Adele’s story
Children, Young People and Families
Meet Adele. She’s a social worker within the ‘Child in Need’ South East team based at Goldthorpe. She was well supported during her time as a social work student in Barnsley. So when a Social Work role came up with us, she jumped at the chance to apply – and never looked back. Watch her video to find out why.
Initially I was a third year social work student based in a Children in Need team in Barnsley. Because I’d had such a good experience as a student and they were really supportive, when the jobs for social workers were advertised I decided to apply, ready for when I finished university.
The interview comprises of two sections, the initial section was a 30 minute written exam, where you were presented with a typical social work scenario, and then you had to answer that and say which actions you would take. And then it was an interview with two team managers.
I’ve really enjoyed my time working for Barnsley Council. I can’t even believe that I’ve worked here for four years actually. I’ve learnt masses, and I’ve had lots of opportunities to learn new skills and increase my knowledge, and I’ve been really supported by my team and my line manager.
I’ve recently just progressed to a Level 3 social worker. And in September I started the Specialist Award in Childcare at Sheffield University where I’m seconded once a week. So overall, the support that I’ve got from beginning to end has been really brilliant.
Within my role over the last four years I’ve been given masses of experience through my work, and that’s helped me build my knowledge and my skill base. But personally, probably the best thing that I’ve done over the last four years is being able to progress to a Level 3 social worker.
I don’t actually live in Barnsley, I commute here everyday, but it’s really easy to get to. It’s really accessible now that they’ve done the Dearne Valley Parkway, so it only takes me about 30 minutes to get from where I live to work.
I work in a really diverse and busy team where there are lots of different personalities and lots of different levels of experience. A typical day for me might include working at my desk, on the computer, completing reports, doing assessment sessions, chairing meetings, visiting clients out in their homes, attending court when I have to and going to visit the Children’s Centre. I do a vast amount of different work every single day.
I’ve really had an absolutely excellent experience working for Barnsley over the last four years. They’ve helped me progress and develop. I’m more confident than I was four years ago. And I think the management is really supportive. Whenever I’ve had a problem there’s people to turn to, whether that be a personal problem or a problem at work. I’ve really enjoyed my time at Barnsley Council and I would definitely recommend it to my friends.
