Social Care Officer: Apprentice Social Worker

Hannah

Profile photo of a lady wearing glasses.

I started working for Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council in 2005 as a support worker within the Learning Disability provider service. I enjoyed 12 years within the team, working with people of all ages to promote their independence, choice and control within their own homes. This allowed me to access numerous training opportunities such as Medication training, Autism Awareness training and Person centred planning. I also gained valuable experience in the social care sector and how to support our most vulnerable people.

Hannah

I have a deep sense of privilege, to work with such a great team and I hope to continue my career in Stockport for a very long time, the progression pathway is clear and I really do feel that Stockport invest in their staff.

In 2017 I moved over to work in the neighbourhood social work teams as a Social Care Officer, initially on a secondment whilst the role was trailed to test its efficacy. At the end of the 12 months, the role was made permanent and I applied for a full time position. Making this move has opened up so many opportunities to me, I have access to a substantial training programme, including commissioned seminars provided by Siobhan Maclean on relating theory to practice and legal literacy.

I completed the Social Work Degree Apprenticeship at Manchester Metropolitan University as part of Stockport’s apprenticeship and development programme. I'm currently a newly qualified social worker. This apprenticeship allowed me to continue to work and study at the same time. My management and colleagues have been incredibly supportive and this has really helped me to build my confidence and progress my career.

A typical day generally consists of home visits, multi-disciplinary meetings, engaging with internal and external partners, completing Section 9 assessments, reviews and support planning and referring people to the right services. We need to have a great local knowledge of what's available and how to access it. Every day is different and that is what keeps us on our toes. Stockport offer hybrid working, which means we're able to work flexibly and from home for part of the week. This makes it much easier to maintain a good home/work balance.

After 17 years here, I can say I feel valued and I can say Stockport cares.


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