L Turfus
Perth,Perth and Kinross
Summary
Values driven, results orientated professional with a strong background in managing diverse teams within the social work sector. Known for fostering collaboration and communication, successfully implementing trauma-responsive practices and improvement initiatives that enhance service delivery.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Team Manager
Fife Council
05.2023 - Current
- Facilitated establishment of integrated team supporting individuals at high risk due to substance use.
- Responsible for service design including recruitment, selection, and development of KPIs and operating procedures.
- Participation in expert advisory group for trauma-responsive social work and contributed to formation of Social Work Scotland’s substance use subgroup.
- Collaborated on re-design of e-learning modules related to substance use with adult support and protection colleagues, ensuring accessibility and trauma-responsive content.
- Contributed to national blood borne virus (BBV) event by delivering plenary session showcasing expertise in translating complex policy into engaging practice.
Team Manager
Dundee City Council
08.2022 - 04.2023
- Management of a large team of Nurses, Social Workers and Social Work Assistants responsible for safe and timely assessment and discharge of patients.
- Responsible for daily reporting to hospital leadership team to ensure the flow of patients through the system.
Social Worker
Perth and Kinross Council
06.2018 - 07.2022
- