Social workers return to practice
A pioneering scheme has helped Warwickshire County Council tackle a serious shortage of social workers.
The Return To Practice scheme has helped social workers who have been out of the profession for some time get back into work.
Fairs held around Warwickshire last year showed that there was a group of qualified professionals interested in returning to practice, but who felt unable to do so because of the length of time they had been away.
A structured scheme which gave them training and mentoring, and offered a fast-track up the salary scale if they met certain targets was introduced.
The extra support proved a big hit, and eight posts were filled, with social workers being recruited in Warwick district, Nuneaton and Bedworth, and North Warwickshire.
Some of the people who were recruited came from outside Warwickshire, but chose the authority because of the support available.
Chris Hallett, Head of Children in Need, said: “Recruitment of social workers is an issue at national level, and it is quite possible to advertise positions without success. To bring so many experienced social workers into practice in one campaign is a fantastic achievement that means we are able to offer high-quality support to children and families in Warwickshire, and we are planning on repeating this campaign later this year.”
John Durnbrook had spent time in the field as social worker in the 1980s, but his career had sent him in a different direction.
He managed the YTS scheme in Birmingham, managed a residential centre and held different posts in the community education sector before deciding on a career change, and now works in Nuneaton.
“I wanted to come back to front line services, but I had been out of social work for a long time,” he said. “I couldn’t have made the step back without this scheme. It was brilliant having people in the same situation as you, and having mentoring and support.
“Quite a lot of people had taken time out because of family commitments, but I wanted to make a career change and it was this scheme that encouraged me to do it.”
After ten years as a single dad, Stephen Austin knew he faced a hurdle in getting back to the profession. Despite his masters in social work, his background was in adult care, and he knew things had changed when he started in Nuneaton.
“If I had to hit the ground running at full speed that would have been a bit daunting. But I had a mentor, checks and regular supervision and I started with a reduced caseload.
“The skills I have of knocking on doors, and being understanding, are the same, and I was confident that I could still communicate. Although I had a background in adult, I have spent ten years bringing up children and settled in with a reduced caseload.
“It’s nice to be in a profession that acknowledges you still have skills, and I reached level 3 in a year, as promised. I’m lucky not to be snowed under from day one, and I’m enjoying my job.”