Gemma - Team Manager
Name: Gemma
Job Role: Team Manager
Year Qualified (as SW): 2015
Why did you become a social worker?
I come from a family with strong links in the health and social care field, profession. As such, my choice to become a social worker was heavily influenced by my family background and what I was exposed to from a young age and an understanding around an opportunity to make a positive difference for others. During my time in College, I held a part time job in a Domiciliary care home, supporting the elderly who were considered to be semi-independent and I did this, until I went to university. At the beginning of my studies I was interested in working with adults experiencing poor mental health and perhaps progress to an AMHP (Approved Mental Health Practitioner) and so I completed my first placement with MIND in Hull. However, following my second placement in a children’s sector, I really enjoyed working with children, particularly direct work activities. I believe this experience, shaped my journey into becoming a children’s social worker.
Three tips for our ASYEs:
- There is no shortcut to becoming the worker you want to be; it takes time, experience and patience. Don’t stop learning and developing yourself, build positive relationships as you go along they become handy in the future.
- Whilst being the best social worker you can be, caring and supporting others, don’t forget to look after yourself too.
- Social work involves tough decisions that may seem daunting at this stage. However, social workers do not work in isolation, make the most of the support around you, peers and senior colleagues alike. This career takes time to be confident in and even the most experienced workers are still learning every day.