Still working on work
Would I want to be young again, I wonder? It amazes me every year we hear that the GCSE grades are getting better because the exams are becoming easier. Yet, does this really say what is happening.
In my experience I have been fortunate enough to have never been out of work, homeless or destitute. But like many young people I do wonder what would happen if I did not have a job, or a skill I could sell to potential employers. In fact without my social work qualification I think I would be in great danger of struggling to find work in today’s work market.
Working with young people in care has made me more aware of the difficulties that many people especially young people find in looking for work. Placements, transports, contact, support are all areas that could affect the emotional well-being of the young people to stay employable.
There have been many schemes that try to get people back into work and the latest promotes work experience as a way of giving valuable experience in a work place. However, this has come with a well publicised criticism and most of which has been fair.
We have yet seen from this government a positive approach to enabling young people to return to work. I doubt that we will see anything meaningful until confidence is restored in employers to meaningfully recruit and expand their business again.
For young people more support is needed in helping develop their own understanding of the work market. Time dedicated in developing their own interests and knowledge so that as business shrink into the Web and out of the high streets. Young people can challenge the business markets and create their own work. Maybe if more vulnerable young people such as care leavers are encouraged to work with organisations such as the Prince’s trust their mentoring scheme could help develop this.
Or if you are someone who could help young vulnerable people develop confidence and skills needed to find work offer your help to the Prince’s Trust mentoring scheme.
Hard decisions
Have you ever wondered about how wonderful Social Work is. Despite the negative media attention, there still is a sense of job satisfaction. The one “Thank You”, or the one smile. Or maybe seeing a client several years on still doing well. Of course the other good side of Social Work is the diverse nature of the job. Which I saw today when I met a Student Social Worker completing her final placement within a School. But it could have been a Prison, Children Centre, Family Centre, Youth Centre, Drug and Alcohol Centre, or other Voluntary settings. That is without the statutory settings or even independent Social Workers who have their own exciting roles.
But what happens when you stop enjoying Social Work? What happens when you stop noticing the work that you do. When the issues become bigger than you can imagine and they start coming home with you. Sadly this can happen more often than not, poor Supervision, and a blame culture that does not promote a positive environment to work in.
The idea of a protected case load ensures that this does not happen to newly Qualified Social Workers who may full prey to these feelings, and may who may not receive good feedback about the work they are doing.
However, this week my Manager has shared her recent experiences of these feelings. Oddly I am asked to look over her CV as she wants to send it out looking for new work. “I want you to apply for my post when I leave” she informs me. “I can not carry on working here like this” she tells me “I need to find one more challenge or retire!”
However, as nice as her comments are, doubts are placed in my mind and if this is what I want to do. Do I want to work in an organisation where after a few years I may find myself in the same position. Everyday, the pressure is on. And rightly so, ensuring that the right plan is considered for each Young Person. The argument to fight for services and funding for services grows harder. With an expectation and reliance on using universal services that often do not meet the need of the young person.
The question is how long can you fight for the Young People and also for your own emotional well being. Can I be strong enough to develop the team and ensure that they also do not feel this pressure.
hownottodosocialwork 