Helen Podesta
Northampton,Northamptonshire
Summary
Dedicated professional with extensive expertise in social policy and therapeutic intervention techniques, specialising in ADHD/ADD. Demonstrates a holistic approach to child development and person-centred practices, with a strong understanding of disabilities and child protection proceedings. Skilled in case assessment, negotiation, and community resource coordination, ensuring effective care planning and multidisciplinary teamwork. Known for excellent interpersonal skills, emotional resilience, and a non-judgmental approach. Committed to reflective practice and staff development through peer supervision of social workers and professionals.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
10034
10034
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Social worker
Milton Keynes Council
Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire
2023.09 - Current
- Conducted thorough assessments of children and families which helped tailor more effective support and interventions.
- Established open and honest relationships with children and families to facilitate open communication.
- Advocated for children and families needs within the period of involvement ensuring that all appropriate professionals are involved.
- Advocation of the child's voice through the decision making progress to ensure that their individual needs are met.
- Worked collaboratively with children and families to mitigate concerns through interventions as well as consider the best interests of the child if the child continued to be at risk of harm.
- Supported other professionals and social workers with peer support, sharing of knowledge and providing tools to enhance others practice.
- Managed complex cases involving mental health and substance misuse issues, resulting in improved living conditions for service users.
- Provided crisis intervention during high-stress situations, ensuring immediate support was delivered.
- Maintained accurate, up-to-date and confidential files in line with reporting standards.
Family support worker (Missing)
Northamptonshire County Council
Northampton, Northamptonshire
2018.04 - 2019.09
- Conducted home visits, ensuring a safe environment for children.
- Advocated on behalf of clients, resolving issues promptly.
- Coordinated community resources for comprehensive family support.
- Maintained detailed case notes, aiding in decision making processes.
- Established positive relationships with Children to reduce missing episodes.
- Worked collaboratively with other agencies involved to have a holistic approach of support with advocation of the child's voice at the centre.
- Dealt with crisis situations calmly, ensuring safety of all involved parties.
- Supported and advised parents regarding various issues and signposted additional services.
- Engaged with children and families using creative strategies and professional approach.
Family Support Assistant
Milton Keynes Council
Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire
2017.09 - 2018.09
- Successfully delivered on tasks within tight deadlines.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Supported team by demonstrating respect and willingness to help.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
Social work assistant
Milton Keynes Council
Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire
2010.09 - 2013.11
- Enhanced community awareness about available social services through active participation in outreach programmes.
- Fostered positive relationships with children and families, resulting in better outcomes and school attendance.
- Conducted home visits for accurate need assessment.
- Contributed towards positive behavioural change through direct work and family interventions.
- Streamlined case management to ensure timely delivery of services.
- Collaborated on development of personalised care plans that catered to individual needs of each family.
- Advocated for children's individual needs to promote school attendance and inclusive practice within education.
- Worked closely with families experiencing crisis, offering timely intervention and support.
- Built trust with families through consistent communication and support.
- Assisted social workers with complex cases, achieving improved outcomes.
Learning support assistant
Northampton College
Northampton, Northamptonshire
2008.03 - 2010.09
- Monitored pupil progress closely, providing timely feedback to teachers and parents.
- Assisted struggling pupils during class hours, leading to improved grades over time.
- Collaborated with teachers for development of effective learning plans.
- Supported children with special educational needs, promoting inclusivity within the college environment.
- Improved student engagement by providing one-on-one support and guidance.
- Communicated with parents and caregivers to report on student progress and challenges.
- Offered calm and focused conflict-resolution, defusing problematic behaviour with compassion and emotional intelligence.
- Worked with students on academic and social challenges. modelling empathy and perseverance.
- Provided behavioural management strategies to maintain disciplined atmosphere.
- Enhanced classroom environment with creative teaching methods.
Support worker
Autism Concern
Northampton, Northamptonshire
2008.03 - 2010.09
- Promoted mental stimulation through conversation, reading and games resulting in enhanced cognitive function.
- Encouraged social integration by facilitating community involvement opportunities.
- Participated in regular team meetings, enhancing quality of care provided.
- Used excellent communication and interpersonal skills to engage and interact with individuals in need.
- Delivered high-quality care to individuals with varying needs, tailoring support to meet personalised care plans.
IT technician
Gateway School
Tiffield, Northamptonshire
2008.03 - 2008.07
- Conducted diagnostic tests for identifying and resolving network issues swiftly.
- Analysed complex technical information for non-technical audiences effectively.
- Managed secure network access for remote workers successfully.
- Streamlined IT processes for increased efficiency.
- Facilitated training sessions on new technology implementation bringing about user competency.
- Assisted end-users to enhance their understanding of software applications.
- Delivered excellent customer service by troubleshooting and resolving technical issues.
- Upgraded company hardware infrastructure leading to enhanced performance.
- Maintained IT inventory effectively keeping track of all equipment in use.
- Provided IT support to staff members, improving overall operational efficiency.
