The Social Work Pivot – Details, episodes & analysis

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I had a great time talking with Pilar Cubelos in this episode! Pilar is a qualified social worker who entered the profession after a successful career in stone masonry. After gaining experience in statutory child and family social work, she pivoted into independent practice during the COVID pandemic. What's truly remarkable about Pilar's journey is how she embraced her strengths to carve out a niche working with Spanish-speaking families and developed a unique social work career that spans multiple countries while living in Spain. 

I especially admire how Pilar has taken ownership of her learning and development right from the start, confidently recognising her strengths. If you're curious about independent social work or considering working overseas, this episode is a must-listen!

Sign up for our newsletter Beyond the Caseload for more success stories, insights and resources to guide and inspire you in your career pivot: www.thesocialworkpivot.com

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Welcome to the next episode of The Social Work Pivot! In this episode, we explore the concept of career pivots, specifically tailored for experienced child and family social workers looking to make a strategic career change. Whether you’re contemplating a move up the professional ladder or considering stepping away from statutory social work altogether, this episode is your essential guide to understanding and planning your career pivot.

Sign up for our newsletter Beyond the Caseload for more success stories, insights and resources to guide and inspire you in your career pivot: www.thesocialworkpivot.com

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Welcome to the inaugural episode of The Social Work Pivot! In this episode, we explore the concept of career pivots, specifically tailored for experienced child and family social workers looking to make a strategic career change. Whether you’re contemplating a move up the professional ladder or considering stepping away from statutory social work altogether, this episode is your essential guide to understanding and planning your career pivot.

Introduction:

Social workers are leaving the profession at an alarming rate. According to a recent survey by Social Work England, 65% of social workers exiting the register have been in the field for six years or more. These experienced professionals possess invaluable skills, knowledge, and experience—assets that are being lost due to high caseloads, poor pay, and limited career progression opportunities. If this resonates with you, rather than leaving the profession entirely, consider leveraging your skills in a new way through a career pivot.

Today’s episode is sponsored by The Pivot Society, a membership programme and community for social workers like you who want to move up or out of social work. As a member, you’ll have access to our Community Forum, where you can share ideas and get support from other like-minded social workers in a safe space. You’ll also have access to a video library with essential skills to help you make your pivot, such as improving your CV, finding a new role, becoming an independent social worker, and exploring the best side hustles—all available at your own pace. Plus, join our monthly live coaching calls for the opportunity to ask questions and hear success stories from other society members. Visit thesocialworkpivot.com to join the waitlist and lock in a special, one-off monthly rate.

Sign up for our newsletter Beyond the Caseload for more success stories, insights and resources to guide and inspire you in your career pivot: www.thesocialworkpivot.com

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Tune in to this trailer to find out everything you can expect from the podcast!

Sign up for our newsletter Beyond the Caseload for more success stories, insights and resources to guide and inspire you in your career pivot: www.thesocialworkpivot.com

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On this episode of The Social Work Pivot, I’m thrilled to welcome Laura Taylor, Independent Social Worker and Therapeutic Parenting Coach. With over 15 years of experience in child and family social work, much of Laura’s career has been dedicated to working with children in care and supporting foster carers. She is passionate about trauma-informed care and enhancing the practice of parents, carers, and professionals in both home and residential settings.

Laura recently transitioned from statutory social work into independent practice, and in this episode, she shares her inspiring journey. If you're considering a move toward independence, stay tuned as Laura offers practical advice and insights to help you make that leap!

Laura's links:
The National Association of Therapeutic Parents: https://www.naotp.com/who-we-are
Dyadic Therapeutic Psychotherapy: https://ddpnetwork.org/professionals/training/

To work with Laura:

Laura Taylor

Therapeutic Parenting Coach 

Practice Educator

Independent Social Worker

07766 952559

Facebook: Laura Taylor Therapeutic Parenting Coach

LinkedIn:  linkedin.com/in/laura-taylor-36193b91 

Sign up for our newsletter Beyond the Caseload for more success stories, insights and resources to guide and inspire you in your career pivot: www.thesocialworkpivot.com

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In this episode of The Social Work Pivot, I sit down with Karlene Ruddock, a qualified social worker who began her career in children’s services, working in safeguarding before transitioning to adults. She moved from permanent to locum work along the way and is now training to become an occupational therapist. Karlene’s story is one of determination and purpose. When she realised social work no longer aligned with her personal and professional goals, she made a plan to pivot and is now on a new path toward a fulfilling career in occupational therapy.

If you’re feeling stuck or dissatisfied with where you are in your career, Karlene’s journey will inspire you to take action. It’s about identifying what you want, creating a plan, and having the courage to follow through. Tune in for practical insights and motivation to help you make your own career change!

