Victoria W.
About me
| Victoria W. | |
| Psychology | |
| Psychology | |
| Undergraduate | |
| Derwent | |
| 2015 | |
| United Kingdom |
My employment
| Family Support Worker | |
| Local authority | |
| United Kingdom | |
| Social care and social work |
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A day in the life of a Family Support Worker in the United Kingdom
Whilst at university I spent some time teaching learning disability tennis. This led me to working in an SEN school after graduating. I decided against going into teaching and instead moved into supporting families
Briefly describe the organisation you work for
I work for the local council
What do you do?
I work with families facing a range of difficulties. I support parents with mental health difficulties, housing and financial problems etc. I work with children with SEN and behavioural difficulties.
Reflecting upon your past employment and education, what led you to your current career choice?
Whilst at university I spent some time teaching learning disability tennis. This led me to working in an SEN school after graduating. I decided against going into teaching and instead moved into supporting families
Is your current job sector different from what you thought you would enter when you graduated?
I was unsure exactly what I wanted to do when I graduated but knew I did want to work with children
Describe your most memorable day at work
Helping a parent in her 40s who had never worked start a job
Are there any challenges associated with your job?
It can be very emotional. It is unpredictable and stressful at times.
What’s your work environment and culture like?
I now work in a very supportive team. We all share successes and challenges, have lunch together away from our desks every day. This definitely helps in a job like mine
What extracurricular activities did you undertake at university and what transferable skills did you develop through these?
I was President of the Octopush club - this helped me support people and lead a team
I volunteered with learning disability tennis - this helped me to get my job in the SEN school
What would you like to do next with your career?
Continue to progress in children's services and hopefully step up to a more supervisory/management level role
What top tips do you have for York students preparing for today’s job market and life after graduation?
Do as much volunteering/work experience etc as possible
Don't be scared to take lower skilled/lower paid jobs in the interim - they teach you vital skills, show you are not scared to get your hands dirty, help you meet people from a range of backgrounds. They also will give you an insight into the job if you then become management level in this sector
What topics from students are you happy to answer questions on?
My degree - psychology
Moving into a house share where you don't know people
Moving to a new city after graduating
SEN schools. Family support work. Social work
Next steps...
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