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Sarah, Social Worker with Denbighshire’s Hospital Social Work Team

I decided to branch into Social Worker after completing a degree in Psychology in the US, where I grew up. I had spent the third year of the 4-year course in Durham University, and it was there that I met my future husband. The decision to branch into Social Work was based on a combination of parental suggestion (my mother was a Social Worker) and  Social Work being a field which related well to my degree.

I moved to North Wales with my husband in September 2004, and first approached the neighbouring counties west of Denbighshire for Social Work posts. I came to realise that as I could not speak Welsh, I would have to look to a county which would be willing to give me the opportunity to learn Welsh on the job, and Denbighshire offered me that opportunity. I have so far had over 60 hours of Welsh lessons!

Denbighshire have been 100% supportive in terms of training. I have been allowed time away from my regular work to attend courses and take additional training, and last summer I gained my PQ1 qualification. I am about to start putting together a portfolio so that I can progress to become a Practice Teacher.

As a Social Worker in Ysbyty Glan Clwyd Hospital, I facilitate the Hospital Discharge Scheme, whereby support is provided for service users when they leave hospital care in terms of personal care, meal provision and cleaning. I work to eligibility criteria, which means that service users must have critical or substantial needs for care provision. I also provide support for homeless people, where a large input is required; these service users require an advocate to make appointments with Shelter and to help them complete applications for the Touchstone Project.  My other cases include complex mental health cases and assessments, and arranging service user placements.

Social Workers are facilitators and helpers; it is hugely satisfying to know that my input has enabled a service user to return home with support. I have found it very rewarding working within the hospital as there are so many varied learning opportunities available to Social Workers. No two days are ever the same here, and the work is certainly never boring!