How long have you been in your job and what did you do before?
I have worked for RCT Council as a Senior Practitioner for nearly 3.5 years. I qualified as a Social Worker in 2013 with my first post in the Miskin Service covering maternity leave. I then left to work for another organisation before returning to RCT Council for my current role.
After my initial degree in Criminology and Sociology and before commencing my Masters degree in Social Work, I carried out various roles in social care which cemented my decision to train to become a Social Worker after enjoying working with vulnerable people.
What does your job involve and what is a typical day like?
As a Senior Practitioner, my job involves working with cases as well as supervising staff. The Miskin Service is part of Children’s Services. My job entails direct work with families whose children are at risk of becoming children looked after or are currently children looked after and there is a plan to rehabilitate them home. As with any social care job there is not a typical day which is why I love being a social worker. A working day is busy with common daily activities involving visits to families and completing assessments and plans. The direct work takes many forms such as 1:1 work, group work and outdoor activities.
What’s the best thing/s about your job?
Being able to use my analytical skills and professional judgement to complete assessments. Working with families and seeing positive sustained change. Helping others to develop in their roles and careers.
What attracted you to apply for a job with RCT Council?
I had worked for RCT Council previously and the job was a career progression move, as well as working for a service which has a positive and supportive team culture where training and professional development is encouraged. Also, the job aligning with my ethical values of the type of work with families, being early intervention and prevention.
What positives have you experienced in your career with RCT Council?
Opportunities for professional development resulting in achieving a Postgraduate Certificate in Senior Practice in Social Work. I have also had lots of opportunities to shadow and cover more senior roles.
What is the best thing about working for RCT Council?
I do not live in RCT and I have worked in a number of local authorities. I particularly like the culture of the communities in RCT and driving around the rural parts of the authority.
What would you say to someone thinking of applying for a job in social care at RCT Council?
I only have good experiences to share as discussed in the above questions.