Advanced Social Work Practitioner Review

Managing a complex case load and supporting the team manager with the running of the team, providing advice and guidance, authorising assessments, chairing meetings. Undertaking assessments, commissioning services, reviewing cases. Managing waiting lists and prioritising cases on duty. Supporting students and newly qualified workers on the team. Supporting the management of assessment units.

Yes, I feel I have developed more awareness and understanding of leadership styles, the benefits of incorporating different styles and the how to adopt them in practice. I have learnt new skills in relation to thinking strategically, planning projects and models that support development. I have also developed skills around policy analysis.

I enjoy the variety of the modules / learning experience and feel that it has supported me to develop management skills and think more strategically. I have found all the teaching staff supportive and approachable and it has been good to meet people from so many different professional backgrounds to share experiences with.

I feel the structure has been a little hit and miss, there have been times when there seems to be lots of academic work due in and not much time between a new module starting. Given the length of the programme it is difficult to space it out so this may account for this. There have been times when sessions could have been planned better

I feel I have not been given the required support from my employer, I have struggled to take the 20% time and do not feel my employer has shown much interest or invested in my learning. I appreciate that this is difficult due to other pressures and priorities on the team

I have found all the staff at the university to be supportive, they are approachable and often incorporate additional workshops to support with assignments and make themselves available for email or telephone discussions if needed. I have also found the learning support tutors supportive in the reviews that have taken place.

I feel it has developed my skills and has also increased my confidence to think about progressing into a higher role. I have found the learning has been incorporated into my day to day practice and it has supported me in my current role to take more responsibility and be more aware of my leadership skills

I imagine that there are but I do not feel they are well advertised, I think most of the activities are focused on staff that are based in the hospital and staff who are community based are not as aware of what is taking place. Many activities also take place on the hospital site

Yes

It is a good organisation to work for, is leading the way in integrated working, there are opportunities for development and progression. It is a respected organisational nationally and there are many experienced colleagues to learn from. There are also opportunities to become part of a changing organisation with the ICO

To have a good knowledge of the organisation, be aware of the trust values and the Salford area, neighbourhood working is a focus so it is beneficial to be aware of the different neighbourhoods that make up Salford. Reach out and speak to current employees to find out about their experiences