Hull social workers share their stories as part of Social Work Week

Hull City Council is celebrating Social Work Week 2022, with stories from the people working in Children’s and Adults Social Work.

Claire Rutherford, principal social worker in Hull said: “Social Work Week is a chance to shine a light on the profession, the diversity of roles within social work and the life-changing impact the work has on children and families.

“It’s a chance for people to reflect on the role of social workers and consider the profession for themselves. In Hull, we are developing a Social Work Academy to attract social workers, create a stable and highly skilled workforce and create the conditions for excellent social work to flourish.”

Principal social worker Claire Rutherford talks about children’s social work in Hull –

Councillor Shane McMurray, portfolio holder for children’s services said: “Social workers work to make sure families can function better, and they do all they can to help children to thrive and lead fulfilled lives. If helping children and families appeals to you then a career in social work may be for you.”

Gemma Laister, principal social worker for adults, said: “Care workers and support workers are also an essential and valued part of the adult social care workforce. It is a very rewarding and fulfilling job, providing a real sense of achievement that’s difficult to experience elsewhere and they make a difference to people’s lives. The pandemic in particular has highlighted to many people how important a role carers play in a person’s life.

“There are many rewarding jobs in the adult social care sector and the Proud to Care Hull website is the place to find these opportunities. The website is a one-stop-shop for job vacancies, events and advice for people interested in working in the wider adult social care sector.”

To view some of the rewarding opportunities in social care, visit the Proud to Care website.

Gemma Laister is the principal social worker for adult social care. She talks about celebrating and raising the profile of the profession –

Councillor Gwen Lunn, portfolio holder for adult social care said: “Social Work Week is a great opportunity for us to highlight the unique and vital work of care workers. The council is committed to recruiting more carers to a workforce that has bravely cared for some of our most vulnerable during the pandemic.

“I am proud of Hull’s care staff and this campaign gives us a chance to shine a spotlight on some remarkable people and the work that they do to serve some of the most vulnerable adults in our city.”

Each day this week there will be the stories from people who work in different areas of social work in Hull.

The first story is from Maxine Maddra – Hull City Council’s longest serving children’s social worker.

Here’s Maxine’s story: “I started as a newly qualified social worker in 1992 as part of the Sutton Park Neighbourhood Team. I then worked on various Bransholme teams for around twelve years.

“Then I did some sessional work for the Emergency Duty Team and when a job came up there I moved over in 2001.

“I love my job, I love the variety and that you never know what each day will bring. I’ve stayed in Hull, and working for the council, because I honestly don’t think I could find anything more interesting that I would want to do!

“I think the biggest change over my social work career has been the introduction of the mobile phone which has transformed the way we work. It means we can be more responsive, everyone has access to support and help and we can get answers much more quickly.

“The thing that has stayed the same for me is the workforce – it has always felt in Hull like a lot of good work is being done.”

Find the list of Social Work jobs available with Hull City Council here.

Hear from our Children’s social workers about their experiences of living and working in Hull –