A #DayInTheLife of an Adult's Care Social Worker

Hey Hayley, tell us a little bit about yourself!

My name is Hayley Scown, I’m 55 and I work as an experienced Social Worker in the WEST Ongoing Support Team to provide the core social work tasks of assessment of needs, care and support planning and safeguarding.

When I’m not working, I spend time with my family and enjoy reading, cycling and walking. I am an avid rugby supporter and can be found cheering on Bath and England at home and away games. I love going on rugby tours and meeting new people.

I also enjoy the atmosphere at ice hockey matches and attend as many games as I can!

How long have you been in your role?

I qualified as a Social Worker in 2014 and have now worked in Wiltshire for three and a half years, initially as a newly qualified social worker and have now progressed to a level 3, experienced Social Worker.

What’s the best thing about being a Social Worker?

There are many great things about being a Social Worker, but for me, the best thing is the diversity of my chosen career and the challenges that this brings to the role. Every day is completely different: I can be involved in completing Care Act Assessments with customers and families or working alongside our Customer Coordinators to support them, particularly where the situation is complex. Other days I can be completing Mental Capacity assessments or working as an Investigating Officer in safeguarding. There are always new challenges and I am certainly kept on my toes.

What would you say to someone who is thinking of applying for a role at Wiltshire Council?

I moved to Wiltshire from a different part of the country and have never looked back. I have worked in several Local Authorities and Wiltshire Council is by far the best. They offer flexible working on several bases throughout the county and there is a lot of focus on being properly equipped for the job, in terms of confidence and skills which support our progression. There is lots of training available for social workers, as well as other opportunities for our professional development.

We know that these are difficult times in social care, but we always feel supported and listened to in Wiltshire. We are a very close working team and always feel supported by our peers and managers. There is a lot of focus on supervision and I always know that I can speak to my supervisor at any time to get advice and support. Wiltshire Council is a great place to work!

Check what a #DayInTheLife of Hayley is really like!