By Sally Gillen
Student and newly-qualified social workers should see the conduct case involving Ruth Hughes as something of a cautionary tale about the importance of speaking up and asking for advice when they feel out of their depth.
Witnesses giving evidence in the case against Hughes, who was dismissed by Nottinghamshire county council in March 2006 following a catalogue of mistakes, spoke of her inability to apply what she had learned in her training to her job as a social worker. She was repeatedly described as lacking confidence in the role and being happy to let others take the lead in her cases.
One of her managers said she had not voiced concerns that she didn't understand what she needed to do in relation to one case, even though it would have been perfectly acceptable for her to have done so because she was newly-qualified.
It is easy to see how a newly-qualified social worker may feel overwhelmed by the transition from college to what is likely to be a busy, hectic department, particularly if they feel their practice placements have been poor. What this case shows, though, is how important it is to ask for help if something is unclear, rather than trying to muddle through alone.
Nevertheless, it became clear throughout the hearing that Ruth Hughes was not a typical newly-qualified social worker. Her reaction to being told she would need to take a turn on the duty rota was "I think that's a bit much" and some of the poor decisions she made appeared not to be connected to her inexperience but simply indicative of her lack of suitability to the job.
Her managers put in place extra support, including additional training and weekly supervision, but in the end they felt she lacked the basic skills to be a social worker. Her case shows that managers are often sympathetic to the needs of those new to the job and they will help. But they need to be met halfway. If new staff feel they are struggling to cope and need advice, they must ask for it.
http://www.communitycare.co.uk/carespace/forums/prepared-for-direct-work-with-children-and-1986.aspx
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