Kirsty Adomako

Here’s a revised version of your statement tailored for applying to the Social Work program at Robert Gordon University:

I am excited to apply for the Social Work program at Robert Gordon University, as it aligns closely with my current role as a Community Payback Supervisor. My professional background has given me extensive experience in working with individuals who have diverse and complex needs, managing practical community projects, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams in a social work setting. I believe these skills and experiences have prepared me to further my studies in social work and contribute meaningfully to the field.

In my current role, I manage individuals on Community Payback Orders, many of whom face significant challenges such as mental health issues, substance misuse, and socioeconomic disadvantages. I conduct regular risk assessments and engage with service users to help them address the underlying factors contributing to their offending behavior. Through these efforts, I have developed strong engagement skills, helping individuals recognize the value of their work and encouraging their development toward more positive outcomes. This experience reflects the core values of social work—promoting empowerment, change, and social justice—which I am eager to explore further in my studies.

I also manage community projects where service users contribute to local organizations and individuals, ensuring these projects are safe, well-resourced, and aligned with the community's needs. This responsibility has strengthened my organizational and leadership skills, which I believe are critical to effective social work practice. Building relationships with service users, colleagues, and beneficiaries of these projects has taught me the importance of collaboration and effective communication—skills that are integral to social work when working with service users and multidisciplinary teams.

In previous roles, such as a support worker with the Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH), I led multidisciplinary meetings and gained insight into how mental health issues intersect with the criminal justice system. This experience gave me a deeper understanding of the social and psychological factors affecting vulnerable individuals, and I am eager to apply this knowledge to my social work studies and future practice.

My role as a Community Payback Supervisor has also developed my conflict resolution skills and ability to provide constructive feedback, which are essential when working with individuals who present challenging behaviors. I have learned how to challenge behaviors while maintaining professional boundaries, which is crucial for building trust and fostering positive change—an approach that resonates with the ethical standards of social work.

Additionally, I have developed a strong commitment to anti-discriminatory practice and equality. As a branch delegate for the UNISON National Black Members’ Conference in January 2023, I deepened my understanding of the importance of promoting equality and ensuring that all individuals, regardless of background, have access to the support they need. I see social work as a profession dedicated to advocating for social justice, and I am passionate about being a part of that mission.

By pursuing the Social Work program at Robert Gordon University, I aim to enhance my knowledge of social work theory and practice, develop new skills, and deepen my understanding of the diverse needs of service users. I am eager to further my personal and professional development through this program and make a meaningful contribution to the field of social work. Thank you for considering my application.

I am excited to apply for the Social Work program at Robert Gordon University, as my background in working with vulnerable individuals and managing complex challenges aligns closely with the principles and responsibilities of the social work profession. My previous role, where I specialized in addressing concerns related to the well-being of vulnerable adults and children, has equipped me with key skills that are directly transferable to social work practice.

In my prior position, I developed expertise in responding to reports of abuse or neglect, a critical aspect of social work, which deepened my ability to engage effectively with individuals facing complex needs. By working closely with service users, I honed my ability to build relationships, provide guidance, and motivate individuals, which will be invaluable in supporting diverse service users during my future social work practice. These experiences directly relate to the social work goal of promoting well-being and positive behavioral change, especially among marginalized and underserved populations.

Additionally, my understanding of social justice issues and the systemic challenges faced by marginalized communities aligns closely with the Social Work program’s values of equality, anti-discriminatory practice, and empowerment. I facilitated programs aimed at improving the lives of underserved communities, demonstrating my ability to manage and organize projects that enhance the well-being of service users. This experience mirrors the type of community-focused work central to the social work profession, and I am eager to deepen my understanding of the theories and practices behind it.

In my role as a customer advisor, I collaborated with community liaisons, conducted individual and group sessions, and closely monitored client progress. These experiences helped me develop strong communication and relationship-building skills, which are essential in social work for fostering trust, engaging with service users, and assessing their needs. My ability to establish professional relationships and offer empathetic support will be critical as I transition to working more directly with service users in a social work capacity.

