Hello,
I'm just looking for some advice really.
I've just started my first Social Work placement but I really don't feel like it's an appropriate placement for a Social Worker.
The team only work with adults for maximum 6 weeks and only around reablement issues, such as helping them wash, dress etc. The staff team is predominately support workers who provide the personal care.
The workers who do the initial assessments complete one visit where the assessment is done. They follow the paperwork, which asks questions about the tasks above (washing, dressing etc.) and then create goals around this that the support workers help with. After this visit, they often never see the person again, but will see them maximum twice if the service ends and they're available.
There is no case holding, staff don't organise their own diaries so will be told who they are seeing that day, and as I said that might be the only time they ever meet them.
There are no social workers on the team and the team don't really work with Social Care, unless they put in a referral for long term support and then it's just the referral.
I've come from a Social Work background, I'm used to case holding, completing assessments, reviews, chairing meetings with families and partner agencies etc. So this feels like a bit of step back in terms of experience. I also don't feel like this placement offers me the opportunity to apply anything that we've learnt? When I meet someone once, how can I apply theory as to why they're involved in Social Work? Especially because they are often involved for a very specific health, for example, an elderly person has had a fall. How can I build relationships and do case analysis? I'm really struggling.
I have raised my concerns but I feel as though the Uni things I'm being dramatic.
After reading other queries, I'm also scared about seeming like I'm causing a fuss and that this will cause the placement to breakdown and I'll fail.
I know I'm competent and I was so looking forward to my placement and I just feel like I've been absolutely set up to fail.