Meet the Children in Care Team

Wondering what your next career move may be? We caught up with some of Kent County Council’s Children in Care team to find out what they love about their roles! 

Razia 

As an agency worker, I chose to become a permanent member of staff due to the huge opportunities when it comes to learning and development. I started my journey with KCC as a newly qualified social worker and along every step of my career, they have supported me to develop and progress through their active promotion of upskilling staff. You will be supported to develop your skills and knowledge. Managers and service managers recognise and promote this heavily and make sure staff are able to develop in their careers. This is something KCC does well, and more recently the progression to KR10 has been streamlined.  

I have also found the emotional support from managers and service managers invaluable. Supervision isn’t just about cases and work; I have the utmost gratitude to all managers and service managers I have worked with due to their invaluable compassion and empathy for me during times in my life when I have faced personal struggles. KCC promotes staff wellbeing and we have had the opportunity to engage with mindfulness workshops, meditation, and team day outs which all boost morale.  

Lisa 

I have worked within the Children In Care Team since the end of 2015, having taken a year off in between to have my son who is now 6. I originally started as a locum full time and then at the end of 2018, I returned to work three days a week which was a huge help given that I needed to still spend the majority of the week with my little boy. 

I stayed working as a locum part-time 4 days a week until January 2024. I am now a permanent Senior Practitioner having interviewed back in November 2023 for the position. I decided I wanted to make the change to become permanent having worked within the Local Authority for a number of years and having built really positive relationships with various teams and other professionals within Kent. I felt it was important for me to progress with my career to a senior post and have really enjoyed it so far.  

Jo 

I joined my current team with KCC in December 2014. The team and the service were very welcoming, and I immediately felt a sense of belonging. When I expressed a view of becoming permanent, the service supported me and informed me when a permanent position became available. I was fully supported during the interviewing process and then transition. 

I became a permanent KCC social worker in November 2015 and I have remained in the same team where I am very happy. Here, I have had ample opportunities to develop my skills - both those required for my post, as well as other skills that are of interest. I feel very supported by my manager, team, and service manager, who all ensure that my well-being needs are met as well. I feel that I am a valued and appreciated member of the service and I am proud to work for KCC.  

Beth 

Come join the KCC Children In Care team. Every day is rewarding and the teams are very supportive. No day is the same and the children you meet are very important. If you want to make a positive difference and be part of a brilliant team, then you should join the KCC Children In Care team.  

David 

I love coming to work every day, it’s such a close team and a family feel here. We have our own space and desk, and the walls are decorated with photos of the children we work with and all of their successes. I have a brilliant team manager who encourages me to stretch myself; she celebrates my successes and supports me when things are tough. We have loads of events - staff ones where we get together, but also celebrations with the children, Easter Egg hunts, Halloween, and Christmas parties.   

I feel the work I do supporting children in care is such important work and you have time to build relationships with them over a long period.  I have a manageable caseload and feel what I do makes a difference. I feel very happy and fulfilled.  

Nicole 

If I could start my newly qualified social work career again, would I still choose Children In Care? The answer is without doubt a yes from me! I am halfway through my ASYE and feel I have truly been welcomed in as part of the team by not only my manager and team but also within the whole service. I have found responsibility and decision-making in relation to my cases to have a fair balance of both support and independence, and I have been able to ensure time was prioritised for me to complete my ASYE portfolio.  

As a parent, I was worried about how I would manage both a busy professional life as well as home and family time, and whilst at times it can feel a stretch, KCC is both flexible and generous with annual leave and TOIL which enables me to maintain a good home and work-life balance. KCC are supportive of staff wellbeing which is both easy to access and encouraged to use by managers. I feel privileged every day to work with the young people and the families that I support.  

Want to find out more? We’re hosting a coffee morning where you can meet the team and you’re invited! 

Join us on 21st May from 10am – 12pm at South Kent Children In Care Service, West Church House, Godfrey Walk, Ashford, Kent, TN23 7XJ 

To RSVP, simply email qsw@connect2kent.co.uk – we look forward to seeing you there!