We’re incredibly proud to have received two nominations in this year’s Social Worker of the Year Awards. One of our nominees this year is Jodie, who has been nominated in the Adult Social Worker of the Year category. Jodie has shared her incredible experience with us, giving us a fantastic insight into the work she does and the positive change she is proud to be able to make in Essex:

What does being nominated for Adult Social Worker of the Year mean to you personally and professionally?

Being nominated for Adult Social Worker of the Year is both humbling and incredibly meaningful. Personally, it is a reminder of why I chose social work as a profession and of the privilege, when I have supported people during some of the most challenging periods of their lives.

Professionally, it reflects the relationships I have built with the adults I work alongside, as well as the commitment I have to promoting people’s rights, independence and wellbeing. While social work can be challenging, being recognised in this way reinforces the value of compassionate, person-centred practice and the positive difference social workers can make every day.

Can you share an achievement, piece of work or moment in your career that you feel reflects the impact recognised by this nomination?

It is difficult to choose just one example, as I have had the privilege of supporting many incredible adults throughout my career, each with their own strengths, challenges and achievements. However, one moment that has stayed with me involved supporting an adult who had experienced significant adversity and had lost confidence in their future.

Through building a trusting relationship, advocating on their behalf and helping them access the right support, I was able to work alongside them as they rebuilt their confidence and independence. What stayed with me most was when they told me that I had given them “inspiration back for a life, a career and a future”. Hearing the difference the support had made at the time was incredibly humbling, but what made it even more meaningful was when they later contacted our service to share that they were achieving the goals they had set for themselves and continuing to move forward positively.

For me, success is not just about services or interventions; it is about helping people recognise their strengths, regain confidence and believe in what is possible for their future. Seeing someone move from a place where they felt there was no way forward to achieving goals they once thought were out of reach is one of the most rewarding aspects of being a social worker, and a reminder of why I am so passionate about the work I do.

Are there any colleagues, teams, individuals or people with lived experience that you would like to acknowledge and thank for their support?

Absolutely. Social work is never a solo effort, and I have been fortunate to work alongside incredibly dedicated colleagues and partner agencies who continually support, challenge and inspire me. I would particularly like to thank my team at Changing Futures, my manager Yvo. I would particularly like to thank my Senior Social Worker, Leah, whose support, guidance and encouragement have been invaluable. She has provided a safe and supportive space where I have felt listened to, encouraged and held through some of the more challenging aspects of practice. Her belief in my potential and her generosity in sharing her knowledge have helped me develop confidence in myself and have played a significant role in my growth as a social worker.

Most importantly, I would like to thank the adults I have worked with. Their resilience, honesty and willingness to share their experiences have taught me so much and have shaped the practitioner I am today. It is a privilege to learn from the people we support, and I am grateful for the trust they placed in me.

“I have been fortunate to work alongside incredibly dedicated colleagues and partner agencies who continually support, challenge and inspire me.”

Jodie

What advice would you give to someone considering a career in adult social work?

I would say that adult social work can be challenging, but an incredibly rewarding career, where no day is ever the same! At its heart, it is about building relationships, listening to people and supporting them to achieve the outcomes that matter most to them.

My advice would be to stay curious, be compassionate and never underestimate the impact that a single conversation can have on someone’s life. You will not always have all the answers, but if you approach people with empathy, respect and a genuine desire to help, you can make a real difference. Every day brings new challenges and learning opportunities, which makes it an incredibly fulfilling profession.

Join a team where you can make a difference – a rewarding career in Adult Social Care awaits: Apply now on our careers site.

Learn more about the Social Worker of the Year Awards on their website.