Care Manager Review

I work in an integrated mental health team where I am the care manager for social care in the team which involves care act assessments, reviews, care and support planning, safeguarding nominated enquirer work, working collaboratively with health colleagues and supporting clients to access services and funding which includes commissioned packages of care, direct payments and signposting whether it be referrals, providing information, guidance and advice.

Having never studied at this level before and as a mature student, the apprenticeship has helped me with academic writing and research. The apprenticeship is supporting me to develop professionally across all areas of adult social care. It is giving me the time and space to learn the theological side of the job and the underpinning legislation, developing reflective practice and analytical skills. This is with a view of completing the apprenticeship to go on to the Social Work Degree Apprenticeship.

I thoroughly enjoy the programme; I look forward to the 1:1 sessions with my tutor that we have regularly and I value. The 20% of my working week is flexible for me to meet the requirements of the course in terms of completing my studying, being able to meet my work commitments and having the opportunity to shadow colleagues across the local authority to develop my understanding of different services across the council.

I think it is very well organised and structured. I know what to expect and what is expected of me. I particularly like the online platform ‘Bud’ that I am able to access at work and from home to be able to view the work that has been set as well as being able to view what work is yet to come so I am able to plan my time effectively and be organised.

I receive adequate support from my employer to be able to meet the requirements of the course. We discuss my apprenticeship at supervision as to how I’m getting on and I manage and organise my time around work commitments which appears to work well for my manager as they know when I’m unavailable from my outlook calendar as per the requirements of 20% of my working week being towards the course.

I have regular 1:1 sessions with my tutor, usually every 4-5 weeks where we meet online for my tutorial. This gives me the opportunity to understand the subject matter, ask any questions to enable me to go away and self study effectively. I am also able to contact my tutor in between sessions by phone and email should I need to.

I value the learning that I am undertaking and I am putting my learning into practice as I learn it which I believe is valuable to the team and clients. I cannot recommend apprenticeships enough as a way of developing in your career and being able to have a good work life balance.

We have recently had a well-being day which was really interesting and gave us an opportunity to bond on a more personal level as a team of people. We regularly have an evening out which is an around the world theme for restaurants. We are hoping to arrange other social activities over the summer. Across the local authority, they regularly advertise networking events.

Yes

I believe BCP Council are an exceptional employer. I am able to have a mixture of hybrid working, I work in a team that I enjoy being a part of, I value the work I do with clients and the outcomes I support them to achieve and how BCP are supporting me to do my apprenticeship with a view of me becoming a ‘home grown’ social worker in the future.

Take the time to understand the job role and how your experience and personal qualities meet the person specification. Think creatively, be committed, convey your passion for people and for your own journey in your professional development. Be confident in your abilities whilst being open to new learning opportunities. Above all, if it is what you aspire for, go for it and you won’t look back!