Care Manager Review

I’m a care manager for the local authority working in an integrated community mental health team. My role mainly consists of care care act assessments, S117 assessments and care and support planning, I work in partnership with health colleagues and our social worker to meet outcomes for people which can include safeguarding and mitigating risks as well as duty work.

I have learned and developed a number of skills around assessment, service processes to ensure due diligence, undertaken many training and shadowing opportunities across the local authority, developed critical thinking and reflective practice skills which are all supporting me through my apprenticeship and to meet future aspirations in social work.

I thoroughly enjoy the Level 4 Lead Practitioner in Adult Social Care apprenticeship programme. I have developed my written work with completing the assignments and reflective practice pieces, I value the feedback and 1:1 sessions I have with my tutor and enjoy putting into practice what I am learning to develop.

I feel the programme is very organised and structured. I meet with my tutor every 5-6 weeks online, my tutor ensures I understand the requirements of the work and gives me opportunity to ask questions, as it is organised I am able to plan my study around my work responsibilities which has supported me to keep on track with the programme.

I have regular supervision with my manager and have the support of peers, one of which has previously undertaken the course which is helpful to talk through aspects of the programme. The apprenticeship co-ordinaries will touch bases periodically to ensure I’m getting on well and has put me in touch with others that are undertaking the apprenticeship that started prior to me.

I have supported of my tutor who I meet with every 5-6 weeks online and I am able to contact them in between sessions via email or telephone as needed. I feel adequately supported by the training provider and am able to express any concerns I may have and be supported to resolve them.

I believe the programme has provided a unique opportunity as an apprenticeship to balance study and putting what I’ve learned into practice which works really well for me as a mature student. It has given me an opportunity to have a space to learn and reflect on the work I do which is developing me in my role by learning new skills and developing on existing ones.

There are numerous extra curricular activities involved through work including professional networking events. Within the team, we organise regular social meet ups which is supportive of strengthening relationships with colleagues. We have planned a Christmas get together for this year and we are working on having more social events in the bcp side with colleagues.

Yes

BCP council have provided me with the opportunity of undertaking the apprenticeship and they appear to be invested in growing their own social workers which is important to me as my future aspiration is to undertake the social work degree apprenticeship following successful completion of my current programme. I’d recommend them as an employer who values their workforce.

I would advise to be aware of what the job descriptions consists of and the requirements in the person specification. I’d advise to take time to write a comprehensive yet concise statement to capture how you meet the criteria and demonstrate what experience you have that support your application. I would also advise to be resilient and do not give up if you’re unsuccessful on the first application.