How long have you been in your job and what did you do before?
I have been employed by Rhondda Cynon Taf Council since 1994.
My interest in becoming a Social Worker was sparked whilst working with vulnerable children and young people in the children’s home. In that role I worked alongside a number of dedicated and passionate Social Workers and could see the significant impact they made on vulnerable children’s lives. Through my employment with Rhondda Cynon Taf Council I was able to apply for secondment and complete my Social Work Diploma whilst continuing to fulfil a role and be supported through the studies.
Once I had completed the Social Work Diploma I was delighted to gain employment as a Child Care Social Worker and enjoyed this role immensely, leading to securing the role of Senior Practitioner three years into practice. I then secured the role of Independent Reviewing Officer and did this for 8 years, following which I gained the role of a Team Manager in Children’s Services 2012.
What does your job involve and what is a typical day like?
I enjoy working with a great team of dedicated professionals and having the management experience of leading the team through our day to day functions. This role enables me to liaise with the Senior Management team and assist in leading the team in meeting our service and operational requirements. My diary often changes each day and being flexible is a core part of this management role.
What’s the best thing/s about your job?
I love the variety of day to day tasks and working alongside a team of dedicated Managers and Social Workers. I enjoy still being able to meet with and complete elements of work with children and families. I also like being part of a management group that seeks to support it’s employees, this includes enabling me as a manager to develop the team and drive forward our operational targets.
What attracted you to apply for a job with RCT Council?
I like the ethos of the Children’s Services division in striving for better for the children and families with whom we work. I wanted to be part of a management group that seeks to support it’s employees - this includes enabling me as a manager to develop the team and drive forward our operational targets.
I was attracted to remain in RCT council by the fact that they supported me fully in achieving a diploma in social work and have since supported me to achieve the Team Manager’s Development qualification.
What positives have you experienced in your career with RCT Council?
Training opportunities and career development.
Line management through the challenges of the role.
What is the best thing about working for RCT Council?
I am able to live and work locally and therefore achieve a work life balance that I seek. I am able to be autonomous yet feel supported in that and am encouraged to continue to develop and achieve my career plans.
I work with a wonderful group of people who really are dedicated and committed to their role and really do seek to make a difference in the community in which we work.
What would you say to someone thinking of applying for a job in social care at RCT Council?
I really do believe that Rhondda Cynon Taf Council is one worth joining, there are many opportunities in this Local Authority and you can achieve stable, secure employment and build a career from the ground up – as I have.