Support worker (Older adults in care)
National Autistic Society
Rushden, Northamptonshire
2006.01 - 2008.03
- Helped residents maintain independence through personalised assistance with personal tasks.
- Assisted in feeding older adults who required help during meal times, maintaining their nutritional intake.
- Liaised with other members of the support team to ensure consistency in care provision.
- Actively participated in staff training sessions, keeping up-to-date on best practices in elderly care.
- Assisted older adults with daily care activities to improve their quality of life.
- Upheld dignity and respect at all times when assisting older adults with personal tasks such as bathing or dressing.
- Maintained accurate records of individual's conditions and behaviours to provide effective care planning.
- Supported family visits by preparing rooms and facilitating comfortable interactions between parties.
- Enhanced safety within the facility by promptly addressing potential hazards.
- Administered medication as prescribed, ensuring correct dosage and timing.
- De-escalated potentially harmful situations calmly and effectively whilst ensuring resident wellbeing.
- Adapted communication styles to suit individual residents' needs, fostering understanding and trust.
- Facilitated social activities for residents, promoting engagement and mental stimulation.
- Adopted person-centred approach in all aspects of care-giving.
Learning support assistant
Raeburn Special School
Northampton, Northamptonshire
2004.05 - 2008.03
- Assisted struggling pupils during class hours, leading to improved grades over time.
- Encouraged independent learning habits amongst pupils through consistent mentoring.
- Facilitated group activities to enhance interactive learning experience.
- Developed tailored learning plans for individualised student progression.
- Coordinated with multidisciplinary teams for holistic child development programmes.
- Supported children with special educational needs, promoting inclusivity within the school environment.
- Accompanied school trips, ensuring safety and enjoyment for all pupils involved.
- Provided behavioural management strategies to maintain disciplined atmosphere.
- Collaborated with teachers for development of effective learning plans.
- Improved student engagement by providing one-on-one support and guidance.
- Offered calm and focused conflict-resolution, defusing problematic behaviour with compassion and emotional intelligence.
- Worked with students on academic and social challenges. modelling empathy and perseverance.
- Offered support to special needs students, guaranteeing safety and access to equitable learning.
- Managed challenging child behaviour, running interventions to raise concerns and recommend appropriate action.
- Responded to changing needs of pupils and staff to provide maximum help and support.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Social Work
University of Northampton
Northampton 2020.09 - 2023.08
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
The Open University
Milton Keynes 2004.09 - 2010.09
Certificate of Higher Education - Psychology
University of Leicester
LeicesterGCSEs - Maths
Milton Keynes College
Milton KeynesGCSEs - English
Milton Keynes College
Milton KeynesGCSEs - Psychology
Northampton College
NorthamptonNVQ Level 3 - Diploma in Child Development
Northampton College
Northampton 2000.09 - 2002.08
GCSEs - Child Development
Weston Favell Upper School
Northampton, NorthamptonshireSkills
- Knowledge of social policy
- Therapeutic intervention techniques
- Holistic approach
- Child development understanding
- Person-Centred practices
- Knowledge of disabilities
- Case assessment
- Negotiation capability
- Record keeping accuracy
- Child protection expertise
- Non-Judgmental approach
- Professional boundaries awareness
- Community resource coordination
- Team player
- Multidisciplinary teamwork
- Care planning
- Strong communicator
- ADHD/ADD specialist
- Task-centred practise
- Strengths-based approach
- Report-writing
- Looked after children (LAC) reviews
- Emotional resilience
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Empathetic
- Written and verbal communication
- Reflective practice
- Staff development
- Child protection proceedings
- Crisis Intervention
- Peer Supervision of other social workers and professionals
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Accomplishments
Silver Award in Social Worker of the Year 2024 for my direct work and adaptive practice for children with additional needs, using non-verbal communication.
Timeline
Social worker
Milton Keynes Council
2023.09 - Current
Bachelor of Arts - Social Work
University of Northampton
2020.09 - 2023.08
Family support worker (Missing)
Northamptonshire County Council
2018.04 - 2019.09
Family Support Assistant
Milton Keynes Council
2017.09 - 2018.09
Social work assistant
Milton Keynes Council
2010.09 - 2013.11
Learning support assistant
Northampton College
2008.03 - 2010.09
Support worker
Autism Concern
2008.03 - 2010.09
IT technician
Gateway School
2008.03 - 2008.07
Support worker (Older adults in care)
National Autistic Society
2006.01 - 2008.03
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
The Open University
2004.09 - 2010.09
Learning support assistant
Raeburn Special School
2004.05 - 2008.03
NVQ Level 3 - Diploma in Child Development
Northampton College
2000.09 - 2002.08
Certificate of Higher Education - Psychology
University of Leicester
GCSEs - Maths
Milton Keynes College
GCSEs - English
Milton Keynes College
GCSEs - Psychology
Northampton College
GCSEs - Child Development
Weston Favell Upper School