How Does the Social Work‪?‬ Yohai Hakak

Student Social Worker – A Male Perspective & Experiences on Placement

It is undeniable that men hold significant sway over the children they are responsible for, making a substantial impact on their development and well-being. Today, we are here to delve into the topic of men's involvement in the field of social work, specifically focusing on the
experiences of male student social workers during their placements. To kickstart our discussion, we have the privilege of hearing from Aleski, who will shed light on the inspiration behind his publication, aptly titled 'Preparing for First Social Work Placement'.

 

D. Aleski Brandy-Williams is an experienced social work practitioner, guest lecturer, Youth Advocate and author of two books titled ‘My journey to becoming a Black Male Social Worker’ and ‘Preparing for First Social Work
Placement’.

 

There is more about Aleski Brandy-Williams https://brandy-williams.co.uk/home

In this episode, we focus on all things relating to the
practicalities of being on a placement. Touching on home visits, the timing of visits, safety, and risk assessments, as well as writing comprehensive case notes, timekeeping, management of tasks and working with multi-agencies.

 

Our hosts, Colleen Simon and Tienga Ngale are joined by Sophia Onuh and Michelle Boreland.

Sophia Onuh is an experienced SW & Lecturer in Social
Work @ Yeovil College University Centre, and

Michelle Boreland is an experienced SW, MASH DTM &
Practice Educator.











Aleski Brandy-Williams’ book on “Preparing for First
Social Work Placement” as an introductory guide for aspiring social workers
in the children and young people service was featured. The book can be found
here: https://brandy-williams.co.uk/shop/ols/products/preparing-for-first-social-work-placement

In this episode, Colleen and Tienga are joined by Jenni Guthrie, the person behind the Autistic Social Worker website, to discuss how we apply theories, models, approaches and laws taught in class on placement. What does competence in this domain look like? Can we identify role models to emulate? Join us to discuss these issues and more. 

Jenni Guthrie -
Autistic/ADHD social worker, writer, researcher and speaker currently working as a Principle Curriculum Lead on a social work Master's programme. Jenni is
also the host of www.autisticsocialworker.co.uk

In this episode, we explore the topic of communications on
placement. Effective communication is the heart of social work practice but it is far from simple. How do we do it? How may you experience it on placement? Where might the potential difficulties and what can we do to overcome them?

Join our hosts, Colleen Simon and Tienga Ngale, and their guests, Nana Yabbey-Hagan (Practice Educator & C&F SW Manager), and Rohima Begum (Apprentice programme Student SW), who will grapple with these questions.

In this episode, we look at race and explore the experience of race and racism in social work placement.

Thinking about Cultural Competence and the experience of working with those you share the same culture with: could familiarity help in relationship building or could it be an obstacle?

Our guests are:

Shantel Thomas is an experienced SW practitioner, Clinical Professional & Course Lead @ Tavistock & Portman NHS Foundation, and founder of the Anti-Racist Movement (A.R.M.)

Thedini Liyanage is a 2nd year MSc social work student from Brunel University.

Chito Okeke is a 1st year MSc social work student at Brunel University.

An interesting read from an article in the Community Care Newsletter suggests that ‘one in 10 social workers encountered racism from workmates at least five times, while almost 20% reported having increased anxiety as a result of their experiences, finds a poll of almost 2,000 practitioners.’ https://www.communitycare.co.uk/2022/03/18/one-third-of-social-workers-faced-racism-from-colleagues-or-managers-in-past-year-finds-survey/

In this episode, we focus on the student social worker and what they may need to make the most of their social work placement. Thinking about factors such as first impressions, values, behaviours, professional boundaries, commitment, dress code, managing expectations in terms of equipment and learning, preparedness, understanding of PCFs, Social Work England Standards and much more.

Our hosts Tienga Ngale and Colleen Simon will be joined by two wonderful social workers:

Maria Fashakin who is a Liaison and Diversion Practitioner/Mental Health Social Worker/AMHP/DV Ambassador and Harpal Sokhi who is a Newly Qualified Social Worker.