome difficulties, strengthening relationships and supporting them to stay together.

What advice would you give to someone starting out in children’s social services?

Learn healthy ways of working to adopt a good work/life balance from the start of your career.

Is there any other information you’d like to share?

I loved completing the apprenticeship degree and would strongly recommend it to others who are considering a career in social work. Working alongside learning provides a great opportunity to put learning into practice, whilst using supervision to embed and assess the knowledge, at times exposing further areas of interest to explore. A great deal of support was offered both through my employers and through the university. I found this to be a great route into social work.

Leanne, Social Worker

For more information on the jobs and Apprenticeship opportunities we have available, search our jobs.