“Social work is a really worthwhile career and social workers are so needed. Anybody who wants to get into social work – I would definitely recommend it.”
Growing up through a difficult childhood, where education was not encouraged, Janeen’s career prospects were limited when she left school at 16.
“I didn’t have a great background in education,” Janeen says. “Attending education wasn’t a priority and this meant I missed out on lots of opportunities.”
Upon leaving school with one GCSE in art, Janeen attended Northwest Regional College, gaining catering qualifications, while working at a local hotel to support herself during her studies. Reflecting on why a career in catering appealed to her at the time, Janeen said, “I’m a nurturer, so I felt that cooking would be a great career for me. I loved cooking and baking – and still do – and the kitchen was my ‘go-to’ place.”
Pursing her professional dreams
Janeen excelled in her 33-year career of professional cooking, however, that inner voice continued to tell her that she there was something else out there for her. When she began working in a residential care home, she was exposed to social workers for the first time – and she thought the work they did was fantastic. This along with her daughter reaching university age, meant that Janeen’s ambitions to change career seemed possible.
“About six years ago, my daughter was beginning to think about university. At the same time I began to consider a career in social work, but I wasn’t sure.. there were barriers I could see holding me back… my own self-doubts were telling me I would not be good enough to be a social worker,” Janeen remembers.
Encouraged by her daughter, Janeen got a flyer for the an access course at North West Regional College in preparation for the Degree in Social Work and put it on the fridge. “It was scary taking the next step toward a Degree, but my family encouraged me to apply for the access course,” Janeen says.
Janeen studied the Level 3 Health and Welfare University Access Diploma, at North West Regional College, to as a educational pathway into social work. “The course covered microbiology, physiology, psychology, maths, and the teachers provided outstanding support,” Janeen reflects. “I hadn’t been in a classroom for a significant amount of time. I was terrified but at the same time so excited to start the course, and was thankful for the massive support network around me who encouraged and supported me.”
Not only did Janeen enjoy her re-introduction to formal education, she excelled and embraced all opportunities she was presented with, whilst still working part time in a residential care home as a cook. Her commitment and achievement were recognised when she was named as the recipient of the Lucia O’Kane Award for excellent commitment and achievement at her graduation, which she reflects on as one of the best days of her life.
Next stop was applying to train as a social worker. Janeen recounts her nerves at her university interview. “I was so nervous. I could not believe it when I got an unconditional offer.”
Now halfway through the Degree in Social Work at Ulster University’s Magee Campus, and having just finished her first placement, Janeen admits it’s been a rewarding challenge. “I must tell you, it’s a hard degree – but with the barriers I’ve flown over to get here, I feel it’s really meant to be,” she says.
Strengthening her practice through a challenging placement
Janeen reflects on the beginning of her first placement which was in a children’s residential home, feeling unsure, having been assigned to work with a child who had only recently arrived at the home.
“I was paired with a child who didn’t speak English who had just arrived. I was given the responsibility of undertaking their care plan and risk assessments. Looking back now, it was a phenomenal experience. I learn so much. Having never seen a care plan before, I had to learn how to work within this plan whilst also addressing the language barriers. It was important that he did not feel excluded.”
“Through using different language tools, printing materials out in advance, getting support from the Team Lead, I worked to build a trusted relationship. My Practice Teacher actually commented that they felt I’ve flourished in this placement, and on reflection, I realised how important this time really was for furthering my practice,” Janeen says.
There is no doubt Janeen made a significant impact. On completion of her placement, she was offered a role in the same facility as a Residential Support Worker to support young people’s daily needs, turning the page from her long-term role as a cook to her first professional role in the social care sector.
A bright and rewarding future in social work is ahead
Having found her confidence in her first placement, Janeen is optimistic about her future career. While she first had ambitions to become a hospital-based social worker, she has realised that she excels in residential environments, working with children. She says, “I love the kids and the work suits me, with all their challenges and complexities. My kind and caring nature and my ability to work in a person-centred way have really shone through in this environment.”
Commenting on whether she would encourage others to consider social work as a future career Janeen cannot recommend it enough. “Social work is such a broad area; you can get into so many different sectors, from community and voluntary to justice or hospital-based, and if you are a person who likes to help and would like to make a change, I would definitely recommend social work. If you are coming to social work with transferrable life skills from a different background or life experience, you can instil some of these into your practice.”
Ready to make a change in your career?
You can find out more about the Degree in Social Work – both the undergraduate and relevant graduate routes – and how to apply for it here. You can also view our animation about the RGR degree here.
If you would like to discover more about the different pathways people have taken into studying the Degree in Social Work, visit our YouTube page for our playlist here.