I also have significant experience in managing detailed administrative tasks, such as documenting case notes, preparing reports, and maintaining organized records. These skills align with the record-keeping and reporting requirements of social work, where accuracy and attention to detail are vital for effective case management and compliance with legal standards. Furthermore, my leadership in mentoring colleagues, managing team dynamics, and defusing conflicts speaks to my ability to lead and collaborate in multidisciplinary settings, a core aspect of social work.

My dedication to handling complex issues has been recognized through awards such as the GEM award, which highlights my ability to address intricate challenges effectively. Additionally, my experience handling Section 12 finance payments, facilitating social work assessments, and collaborating with the police has provided me with valuable insight into cross-agency collaboration and the administrative responsibilities involved in supporting vulnerable individuals.

I am eager to bring my skills, experience, and passion for promoting social justice to the Social Work program at Robert Gordon University. I am confident that the knowledge and practical training provided by the program will enable me to make a meaningful contribution to the field of social work, and I look forward to the opportunity to further develop my ability to support and advocate for vulnerable individuals. Thank you for considering my application.

As a Retail Assistant, I have consistently demonstrated key skills that align well with the core competencies required for pursuing a career in social work, particularly in areas such as client focus, effective communication, and responsibility. In my retail role, I have delivered exceptional customer service by engaging with customers, building relationships, and resolving conflicts—all essential for working with service users in a social work context. My ability to maintain positive interactions even during difficult situations reflects the skill of managing challenging behaviors constructively within professional boundaries, a crucial aspect of social work practice.

My experience handling POS transactions, providing product information, and contributing to team meetings directly mirrors the organizational and administrative skills necessary in social work, such as maintaining accurate records and managing case files. Additionally, my ability to engage with a diverse range of customers, addressing their unique needs, is akin to the communication and engagement required when working with service users who come from complex backgrounds and have varied needs.

I have actively contributed to team meetings by providing customer feedback and helping to drive improvements, which translates well into the collaborative and team-based nature of social work practice. Similarly, my attention to customer satisfaction and loyalty is comparable to supporting and motivating service users to engage in positive behavior changes that benefit their well-being and fulfillment of care plans.

Furthermore, my proficiency in handling complaints and resolving conflicts is directly transferable to managing challenging behaviors and supporting positive outcomes for clients in social work. The sense of responsibility and ownership I have developed in managing tasks, meeting targets, and working under pressure is also highly relevant to the demands of social work practice, where reliability and efficiency are paramount.

These experiences have honed my leadership potential, organizational abilities, and client-centered approach, all of which I am eager to further develop through the Social Work program at Robert Gordon University. I am excited about the opportunity to apply my skills and continue making a positive impact in a role that aligns with my passion for helping others.

In my current role, I have had the privilege of supporting service users in various ways to promote their independence, which aligns closely with the responsibilities of a Social Work practitioner. For example, I’ve accompanied service users to shops, helping to promote their mental health and well-being, reflecting the engagement and support required to foster positive outcomes in social work practice. Building professional relationships with service users has been critical in understanding their unique needs, similar to the engagement skills essential for working with individuals from diverse backgrounds with complex needs.

A key part of my responsibilities includes handling administrative tasks, such as preparing monthly summaries, creating action plans, completing feedback forms, and updating assessments—skills that directly transfer to the accurate record-keeping and case management required in social work. Additionally, I’ve taken a leadership role during Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) meetings, which parallels the collaborative nature of social work, where working with various professionals is essential to delivering integrated care and support.

My thorough understanding of organizational policies and my commitment to implementing them effectively demonstrates the same dedication to adhering to social work values, including knowledge of legislation and ethical practice. I have actively contributed to the safety and well-being of service users, a responsibility that mirrors the focus on safeguarding and promoting anti-discriminatory practices in social work.

