Luke - Newly Qualified Social Worker

Working in the Cotswolds is a pleasure

What I most enjoy about working in the Cotswolds is the team culture which I would describe as:      Supportive, Caring, Passionate, Knowledgeable, Kind, Motivating, Inspiring,  Approachable

What I believe makes the Cotswolds truly unique, is the outstanding beauty of the area. This makes the occasional travel a pleasure.

I'm well supported, with lots of training and development opportunities

I receive regular personal supervision, case supervision and ample opportunities for a wide variety of training, including highly renowned guest speakers, vastly experienced professionals, as well as those who have a wealth of lived experience. 

As a Newly Qualified Social Worker, having regular development days with the Social Work Academy has allowed me to receive the protected time to develop my knowledge, as well as learning from other Newly Qualified Social Workers about their experiences, ensuring that I am able to build up professional relationships with others outside of the immediate teams which I work with. 

It's a great place to work with an excellent team culture

Other than the excellent team culture, having a office environment in which multiple teams can interact with one another, building relationships and learning from one another’s experience and expertise has truly encompassed the multi-agency collaborative approach. 

I can see that I real investment has been made to ensure that every professional has access to appropriate equipment to ensure that equipment and IT issues do not become a barrier to best practice.

Supported, challenged and encouraged

I am currently at the very early stages of my career. Being a Newly Qualified Social Worker has provided me with access to the Social Work Academy, who provide a great deal of support to ensure I feel comfortable, supported and safe in my practice. I know that this support does not end after my first year in practice and that there will be many opportunities to develop my career further. I personally feel that the supportive nature of Gloucestershire County Council will ensure that I am able to grow and develop throughout my career, being supported, challenged and encouraged in a healthy and positive way.

The Social Work Academy provides ongoing support

The Social Work Academy has been extremely beneficial throughout my experiences so far. I could not have asked for a more supportive and safe environment to grow my knowledge, including using the platform to openly, honestly and confidently reflect upon my practice experiences. I feel this experience has enabled me to ensure my skills are increasing, recognising my strengths whilst also exploring ways in which I can challenge myself to improve my practice.

Systemic practice supports long-term positive change

Put simply, systemic practice to me is ‘thinking of the bigger picture’. Not working with a family to simply address the main concern(s), but working with individuals and families to provide them with the support to enact long-term positive change. Understanding the factors that are proving to be barriers in allowing individuals and families to thrive. Thinking systemically ensures that no stone is left unturned regarding what support is available and thinking about the indirect influences that may need to be adjusted to ensure everyone is in the best position possible to thrive throughout their lives.

Flexibility and a great work life balance

One of the positives about the good standard of equipment, is that I am able to be flexible with my working environment. There are opportunities to work outside of the office environment should this be required. 

Through colleagues and senior staff/management there is a real encouragement to ensure that an appropriate work life balance is struck. For me personally, I am never left in a position where I feel worried and/or anxious outside of work hours. Tips, techniques, training and support is provided to ensure that every professional is able to work to the best of their abilities, ending each day with the reassurance that you have done your best, meaning I can switch off for the day/week in a comfortable and reassuring frame of mind.

My role is hugely rewarding

Perhaps the most rewarding element to the role for me, is the ability to be there for those who may not have anyone else to turn to. In my experience, it is sometimes the ‘small things’ that provide you with the knowledge and reassurance that we have made a positive impact on the lives of those we work with. Walking into a family home and providing families with the safe and positive space for them to share what really matters to them, giving them an opportunity to share their views knowing that their voice will be heard where it may otherwise have been ignored. 

The most rewarding elements of the role for me are usually the elements which cannot be tangibly measured, such as young people who may at first not felt comfortable, or able, to share their views, later speaking openly, honestly and freely. Working with parents who may have initially been reluctant to answer the phone to professionals now feeling able and supported to reach out to support services and feel able to put themselves in the vulnerable position of reaching out for support themselves due to the confidence and trust you have contributed to regarding their views towards professionals. 

I'm committed to developing my career here

Obviously, being newly qualified means that I haven’t yet been in post for a year as of yet. However, from my experiences so far, I could not think of a better environment to work within. I am fully committed to remain with GCC throughout my career, with the knowledge of the working culture, level of support and the wide range of opportunities to further develop my career in the future. 

To anyone considering applying here - Do it! 

I have been fortunate to spend time with Gloucestershire County Council, both as a student and as a newly qualified professional. Obviously, as I’ve progressed through my current social work journey the challenges have increased and the work has become more complex. What has been clear, is as the challenges have increased, the support that has been offered has never receded. The desire to ensure that each person is supported, and challenged, to reach their full potential is clear to see.
In my view, the ethos of provide those who require it, with the best possible service, support and care, is also shared by professionals between one another