Insights for NQSWs on starting out in social work

Hello, everyone! We’re Elizabeth Opeche and Veronica John-Sdiri, social workers reflecting on our journey so far. We’d like to share some insights and tips that could benefit fellow social workers, especially those starting their assessed and supported year in employment (ASYE) programme.

A journey of resilience

Elizabeth Opeche, social worker, Essex County Council

We have been engaging with newly qualified colleagues in Essex, who have shared some truly inspiring stories. We hope to contribute to this collective wisdom.

However, we would like to begin by reminding our readers that social work consistently tests your resilience, stamina and determination – qualities that are essential for success in this field.

The demands of case management, crisis intervention and various other responsibilities can challenge your ability to remain focused and proactive in high-pressure environments. Nonetheless, rest assured that you will not be undertaking this journey alone.

What has our experience been like?

Veronica John-Sdiri, social worker, Essex County Council

Overall, our time in social work has been overwhelmingly positive. We’ve been fortunate to be part of a supportive team where everyone is approachable and willing to help. This has made a significant difference as we transitioned from being students to professionals.

Here are some factors that facilitated a positive transition in our journey:

Good induction. One key factor in our smooth start was the thorough induction we received. If you’re new to your role and haven’t had an induction, we would highly recommend it!

Access to relevant training opportunities. Nurture a commitment to lifelong learning! Your employer’s intranet is likely a treasure trove of training opportunities. If you’re on the ASYE programme, make sure to explore these resources! Additionally, (and this will depend on the organisation you work for), we had a six-week training package titled  Embedding Professionalism for NQSWs. This course was a game-changer for us. It helped bridge our academic knowledge with practical application in our current work, enhancing both our confidence and effectiveness. You may want to check if this is available to you; your employer may have titled the programme differently, though it serves the same purpose.

Use of intranet resources. We found a wealth of information on the intranet, and we are sure you will too! Take the time to familiarise yourself with the intranet of the organisation you work for. Here are examples of what we found: up-to-date information on organisational policies, ethical guidelines, best practice information, resources for effective documentation, assessment and intervention strategies, links to peer support groups and supervision resources to promote collaboration and wellbeing. It is a valuable tool that can enhance your practice and support your professional development.

Be resourceful. Social work is a dynamic and multifaceted profession that often requires practitioners to pull information from a diverse range of sources. Therefore, we must be resourceful. Keep notes on everything you learn, whether digitally or in hard copy. Here are a couple of suggestions:

• Acronyms list: compile a list of acronyms used in your area. While minimising their use is encouraged, they often crop up in practice.
• Contact information: maintain a directory of organisations, including local services, with their contact details for quick reference.

Connect with peers. Make the most of the NQSW peer support group. It’s a fantastic platform for sharing your ASYE experiences, asking questions and benefiting from the collective support of your colleagues. Check with your peers to see if you’ve missed anything vital.

Collaboration is key. Our profession thrives on collaboration, with the people we support, their friends and family, and with other professionals. This helps us better understand the complexities of the situation and provides more effective support.

Reflect! Reflect!! Reflect!!! Engage in reflection regularly. Journaling is an excellent way to document your thoughts and experiences. It can be easy to forget the great work you do when you’re busy, so setting aside time for this will aid your reflections. To deepen your understanding and enhance your practice, consider asking yourself:

• What am I doing?
• Why am I doing it this way?
• How does the adult feel about it?
• What outcomes are they seeking?

Prioritise self-care. Social work is demanding, so it’s essential to prioritise self-care. We’re still working on this, but taking time for yourself – whether during lunchbreaks or designated wellbeing hours – can help recharge your spirit.

Take charge of your ASYE programme. Remember, you are on a fast-paced journey, and you are in the driving seat! Staying organised is essential. Here are some tips:

• Track deadlines: keep a calendar for supervisions, visits, observations and reflections. Aim to complete at least 85% on time while remaining flexible with the rest.
• Seek support: don’t hesitate to ask questions – there are no silly queries! Engage with your peers, attend team meetings and participate in ASYE forums. Our local authority has a practice forum, which has been particularly beneficial for us.
• Seek shadowing opportunities: be proactive about shadowing experienced colleagues to gain valuable learning experiences.
• Be proactive: everyone is busy, so you will need to be proactive in, for example, seeking shadowing opportunities, scheduling relevant meetings within your remit, including your supervision meetings, and asking questions if you are unsure.

Celebrate those who’ve inspired you

Photo by Daniel Laflor/peopleimages.com/ AdobeStock

We’re expanding our My Brilliant Colleague series to include anyone who has inspired you in your career – whether current or former colleagues, managers, students, lecturers, mentors or prominent past or present sector figures whom you have admired from afar.

Nominate your colleague or social work inspiration by filling in our nominations form with a letter or a few paragraphs (100-250 words) explaining how and why the person has inspired you.

If you have any questions, email our community journalist, Anastasia Koutsounia, at anastasia.koutsounia@markallengroup.com

What we wish we’d known: time flies in the ASYE year

One of the first lessons we learned was how quickly the ASYE year moves! Organisation is crucial, so be more organised than we were!

Plan the progression stages of the ASYE programme well in advance, just as you would have done during your placements. Submission dates can sneak up on you, and balancing team demands, casework and assignments can be quite challenging.

Conclusion

There’s so much more we could share, but these key points are a great starting place.

Remember, you’re not alone on this journey, and utilising your resources and support network is vital. Thank you for reading, and we wish you all the best in your social work endeavours!

Elizabeth Opeche and Veronica John-Sdiri both work as social workers in adult social care for Essex County Council.