Furthermore, my experience organizing activities, such as bowling and cinema outings for service users, showcases my project management skills, which are crucial when planning interventions or support programs in a social work setting. My proactive approach to creating tailored support systems and personalized assessments for service users aligns with the role of fostering independence and supporting positive behavioral changes, key elements of effective social work practice.

In summary, my experience supporting vulnerable individuals, managing administrative responsibilities, and facilitating group collaborations has equipped me with valuable skills that are essential for success in the field of social work. I am eager to continue developing these skills through the Social Work program at Robert Gordon University, where I can deepen my understanding and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

As a Sales Assistant, my experience and skills align closely with the competencies required in social work, particularly in the areas of client-focused service, communication, and responsibility. In my sales role, I have consistently demonstrated the ability to engage in meaningful and effective communication with a diverse range of customers, a skill that is directly transferable to engaging with service users in a social work context. Building rapport and understanding the unique needs of each individual mirrors the relationship-building process essential for supporting service users with complex needs.

My can-do attitude and commitment to completing tasks accurately and efficiently reflect the organizational and decision-making skills necessary in social work. Whether managing service user records or assisting with care plans, the ability to take ownership and act responsibly is vital. My experience in handling store opening and closing procedures, managing money, and ensuring security measures shows my attention to detail and ability to handle responsibility—skills that are equally crucial in ensuring the safety, confidentiality, and well-being of service users.

The ability to promote products and engage with customers to boost sales is akin to the need to motivate and guide service users toward positive outcomes in social work. Just as I assess customer needs and make tailored recommendations, I can apply those same skills to understanding and supporting the individual needs of service users. I am confident in my ability to help individuals work toward their goals and promote positive behavioral change.

Additionally, my strong organizational skills and adaptability, demonstrated through tasks such as preparing displays and merchandising, are valuable when managing the practical aspects of social work, including maintaining accurate records and tracking client progress. My commitment to fostering customer loyalty through skilled support reflects the supportive environment I aim to create for service users, helping them stay engaged and motivated throughout their journey.

Overall, the skills I’ve developed in communication, customer service, and responsibility position me well for a career in social work, where I can contribute to making a meaningful difference in people’s lives. I am excited about the opportunity to enhance these skills and continue my development through the Social Work program at Robert Gordon University.

As a goal-oriented waitress, my ability to engage effectively with a diverse clientele and excel in a fast-paced environment aligns well with the core competencies of social work, particularly in areas such as communication, organization, and client-centered service. My strong communication skills, developed through daily interactions with restaurant guests, would be critical in engaging with service users who may have complex needs and come from diverse backgrounds. Just as I adapt my communication style to suit different customer preferences, I can adapt and apply these skills to motivate and support individuals in a social work setting.

In my role as a waitress, I prioritize time management, efficiency, and attention to detail—skills that are essential for managing the administrative and case management tasks required in social work. My ability to work independently and learn new skills quickly would be highly beneficial in this field, where taking ownership of responsibilities, monitoring service users’ progress, and ensuring adherence to ethical and professional standards are key.

Additionally, my experience fostering positive guest relations directly translates into building professional relationships with service users in social work. Ensuring that their needs are met and helping them achieve positive outcomes mirrors the role of a social worker, where effective communication and rapport-building are essential. Just as I manage and resolve customer issues calmly and professionally in the restaurant, I am confident in my ability to challenge behaviors constructively and maintain professional boundaries when supporting service users.

Moreover, my role in the restaurant requires me to remain calm under pressure, multitask, and stay organized—qualities that are crucial when working with individuals who may face complex challenges. My experience in a high-energy, dynamic environment parallels the need for flexibility, problem-solving, and adaptability in social work practice.

Overall, the skills I have developed in customer service, time management, and conflict resolution, combined with my attention to detail and commitment to achieving positive outcomes, would serve me well in a social work context. I am excited about the opportunity to further develop these skills through the Social Work program at Robert Gordon University and make a meaningful contribution to individuals and communities in need of support.