The role of a support worker for our specialist scheme

Over the next week Pete Smart, Essex Specialist Scheme Support Worker, will be writing about the support he gives foster families and sharing his thoughts on a week in the life of a support worker.

First, I want to set the scene, so to speak, by explaining a bit about what specialist fostering in Essex is and the support we provide carers.

Ultimately, our specialist foster carers work with a vulnerable young person, and others involved with the teenager, to an agreed plan to help them reach their potential.

It is a challenging role and due to the demands of foster child -- well teenager -- they are solo placements. The young people have complex emotional and behavioural difficulties and my role, and the Supervising Social Worker’s, is almost like being a blanket and wrapping ourselves around the foster family to provide all the support they need for the placement to work.

I’ve also been involved in delivering the Fostering Changes course to our specialist foster carers. It allows them to explore concepts that can help improve relationships and manage more difficult relationships, something I have found thought-provoking both professionally and personally.
Potential foster carers often don’t understand or are unsure of the level of support we provide our carers and young people. This is why I wanted to take the time to share with you what a typical week in a support worker life looks like.

I started providing support work more than five years ago and have been working for St Christopher’s for three years. I decided to become a support worker because as a qualified youth worker I’m passionate about helping young people to achieve their potential and have successful adult lives. It’s a privilege to watch a young person grow and achieve and I really enjoy being a part of that.

My role is one way that St Christopher’s support their foster carers and I would encourage you to also have a look at our website for information on the training and support we provide.
Come back tomorrow for info on Day One and Day Two of my week.