April 11, 2014

Finding Future Talent

Deciding if someone has what it takes to become a social worker can be tricky for even the most seasoned interviewers, but in their most recent batch of interviews for the BA and MA social worker course, staff in the Social work, Care and Justice department Hope University have had the unique insight of carers as well as current and ex service users to help them make their decision.

The participants work with lecturers, social care professional and academics to design the questions for interview, assess presentation and interview performance. Members of the group Fran and Sharon say: “our involvement is all about mending the gap between parents and professionals, and helping to two understand each other more”

Participants in the scheme have often used services throughout their lives and, having worked with numerous social workers along the way, they know exactly what to look for. Frances, who been through the care system herself has a very clear idea about what qualities will make someone a great social worker. ‘The good ones are those who are willing to learn and listen, and let others talk rather than always dominating the discussion. They need to not be scared to talk about their personal experience too, so that’s something I like seeing during the interviews.’

In May, participants attended a two day conference in Durham, where the focus was on the Mental Health Charter. Attendees who had experienced mental health care presented their stories and experience, and worked with professionals and academics to workshop innovations and solutions. For participant June, the trip was incredibly rewarding ‘Durham was a marvellous experience. I didn’t get my 11 plus or anything so it’s nice to work alongside all these professors. Now I feel like I’m giving something back’

After sitting in on interviews and contributing to the feedback Sharon, who went through care proceedings while suffering from Post natal depression, now feels confident enough to lead the interview: ‘It’s something I wouldn’t have been able to do a few years ago. I’m quite shy but this has really brought me out of myself.’

This remarkable group also help with the interview process for Academic staff in the department, and team leader Rose Dereveux hopes that the scheme will continue to grow ‘It’s quite unique really, and the group have become an integral part of Hope and PSS. They’re helping to challenge preconceptions about service users and carers and they’re giving us an insight we really couldn’t get anywhere else.’