Chloe - Social Work

1. Hey Chloe, tell us a little bit about yourself!

Hey my name is Chloe Saunders, I am 27 years old and a Supervising Social Worker in the Kinship and Fostering Team. In my spare time I love to bake and do CrossFit.

2. How long have you been in your role and what were you doing before?

I have been in my current role 5 months and before this I was a social worker in the Support and Safeguarding team for 3.5 years.

3. Why did you choose to become a Social Worker?

I was initially inspired to become a social worker by my parents Supervision social worker. As my parents where Foster carers, my family home was often visited by different social workers each month and I always felt included on these visits. This experience must have had an impact, as my twin sister is also a social worker. Social work felt like clear path for me as I always wanted to work with people.

4. What is the best part about your job/being a Social Worker?

The best part about being a social worker, is working with a number of people that all come with their own life stories and experiences.

5. How have you found working through the COVID-19 pandemic?

Working through the Covid-19 Pandemic was initially difficult. But with the support I received from my colleges and managers this allowed to me adapt my working style to cope with the changes that had been made.

6. Has the pandemic affected the way in which you deliver your role? If so, how?

The pandemic has allowed me to be more flexible with my work, allowing for a blend or virtual and direct meetings. This has enabled me as a professional to attend more meetings virtual meaning an increase in support provided.

7. How have you adapted to the new way of working?

I personally feel that working from home and social distancing now feels like everyday norm. I do like the advantage of being able to attend more meetings virtually, but this no where near a good as having a catch up with college in the kitchen in the office.

8. Lastly, what would you say to someone looking to join the Families and Children's service at Wiltshire Council?

Wiltshire council is a great place to work, I enjoy the wide arrange of training that is available, to support me in my job role.