Reclaim Social Work
The place to start your career in childrens social care
In Hackney we are Reclaiming Social Work. We’ve put the infrastructure and resources in place to ensure that our social workers spend more time working directly with families and have the tools and support they need to do this complex job well.
Our Social Workers are based in small networks of professionals (social work units) which are designed to reduce the bureaucratic burden that many social workers deal with everyday. Each unit is lead by a consultant social worker supported by a social worker, a children's practitioner, a clinician and a unit coordinator.
The unit shares a real sense of ownership for each case and a dedicated clinician helps to ensures that the unit uses the evidence based methodologies which Hackney prescribes, to effect positive change with families.
For newly qualified social workers it can be a daunting prospect heading into your first role. At Hackney we understand that helping families is a complex and difficult task and we have implemented a creative and supportive career path which enables Social Workers to develop their skills and experience and turn theory into professional practice.
Children’s practitioner recently promoted to social worker -
“My social work degree did not provide me with any local authority statutory experience and I was apprehensive about taking on a social work post without this vital placement. The children’s practitioner role enabled me to learn an immense amount about front line child protection, whilst being in a supported role.
The role was a challenge without feeling scary or overwhelming and has enabled me to feel confident in front line statutory social work, as a result I felt able to apply for the social work post. A children’s practitioner post is a vital stepping stone in a newly qualified social worker’s progression and development.”
Come and join us in Hackney
We are increasing the number of units across Children’s Social Care and are currently recruiting newly qualified social workers. This is the very best place to start your career - in a challenging but supportive and exciting environment. So if you have just qualified, or you are about to, we would love to hear from you now.
Read Fiona Brew’s first hand account of what is it like to be a Consultant Social Worker in Hackney
If you are interested in finding out more about working for Hackney’s Children and Young People’s Service and want to hear about how you can be part of Reclaiming Social Work - contact Sandra Segal on 020 8356 3798.
Page updated: 11 Mar 2010
