I am a Social Worker for Adults and it is the best job in the world!! I work in safeguarding which means I am like a detective finding out the whole story about why someone thinks someone else is experiencing abuse or neglect. I then research the background to a person's situation, find out what others are saying, may be from the GP or hospital or police etc and then go and see the person myself and see what they think of the situation.
Sometimes we do all this detective work on the quiet, so the person doesn't know, as we don't wish to cause distress and then once we know as much of the facts as we can, we make a safeguarding plan of action to keep that person safe.
We liaise with homeless hostels, drug and alcohol support groups, mental health support groups and we have regular meetings and plans of action until we are satisfied that person is safe from harm.
No 2 cases are ever the same, we do get thanked for our role but often people are ashamed/ embarrassed/or perhaps lack capacity and some may not know the hard work that goes on behind the scenes to keep safe.
There are many types of abuse and neglect stemming from hoarding to modern slavery, to financial abuse from siblings etc and domestic abuse from a son or daughter, to sexual abuse and exploitation and organisational abuse in care homes and hospitals.
We look at each case very carefully and we are understaffed and under resourced.
But it is an absolutely incredibly rewarding career that gives me very family friendly hours and generous holidays and pension.
There's always something new to learn and it's never ever boring or mundane! My team are kind, helpful and supportive.
I don't ever plan on retiring. I retrained in my 40s to become a Social Worker as there was a free government bursary. We came from all walks of life including a human rights lawyer!
Best decision I have ever made.