Buxton

What does your job involve day-to-day?

I am currently employed as a trainee social worker within North Yorkshire Local Authority, working in the Disabled Children’s Service. My role focuses on supporting children with disabilities and their families who require additional help, for example with short breaks, specialist equipment and continuing care packages.

No two days are the same, which is something I value. I split my time between home working, being in the office and undertaking visits in the community. As part of my role, I carry out assessments and develop support packages which are regularly reviewed to ensure they remain appropriate. I will also be starting my Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work shortly, with the aim of becoming a qualified social worker.

What do you enjoy most about your current job?  

The most rewarding aspect of my job is visiting children and young people and seeing the positive impact that the right support can have on them and their families. Although there can be significant pressure working in social services, this is balanced by the satisfaction of knowing I have helped someone and contributed to meaningful change in their lives. I appreciate the autonomy of managing my own workload and I enjoy continually learning new things every day.

Have you done other exciting roles since graduating?  

Yes! I have held a range of roles that have progressively developed my skills and experience in working with children and young people:

• Youth justice officer in a young offenders’ institution, working with 15 to 18-year-olds.
• Course leader in further education for vulnerable and at-risk students, and lead for the PHSRE course.
• Head of year in an alternative provision setting and designated safeguarding lead.
• Head of sixth form in an autism specialist school for boys aged 9 to 19.

 These positions have all contributed to my professional development and ultimately led to my current role as a trainee social worker in the Disabled Children’s Team.

How has your degree informed your career so far?  

Studying Theology and Religious Studies has provided a strong foundation in ethics and morals and enhanced my awareness of social, cultural and religious issues, all of which are highly relevant to my work with children, families and young people. 

Every role I have undertaken since graduating has required independent research and reflective practice. I have consistently drawn on the skills developed during my degree to guide my continuing professional development. I have also used my degree to access further training and courses. I have now achieved my PGCE in Further Education, Diploma in Youth Justice and Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare.

What was the most important thing you learned during your time in TRS? 

The most significant impact of studying Theology and Religious Studies was that it nurtured my intellectual curiosity and my desire to understand culture, religion and the nuances of human experience. This, in turn, has shaped my career path and motivated me to work with children and their families in a professional, compassionate and informed way.

Tell us about your plans for the future

 I plan to complete my Post Graduate to become a qualified social worker which will involve doing some placements in other parts of children's social services. After that, I will continue to focus on my professional development and specialise in the areas which most appeal to me.