Career profile - Cleo

Cleo FairhurstHello, I’m Cleo

My role: Social Worker

Where I work: Adult Social Care - Wigan Locality - Wigan Council

What do I do in my role?

A typical day as an Adult Social Worker is to complete visits with residents across the borough to undertake Social Care Assessments and to manage safeguarding investigations to help keep vulnerable adults safe from risk of harm. We work alongside residents, families and other professionals daily.

What’s my career journey?

I started my journey at Wigan 11 years ago as a business administration apprentice, I then secured a role within the HR Team for a few years, this gave me the knowledge of different roles across the council and what other opportunities where available to me. I applied for a role as a Social Care Officer in the Adults Wigan Locality Team as this was more along the lines of how I wanted my career to progress and from here I completed a degree apprenticeship, and I am now a qualified Social Worker.

What’s the best thing about my job?

I meet people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds, most of which I would never meet without this role. I get to provide support to people who have no one else and can build relationships that are meaningful and important.

My top skills

  • Critical thinking
  • Resilience
  • Organisation skills.

Good personal qualities to have

  • Ability to communicate
  • Patience
  • Empathy.

What do I want to do next?

I will continue to develop my knowledge and will look to become a practice educator on top of my social work role.

My advice if you want to do what I do

My advice would be to take all development opportunities that are offered / available to grow and expand your knowledge and skills and give yourself the best possible experience to progress through your chosen career path.

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