Clare Harris
East Kilbride,South Lanarkshire
Summary
Compassionate and dedicated Children and Families Social Worker with extensive experience supporting vulnerable individuals and families across social care, advocacy, healthcare, and one-to-one support roles. Skilled in safeguarding, risk assessment, and multi-agency collaboration, with a strong commitment to promoting the welfare and protection of children and at-risk groups. Proven ability to build trusting relationships, manage complex needs, and advocate effectively for service users. Seeking to transition into a specialist safeguarding role to further protect and empower vulnerable populations.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
29
29
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Social Worker
South Lanarkshire Council
Cambuslang, South Lanarkshire
2022.05 - Current
- Respond calmly and appropriately to sensitive, potentially distressing information, such as disclosure of physical and/or sexual abuse/violence, domestic abuse/violence, neglect
- Respond to information shared in line with policy and legislation, while ensuring sensitivity and confidentiality
- Assessed need and risk for appropriate referrals to specialist services.
- Advised families on available resources and services, enabling informed decision-making regarding care/support options.
- Developed strategic partnerships within the local community, enhancing service provision opportunities for children and their families.
- Manage a caseload of children and families with complex needs, ensuring their safety and wellbeing.
- Conduct safeguarding assessments, identifying risks and implementing appropriate interventions, and accessing support services for vulnerable children and their families.
- Work collaboratively with multi-agency professionals including schools, healthcare providers, police, advocacy services.
- Develop and review care plans in line with statutory requirements and best practice.
- Provide direct support to children and families, promoting positive outcomes and resilience.
- Maintain accurate, up-to-date case records and produce high-quality reports for children's hearings, case conferences and reviews.
- Completing parenting capacity assessments for parents/carers affected by poor mental health, addiction, learning disabilities, trauma experiences, including sexual/domestic violence/abuse, childhood trauma, neglect.
- Registered with Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC).
- Member of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme.
Advocacy Worker
Speak Out Advocacy Project
Hamilton, South Lanarkshire
2019.10 - 2021.08
- Delivered advocacy support to vulnerable individuals, ensuring their voices were heard in decision-making processes.
- Supported clients in navigating social care, legal, and housing systems.
- Identified safeguarding concerns and escalated appropriately in line with policy.
- Empowered service users to understand their rights and make informed choices.
- Worked with diverse populations, including those experiencing mental health challenges, disability, or domestic abuse.
Personal Assistant
Employed by service user
East Kilbride, South Lanarkshire
2019.04 - 2019.09
- Provided one-to-one tailored support to a young person with autism, promoting independence, safety, and social inclusion.
- Supported emotional regulation, communication, and daily routines in line with individual care needs.
- Identified and responded to safeguarding concerns, maintaining a safe and structured environment.
- Worked closely with family members and professionals to ensure consistent, person-centred support.
- Facilitated access to community activities, supporting confidence and social development.
- Applied knowledge of neurodiversity and behavioural strategies to manage challenges effectively.
Home support worker
Real Care Agency
East Kilbride, South Lanarkshire
2019.01 - 2019.04
- Provided direct personal care and support to vulnerable and elderly groups.
- Assisted with safeguarding procedures, reporting concerns and supporting investigations.
- Built strong, trusting relationships with service users to promote engagement and wellbeing.
- Supported individuals in daily living activities while promoting independence and dignity.
Medical Receptionist
Dr Dunn & Partners
Glasgow, Glasgow
2010.06 - 2018.12
- Acted as first point of contact for patients, managing high volumes of calls and face-to-face enquiries in a busy GP setting.
- Handled sensitive and confidential patient information in line with GDPR and NHS guidelines.
- Identified and escalated safeguarding concerns to clinical staff in accordance with practice policies.
- Coordinated appointments, referrals, and communications between patients and healthcare professionals.
- Supported vulnerable patients, including those experiencing mental health challenges or crisis.
- Maintained accurate patient records using clinical systems (e.g. EMIS/Docman)
Education
A-Levels - various
St Andrew's High School
East KilbridePost-graduate Diploma - Social Work
Glasgow Caledonian University
Glasgow 2020.09 - 2022.04
Master of Arts - Sociology
University of Aberdeen
Aberdeen 2006.09 - 2011.06
A-Levels - Drama, English, Spanish, Hospitality, French, Geography
St Andrew's High School
East Kilbride 2001.05 - 2022.06
Higher National Diploma - Social Sciences
Central College of Commerce
Glasgow 2004.09 - 2006.06
Skills
- Safeguarding & Child Protection
- Knowledge of Adult Support and Protection
- Risk Assessment & Management
- Advocacy & Representation
- Multi-Agency Working (health, education, police, legal, housing)
- Case Management & Report Writing
- Supporting Children and Adults with Additional Support Needs and Mental Health
- Crisis Intervention
- Knowledge of Safeguarding Legislation in Scotland
- Communication & Relationship Building
- Confidentiality & Ethical Practice
References
References available upon request.
Continuing Professional Development
As part of my social work training, I completed a short-term placement in the Adults and Older People's Team in a busy local office within South Lanarkshire Council. I supported vulnerable adults and the elderly in the local community and shadowed referrals relating to adult support and protection, mental health and addiction.
Throughout my time in the adults and older people's team, as well as my role in advocacy services and social work, I have developed an awareness and thorough understanding of the following legislation:
- Equality (Scotland) Act 2010
- Mental Health (Scotland) Act 2015
- Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000
- Data Protection Act (2018) - GDPR
- Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007
- Children (Scotland) Act 1995
- Children & Young People (Scotland) Act 2014
- Children's Hearings (Scotland) Act 2011
As part of my continuous professional learning, I have undertaken training in the following:
- Child Protection
- Child Protection and Disability
- Safe & Together (Domestic Abuse/Violence)
- Permanence Planning
- Responding to Neglect
- National Risk Assessment Framework
In addition, I have undertaken various learn online course via South Lanarkshire Council, Webinars, and accessed online materials for further understanding and awareness of adult mental health, infant mental health, GDPR, equality, diversity and inclusion, trauma-informed practice, anti-discriminatory practice.
Timeline
Social Worker
South Lanarkshire Council
2022.05 - Current
Post-graduate Diploma - Social Work
Glasgow Caledonian University
2020.09 - 2022.04
Advocacy Worker
Speak Out Advocacy Project
2019.10 - 2021.08
Personal Assistant
Employed by service user
2019.04 - 2019.09
Home support worker
Real Care Agency
2019.01 - 2019.04
Medical Receptionist
Dr Dunn & Partners
2010.06 - 2018.12
Master of Arts - Sociology
University of Aberdeen
2006.09 - 2011.06
Higher National Diploma - Social Sciences
Central College of Commerce
2004.09 - 2006.06
A-Levels - Drama, English, Spanish, Hospitality, French, Geography
St Andrew's High School
2001.05 - 2022.06
A-Levels - various
St Andrew's High School