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Women in Leadership
Name: Jayne
Role: Fostering Social Worker
Company: Kent County Council
A bit about you: I am currently a Fostering Social Worker for the local authority. I have been in post since October 2019. Prior to this I worked as a Social Worker Assistant, and I was myself a foster carer for twelve years, whilst raising my own children. During this time I supported children between the ages of 0-18, including some transitioning on to adoption, and facilitating rehabilitation home. I consider that my experience gives me a wider overview of those I am supporting and promotes a holistic approach to supporting others.
My experience in these roles has brought me into direct contact with vulnerable families and children and I have always had a passionate interest in supporting these groups. I have a continued interest in supporting families that foster as I have observed first hand how this support can then directly impact on a child in care and their outcomes. As an MA Social Work student, my dissertation was focussed on the retention of foster carers, concluding that an individualised approach to case work is directly related to foster carers feeling supported and remaining in post.
I take pride in my professional role which I consider to be a privilege. I uphold the values of social work, respecting an individual’s needs and choices, the importance of human relationships, and advocating for social justice.
Finally, I am a mother to two young adults, and therefore have a good understanding of both the joys and challenges that parenting can bring. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my immediate and wider extended family, as well as reading, cinema and theatre trips, and I am a keen member of a running club.
What is it like working in your company? I am extremely well supported within my team. Decisions are evidence based and made in collaboration with the wider network. I have flexibility within my role and every day is different.
Why did you decide to go into your chosen field? I enjoy working with people and being of service to members of the community whom may be less privileged or vulnerable.
What qualifications and work experience did you need to reach your current position? I needed a qualification specifically in Social Work. I completed a Masters Degree, but there are alternative routes into the profession such as a Bachelors Degree or a Diploma in Social Work, or some local authorities may support and fund an individual to practice as a Social Worker Assistant whilst also attending university.
What do you enjoy the most about your job? Every day is different. I meet many different people. I am also challenged and every day is a learning opportunity. I am able to make a small difference to people’s lives at times, for which they are appreciative. I have flexibility to work a 9 day fortnight. There are opportunities to progress.
What obstacles have you overcome in your career?
My confidence driving has developed as I have to travel across the county a lot!
Working with clients that do not agree with the decisions of the local authority. Learning how to work through issues and maintain relationships through times of difficulty.
Managing case loads and being able to offer a valuable service / constant prioritising of cases and clients whilst on limited time.
Why do you think it is important to have a strong female representation in your industry? It is important that Social Workers are diverse in terms of gender / culture / ethnicity in order to be able to represent and understand potential perspectives of members of the wider community, and to have rounded discussions in meetings and when decision making
What advice would you give those wanting to take a similar career path? This is a valuable career to pursue which will be purposeful to yourself and others. It is interesting, challenging, varied, and rewarding.
