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Real life children's social worker stories

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Hear from some of the incredible social workers that we have working with us here

"In CCC people are cared about - the children, the families and the staff members. It is a very humanistic approach"

John Ball is a Senior practitioner within the Family Support & Safeguarding service of Cambridgeshire County Council.

Male social worker

“I wanted to become a permanent member of staff as Cambridgeshire County Council Children’s Service have a very child focused approach and a clear emphasis on trying to search for the positives in every family circumstance. If you talk to a senior member of staff and mention a child’s name, they know all about the case. In CCC people are cared about – the children, the families and the staff members. It is a very humanistic approach”.

John has progressed from agency worker to Senior Practitioner, first in the Assessment Team and then in Family Support & Safeguarding. " There are lots of challenges, but I am happy in my employment".

In John's post as a Senior Practitioner there were lots of challenges and he had some personal circumstances that have meant him changing both his location and his team. John feels that when he was going through a difficult time his Head of Service and Service Manager were brilliant.

The Service Manager for Cambridge City said “John’s commitment and hard work to the council has been evident over a number of years, that’s why it was really important to support John through this challenging period for him so that he can continue to do the job he loves but also be able to meet his personal obligations”.

“The Children’s Service is a very positive, forward thinking service. The flexibility is exemplary. The culture of the organisation is very person focused, it is a very personable approach to work”

"You build really strong relationships with the children. That's really meaningful"

Bethany Smith joined the local authority as a children’s social worker in December 2018. She progressed into a Senior Practitioner position and most recently to an Independent Reviewing Officer for Cambridgeshire County Council.

"I love coming to work and different things happen in the day that maybe you weren’t expecting. You’re never ever going to get bored in this job.”

Bethany Smith. Children's social worker

Following a challenging but rewarding 4 and a half years as a social worker in Children in Care, I returned from maternity leave to find that the frontline practice was more challenging to balance alongside my personal responsibilities and that it was time for a change.

Becoming an Independant Reviewing Officer for Cambridgeshire County Council has been exactly what I had hoped for in the sense that I can still see children and play an important role in their life.

I am still working alongside the same processes just within a different role.

This has allowed me to balance work and home more effectively in a way most people would say is impossible!"

Our wonderful Cambridgeshire children's Social Workers
Our wonderful Cambridgeshire children's Social Workers

If you’re interested in our children social worker opportunities please complete a quick application form using the ‘Apply online now’ button. Shortly after you’ve applied we will be in touch, to discuss your particular interests further.

Candidates must be qualified social workers with current SWE registration. But we’re happy to consider social workers with diverse backgrounds including those with adult social work experience.

If you like the sound of moving to an authority where social workers are truly valued and challenged, please apply below or get in touch with us today by calling Nathalie on 01223 475920 or email joinus@cambridgeshire.gov.uk.