DOUGLAS GRAY
Lesmahagow,Lanark
Summary
Experienced Social Work Manager known for driving impactful changes and improving team performance. Led diverse teams to enhance service delivery and client outcomes through innovative strategies and collaborative approaches. Achieved significant improvements in client satisfaction and operational efficiency, showcasing ability to foster supportive and productive work environment.
Seasoned professional with focus on social work management. Capable of driving positive change in diverse social work settings through keen understanding of welfare systems and commitment to service user empowerment. Brings unique skills in strategic planning, team leadership, and program development to ensure delivery of high-quality welfare services.
Caring and compassionate social care professional, committed to offering first-class, individualised support to service users. Skilled at adapting communication styles to build two-way conversation with clients. Designs comprehensive support packages to meet unique service user needs.
Dedicated and dependable individual with strengths in communication and emotional intelligence. Focused on using comprehensive education and training to build career foundation. Seeks out opportunities to gain deeper understanding and direct experience.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work history
Locality Social Work Manager
North Lanarkshire Council
Bellshill, Bellshill
01.2022 - Current
- Managed over 40 staff across several social work fields.
- Coordinated community outreach programmes to enhance awareness of available services.
- Assisted in conducting assessments to identify client needs and develop suitable plans.
- Collaborated with local agencies to ensure seamless service delivery for clients.
- Participated in training sessions to improve knowledge of best practices in social work.
- Engaged with stakeholders to collect feedback and enhance programme effectiveness.
- Coordinated multidisciplinary team meetings to optimise service delivery.
Senior Social Worker
North Lanarkshire Council
Bellshill, Bellshill
01.2018 - 02.2022
- Managed a small team of Social Workers. Assessed client needs and developed comprehensive care plans to address individual circumstances.
- Coordinated multidisciplinary team meetings to ensure effective communication and collaboration among stakeholders.
- Provided supervision and mentorship to junior social workers, fostering professional development and best practice implementation.
- Advocated for vulnerable individuals, ensuring access to essential services and resources within the community.
- Conducted thorough risk assessments to identify potential safeguarding concerns and implement necessary interventions.
- Facilitated support groups, encouraging peer engagement and sharing of experiences among participants.
- Documented case notes and progress reports, maintaining accurate and up-to-date client records in compliance with regulations.
- Collaborated with external agencies to enhance service delivery and improve outcomes for clients in need.
- Built strong relationships with local authorities for the betterment of service delivery.
- Promoted independent living for older adults through tailored support services.
- Delivered training workshops to junior staff members which enhanced team competency.
- Handled complex caseloads and achieved positive outcomes for clients.
- Collaborated with healthcare professionals, resulting in improved patient care.
- Coordinated multi-disciplinary team meetings, improving communication and collaboration amongst professionals.
- Advocated effectively on behalf of vulnerable individuals, ensuring their rights were upheld.
Social Worker
Glasgow City Council
Glasgow, Glasgow
11.2003 - 12.2017
- Developed and implemented comprehensive care plans tailored to individual client needs.
- Coordinated multidisciplinary team meetings to ensure effective service delivery and client support.
- Conducted assessments to identify client strengths and challenges, facilitating appropriate interventions.
- Provided counselling and emotional support to clients facing various social and personal issues.
- Advocated for client rights and access to resources within community services and organisations.
- Mentored junior staff members, promoting best practices in social work and professional development.
- Resolved conflicts and facilitated communication between clients and service providers to enhance outcomes.
- Maintained up-to-date case records for accurate documentation of progress or concerns.
- Designed individualised care plans that reflected each client's unique needs and preferences.
- Advised families on available resources and services, enabling informed decision-making regarding care options.
- Provided crisis intervention during high-stress situations, ensuring immediate support was delivered.
- Facilitated group therapy sessions, enhancing interpersonal skills amongst participants.
- Established trustful relationships with clients to facilitate open communication.
- Ensured child safety by conducting regular home visits and risk assessments.
- Improved service user well-being by providing emotional support and practical advice.
- Increased client independence with the development of personalised coping strategies.
- Assessed client needs for appropriate referral to specialist services.
- Conducted thorough assessments of client socio-economic status which helped tailor more effective aid interventions.
- Managed complex cases involving mental health and substance misuse issues, resulting in improved living conditions for service users.
- Delivered training workshops on social care topics to volunteer groups and other stakeholders.
Community Mental Health Staff Nurse
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde
Glasgow, Glasgow
08.2001 - 11.2003
- Delivered comprehensive nursing care for individuals facing mental health challenges.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop personalised treatment plans.
- Administered medications and monitored patients for side effects and behavioural changes.
- Conducted mental health assessments to identify patient needs and risks.
- Documented patient progress and maintained accurate health records.
- Assisted in crisis interventions to ensure safety and de-escalation of situations.
- Ensured adherence to nursing standards by maintaining up-to-date knowledge of nursing practices and ethics.
- Participated regularly in professional development activities to enhance nursing skills.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Social Work
The Open University
Glasgow 08/2012 - 05/2015
Bachelor of Science - Professional Development
Glasgow Caledonian University
Glasgow 03/2002 - 08/2003
Diploma of Higher Education - Nursing (Mental Health)
Glasgow Caledonian University
Glasgow 09/1998 - 07/2001
Practice Educator - Social Work
Learning Network
Glasgow, Glasgow City 06/2016 - 06/2017
Skills
- IT literate
- Empathy towards clients
- Public speaking confidence
- Influencing policy change
- Government regulations compliance
- Legislation compliance understanding
- Service development implementation
- Community outreach initiatives
- Professional ethics
- Financial budgeting and control
- Data analysis competency
- Client-Centred approach
- Boundary setting
- Decisive under pressure
- Effective advocacy methods
- Community outreach programming
- Case Management
- Financial management
- Trauma-informed care
- Multi-agency working
- Project leadership
- Performance evaluation
- Policy development
- Recruitment and hiring
- Evidence-Based Practice
- Child protection knowledge
- Crisis Intervention
- Programme planning
- Care coordination
- Service coordination
- Domestic violence awareness
- Staff supervision
- Self-awareness
- Digital literacy
- Staff recruitment and retention
- Team player
- Multidisciplinary teamwork
- Care planning
- Reflective practice
- Strong communicator
- Professional boundaries
- Empathetic
- Full UK driver's licence
- Active listening
- Emotional resilience
- Written and verbal communication
- Anti-Oppressive Practise
Affiliations
- Long standing pedigree dog breeder and shower. Royal Kennel Club registered dog show judge and have attended many training sessions to develop knowledge and skills.
- I am chair of The Lancashire Heeler Association dog breed club, and maintain the club website, produce quarterly newsletters and develop the club annual calendar, raising funds for breed welfare.
Accomplishments
I am a qualified hypnotherapist, Reiki Master, Indian Head Massage Therapist and Hopi Ear Candle Therapist. I hope to become more active with these areas following my early retirement from my current role.
Timeline
Locality Social Work Manager
North Lanarkshire Council
01.2022 - Current
Senior Social Worker
North Lanarkshire Council
01.2018 - 02.2022
Social Worker
Glasgow City Council
11.2003 - 12.2017
Community Mental Health Staff Nurse
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde
08.2001 - 11.2003
Bachelor of Arts - Social Work
The Open University
08/2012 - 05/2015
Bachelor of Science - Professional Development
Glasgow Caledonian University
03/2002 - 08/2003
Diploma of Higher Education - Nursing (Mental Health)
Glasgow Caledonian University
09/1998 - 07/2001
Practice Educator - Social Work
Learning Network
06/2016 - 06/2017