To follow Karlene, visit: linkedin.com/in/karlene-ruddock-7285a0291
If you are interested in a similar career transition into Occupational Therapy visit: https://chooseot.co.uk/routes-into-occupational-therapy/
The Royal College of Occupational Therapy www.rcot.co.uk 

Sign up for our newsletter Beyond the Caseload for more success stories, insights and resources to guide and inspire you in your career pivot: www.thesocialworkpivot.com

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In this episode of The Social Work Pivot Podcast, we welcome Priya, a seasoned social worker with extensive experience in child and family services across multiple countries. After moving with her family to Abu Dhabi, Priya returned recently to the UAE and has launched her own safeguarding company in the field. She takes us through the unique challenges of working in Abu Dhabi, sharing first-hand what it’s like to practise social work in a different cultural context. Priya also delves into her journey of shifting from an employee mindset to an entrepreneurial one, revealing the growth and resilience needed to turn her vision into reality. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on embracing change, overcoming challenges, and redefining social work in an entrepreneurial context.

Priya's website: www.pmcsafeguarding.com

Sign up for our newsletter Beyond the Caseload for more success stories, insights and resources to guide and inspire you in your career pivot: www.thesocialworkpivot.com

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In this solo episode of The Social Work Pivot Podcast, we explore how flexible working can be the key to unlocking your next career pivot. Whether you're looking to shift into a new area of social work, transition to independent practice, or explore roles outside of statutory services, embracing flexibility in your work life can provide the freedom and space to pursue your next steps.

We’ll dive into practical insights on how to make flexible working work for you, featuring inspiring stories from social workers who’ve successfully made career pivots. Learn how to navigate the challenges and opportunities that come with flexible work arrangements and discover how to use this approach to plan and execute a career change, all while maintaining balance in your current role.

If you're considering a career shift or simply curious about how flexible working can support your growth, this episode is packed with tips and advice to help you move forward. Tune in and take the next step in your social work journey!

Sign up for our newsletter Beyond the Caseload for more success stories, insights and resources to guide and inspire you in your career pivot: www.thesocialworkpivot.com

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On this episode of The Social Work Pivot, I’m joined by Connor Appleton, a UK-trained child and family social worker who made the bold move to permanently relocate to Australia in 2022. Connor shares his first-hand experience of the culture shock that came with living and working in a new country, as well as the unique challenges and opportunities he’s encountered practising social work in Australia.

Tune in to hear Connor’s reflections on the differences in social work systems, his tips for making relocating to Australia to practise social work, and the personal growth that comes with stepping outside of your comfort zone. If you're thinking about working abroad or curious about how social work varies in a different country, this episode is for you!

Connor Resources:

Work as a social worker in Australia:

• The recruitment agency Connor used to find job roles in Australia: https://berecruitment.com.au/
• Facebook groups/communities – ‘Social Workers Wanting Oz’ is a great one with lots of activity but, there are many.
• To explore different types of visas and costs - https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing - Note that Social Work is often on the Skilled Visa list (often reviewed)
• AASW (Australian Association of Social Workers/ equivalent to Social Work England) who assess your international qualifications for employment and migration purposes (via an online application)  - https://www.aasw.asn.au/education-employment/international-qualification-recognition/

Connor's recommendations to learn more about Australia's history:

• This is a good resource to learn about significant moments in Australia’s recent history, which continue to shape to way that we work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities – notably the stolen generation and the people’s apology. There are also links to further reading material, youtube videos etc. https://aiatsis.gov.au/explore/stolen-generations  
• This is a powerful documentary about the impact of the Voice referendum held in 2023, for aboriginal communities to have a voice in Parliament, aboriginal culture and how the communities differ across the country.  https://ourvoiceourheart.com.au/
• Information about delivering an Acknowledgement of Country, which is usually made before all meetings in the workspace. https://www.indigenous.gov.au/contact-us/welcome_acknowledgement-country

Sign up for our newsletter Beyond the Caseload for more success stories, insights and resources to guide and inspire you in your career pivot: www.thesocialworkpivot.com

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In this episode of The Social Work Pivot Podcast, we explore practical strategies to help social workers succeed in job interviews. If you're aiming for a role in statutory services, this episode covers the essentials to ensure you present your skills, communicate your experience, and emphasise your values confidently. Learn what to focus on in your preparation, how to handle common interview questions for social work roles, and ways to stand out by showcasing your unique insights and adaptability. With tips for social workers at every stage of their career, this episode will leave you feeling prepared, confident, and ready to make your next career pivot.

Resources & Further Reading:

- BASW's Careers and CPD Resources: https://www.basw.co.uk/professional-development – The British Association of Social Workers (BASW) offers a range of career development resources, including interview guidance, CPD opportunities, and tools to strengthen your professional profile.

Quick Tips Mentioned in the Episode:

- Research the organisation's values and prepare responses that show how your approach aligns with their mission.
- Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers to competency-based questions, providing clear and relevant examples.
- Prepare thoughtful questions for your interviewer that demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and an understanding of the organisation’s aims.

Tune in for tips to boost your interview confidence and help you step into your next role with ease!

Sign up for our newsletter Beyond the Caseload for more success stories, insights and resources to guide and inspire you in your career pivot: www.thesocialworkpivot.com