Ian F.
About me
| Ian F. | |
| Social Policy and Social Work | |
| Social Work | |
| Undergraduate | |
| Wentworth | |
| 2011 | |
| United Kingdom |
My employment
| Social Worker (Child Protection) | |
| Leeds City Council | |
| United Kingdom | |
| Social care and social work | |
| 2011 |
More about Ian
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A day in the life of a Social Worker (Child Protection) in the United Kingdom
My career history
Prior to studying for an MA in Social Work I was employed in the Royal Air Force for 23 years.
Where I hope to be in 5 years
I have experienced management roles in the past and am content to not chase this now. I prefer instead to develop my skills and remain at the level that I am currently working with as wide a skill-base as possible. Social Work management is not social work.
My advice to students considering work
Apply early and over a wide area, don't be afraid to apply where you may not want to work. Interview experience is useful irrespective of whether you want the job.
I recommend this sector for those wishing to have a challenge. However, social work is not for everyone, it is a difficult role and not one that should be taken without careful consideration.
My advice about working in my industry
I recommend this sector for those wishing to have a challenge. However, social work is not for everyone, it is a difficult role and not one that should be taken without careful consideration.
What I do
I am employed as a Child's Social Worker for Leeds City Council. I manage a large caseload of children on Child Protection or Child in Need Plans. The bulk of the work is assessment based, however there is also a care management role for cases that are held for longer periods.
Social Work of this manner also includes court work, fostering and adoption.
Skills I use and how I developed them
Extracurricular skills:
As stated, time management is key, good assessment writing skills and a capacity to analyse. However perhaps most important is effective emotional intelligence and people-awareness.
What I like most
I enjoy the sense of worth that the job provides, I earn half of my previous salary but find the job doubly satisfying; so it about equals out!
Social Workers never complain of being bored or stuck for something to do.
What I like least
A key aspect to effective social work is good time management, if you are not able to achieve this then you will struggle; most workers do at some point.
Next steps...
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