Social Work Sorted and now, The Social Work Collective, has always been based on what I needed as a new social worker.
I took the second job I was offered, and moved from Manchester to London to start my assessed and supported year in employment. I found a temporary room to get me through the first few weeks and carried my suitcase up 3 flights of narrow stairs to a cluttered flat. A kitchen separated with a bed sheet to create a third bedroom, I was glad the room I was staying in had a wall and door to separate it from the drum kit in the hallway and the noise of musician housemates practicing late into the night.
I navigated the tube to my first day where I met my managers and new team, many of whom I'm still in touch with. The year went so quickly and so much of what I share on here is from the experiences during that time. It was always going to be a whirlwind but I was lucky to have a team that supported me and were open to answering all the questions I had.
It was during this year I did a five day signs of safety training which had a huge impact on the way I practice social work. It shed light on the the not-so-good habits I'd picked up on placement. The training changed the way I used words and phrases in my written work but also when in conversation with people. Part of this training meant a responsibility to share the signs of safety practice skills with my team. I'm not entirely sure newly qualified social workers were supposed to be on the training but my manager knew I had a love for learning and bringing new ideas to others, and I'll always be grateful for her faith in me.
I know I'll write much more about this year but one thing that sticks with me is the impact of my team. My supervisor was the most organised person I've ever met and I know my love of online calendars and colour coding is down to her. My ASYE lead wouldn't let me get away with surface level reflection, always gently pushing me to dig deeper. My manager had been a teacher before social work and her values of education were instilled in me. She always found a lesson in everything. My wonderful team were kind and caring, always willing to listen and give me a reassuring hug when I needed it (which was often). I didn't have children when I started in social work but the majority of my team were mothers who shared so much wisdom with me about working whilst parenting.
As for the ASYE, it was different to how things run now. I don't remember the written side or reviews ever feeling overwhelming but maybe that's because my other memories take over. I decided to apply for another job after I passed my ASYE. I'd met social workers who had only ever worked for one authority through their careers and I knew I didn't want that to be me. I know how important permanence is for children and families, and we all know that a revolving door of social workers isn't healthy, but I also saw the huge difference between my placement authority and my ASYE. I've always cared about change and I knew that I wanted to have different experiences in different local authorities to learn about what works, and what doesn't.
I started my second social work job in another authority in London and it was the best decision I've ever made.
Did I start on a Friday?
Yes.
Did I join the team for after work drinks?
Yes.
Did I drink too much red wine and spend the weekend panicking that I'd embarrassed myself in front of my new colleagues?
Yes.
Would I advise you to do this?
Absolutely not.
But I didn't need to worry. The worst thing about this job was the fact I had to leave 2 years later, after making the decision to move back up north to have my first child. Very pregnant and very emotional, I cried so many tears saying bye to my incredible manager and team.
This was a job that taught me about the power of systemic practice, group reflective supervision and innovative ideas. I also learnt to believe in myself and have trust in my social work skills. My old manager recently contacted to me so say she had met a mother I had supported, who had asked to pass on a message. It brought back so many memories of things I'm proud of, but also mistakes I made. It makes me sad how there are so many children and families that I can never apologise to. I'd love to sit with them and say, 'I'm sorry, I didn't know any better at the time'.
This was the end of a 'mini' era for me in social work. I can very much distinguish the change between me as a social worker with no children vs me as a social worker and a mother. I don't think you need to be a parent to be a good social worker but it profoundly impacted the way I practice, so I'll share more in the next post about this.
I'm very aware we are a profession of predominantly women. I want to share some of my experiences of parenting and being a social worker but there will be people reading this who are in pain, feeling loss, or longing for a baby, so if you need to skip the next blog post please do, I'll add notes at the start of each post to help you decide what to read.
Are you a newly qualified social worker? Take a look at how The Social Work Collective can help you get through your first year with confidence and calm.