My name is Amy and I joined Caerphilly County Borough Council as a Social Worker because Every day is different and every day matters. Although there are times when I am working with families’ at the most difficult times in their lives, I also see the outcomes that are achieved and children and families moving forward positively. Social Work is a vocation and not a career to me. I feel a sense of fulfilment and a purpose that no other job could satisfy.
Amy Davies - Social Worker
What does a typical working day look like for you?
Every day is different. A typical day is checking emails and the system for any information or safeguarding concerns that have come in over night. Undertaking visits, that may be child protection visits, child looked after visits and assessment visits. Working with children to help them to understand their life journey, working with families to assess what matters to them and assist in supporting families through periods of crisis, adoption work and at times writing Court reports and parenting assessments.
Why would you recommend the role?
Every day is different and every day matters. Although there are times when I am working with families at the most difficult times in their lives, I also see the outcomes that are achieved and children and families moving forward positively.
Social Work is a vocation and not a career to me. I feel a sense of fulfilment and a purpose that no other job could satisfy.
What made you decide on the role?
I grew up in foster care and have also been a foster carer for 17 years. Social Work has always been my dream but I thought it was not achievable as I was not academic and did not have the relevant GCSEs. In short I did not think I was clever enough. However, despite having a diagnosis of Dyslexia and six different schools during my childhood I knew that my passion for social work would carry me through and I would reach my goals.
What qualifications did you need?
I had GCSE English at a C Grade, I also did an access course in order to obtain maths GCSE. I then did a Masters Degree in Social Work and I am proud to say that I passed every singles exam, essay and placement to a high standard.
Why do you enjoy your role?
I absolutely love my job, it is different every day and I work with children and families when they need it the most. I love seeing the positive outcomes and being able to close cases knowing that families have been provided with the best support I can give and services identified to ensure change is maintained.
What key skills are needed to do your role well?
Attentive, caring, attentive, analytical skills, ability to manage complex family dynamics, ability to work with crisis, ability to manage hostile and angry family members, ability to remain child focused and above all to be honest, anti-oppressive in my practice and willing to go the extra mile.
What is the best part of your job?
The best part of my job is I absolutely love my job, I work with children and families when they need it the most. I love seeing the positive outcomes and being able to close cases knowing that families have been provided with the best support I can give and services identified to ensure change is maintained.
What skills do people need to be a good Social Worker?
Attentive, caring, attentive, analytical skills, ability to manage complex family dynamics, ability to work with crisis, ability to manage hostile and angry family members, ability to remain child focused and above all to be honest, anti oppressive in my practice and willing to go the extra mile. The key skills you need to be a Social Worker are Attentive, caring, attentive, analytical skills, ability to manage complex family dynamics, ability to work with crisis, ability to manage hostile and angry family members, ability to remain child focused and above all to be honest, anti oppressive in my practice and willing to go the extra mile.
Why did you choose this career path?
I chose this role because I grew up in foster care and have also been a foster carer for 17 years. Social Work has always been my dream as I have worked with numerous social workers who have really had a positive impact on my life. I thought it was not achievable as I was not academic and did not have the relevant GCSEs. In short I did not think I was clever enough. However, despite having a diagnosis of Dyslexia and six different schools during my childhood I knew that my passion for social work would carry me through and I would reach my goals. The thing I like best about my job is that every day is different and I love helping families to make a positive difference for their children.