'A bright future' for Portsmouth social worker shortlisted in national awards scheme
A social worker in Portsmouth has been recognised for their achievements at a national awards scheme for the profession.
Emma Cove, a social worker in the family support and safeguarding team at Portsmouth City Council has been shortlisted in the newly qualified social worker of the year category for her kind and compassionate practice.
Emma started at the council during her final year at university while on placement. After graduating, she joined the service working in a parent and baby setting. In this role, she grew in confidence and gained a comprehensive understanding of child development.
In her nomination, colleagues highlighted how Emma always considers the needs of individuals and adapts her work to ensure families have the best chances of success.
Emma Cove has been shortlisted for newly qualified social worker of the yearCouncillor Suzy Horton, Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education at Portsmouth City Council said:
"I would like to congratulate Emma for being shortlisted in the Social Worker of the Year Awards. Emma's story is inspirational, joining us while on placement at university and then becoming a permanent member of the team upon graduation.
"It is clear Emma's work is valued as she continues developing her skills and expertise. Becoming a social worker is a challenging yet rewarding job. Emma has taken it in her stride as she continues to support families within the city."
The Social Worker of the Year Awards is a national awards event for social work in England, attracting hundreds of entries every year.
The finalists were chosen by a panel of independent judges including previous award winners, social workers, industry leaders and people with lived experience of social work.
Left to right Emma Cove and Alice Lee
Emma Cove, social worker at Portsmouth City Council said:
"It's such a wonderful feeling to be recognised for your work. While I'm only at the start of my social work career, every day is different. I have gained so much experience and confidence, thanks to my supportive team and managers.
"This award is recognition for all our efforts as we are never alone when supporting families. I would like to say a massive thank you to everyone who put me forward for this award and for saying such lovely things about me."
All those who have been shortlisted are being recognised for their extraordinary practice and will find out if they have won the award in their category at a special event this November in London.
Alice Lee, team leader and Emma's line manager said:
"Emma is a dedicated and motivated team member who has a real can-do attitude. This is evident in her desire to develop her skills and the support she offers other social workers.
"She has such a bright future ahead of her. I would like to thank Emma for all she does and the meaningful support she provides families."
Sam Bushby, deputy director for children's services said:
"This is such lovely recognition of Emma's practice and so well deserved. We are incredibly proud of Emma and her work with children and families. We will be rooting for her in November at the awards ceremony."
The Social Worker of the Year Awards have 18 categories across both children’s and adult services including two new categories for 2024; the Technology Enabled Lives and Practice Award and Practitioner-Led Research Award.
Join Emma's team who are #ProudToBePortsmouth
If you feel inspired by Emma's story and are looking at your next steps in children's social care, join the team who are #ProudToBePortsmouth. We are looking for qualified and experienced social workers to join the family support and safeguarding team.
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Team leader - Family Support and Safeguarding (Central Locality)
The service
Children's Social Care provides social work interventions to children in need; this includes those children subject to child in need or protection plans and children looked after, and the service also supports care leavers and children with disabilities. We offer a range of options for children who need placements outside their families, including fostering and residential care alongside adoption, special guardianship and kinship arrangements.
The role
You will join a team of team leaders based in the Family Support and Safeguarding Central 1 Locality, supporting social workers at ASYE, main and higher grade level. You will supervise a team of social workers supporting vulnerable children open to the department, subject to child in need or protection plans and looked after children.
You will ensure all team requirements are met regarding staff development, performance management, compliance with statutory guidance and local policies and procedures, quality assurance and budget management. You will embed a restorative approach to practice and drive forward our improvement goals.
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Social worker and experienced social worker - Family Support and Safeguarding teams
We have exciting opportunities for qualified social workers to join our Children and Families Directorate, in one of our Family Support and Safeguarding teams (FSS) based in Portsmouth City Council. We have been recognised by Ofsted as a "Good" Local Authority with "Outstanding" for our Family Safeguarding and Support teams.
The successful candidate will have an opportunity to be based within one of our Family Support and Safeguarding teams. Within this team you will be working to provide support under children in need or in need of protection where necessary, or when children have come into the care of children's social care. You may be involved in working families under Public Law Outline (PLO) or within care proceedings. All of this will be undertaken with the support of your manager.
You will be supported in your practice by your service and team leaders, your peers and our Stronger Futures Academy. You will be offered restorative practice and motivational interviewing training in your first year of employment and we have a comprehensive continuing professional development pathway to meet the standards of Social Work England.
Join Team Portsmouth
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