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Tackling the challenges of becoming an FCA Supervising Social Worker
It’s hard with a ‘New Start’
I have been an FCA Senior Supervising Social Worker for four years and at times it’s been difficult. The joy of getting a new foster carer is soon shattered, as you realise just how much time has to be spent in ‘showing them the ropes’ and chasing that ever illusive first placement that for whatever reason doesn’t materialise.
I have literally spent countless hours trying to find placements matching children with foster carers and before I know it, after six hours of working solidly I get that all too familiar phone call telling me that the child “has been placed in-house”. My colleagues also work hard in helping me with this task, especially when I am out of the office, which is a big help but all takes precious time away from the endless stream of ‘necessary’ paperwork that we all seem to sink under from time to time.
Being a Supervising Social Worker can be so rewarding
However, it is so rewarding when you realise that you are at the point of being able to sit down with your ‘old’ new start and have a giggle with them at their past naivety, be so very proud of their progress and marvel at the fantastic work that they have achieved through their most difficult times of being a new start.
It is a most wonderful feeling when you then realise that we are all at the point of realising the fruits of our labours. That the children are making huge progress and have finally settled after much ear chewing, nail biting and hair pulling. That the carer has become confident in their abilities that have always been there and just needed ‘teasing out’ and that the relationship between the Supervising Social Worker and the foster carer has become established so that that there is a sense of trust that I can and will help my carer through their most difficult times in the best way that I can. So, to all the ‘old’ new starts – you are doing a fantastic job and long may it continue!
Imelda Hall
Senior Supervising Social Worker
Adlington
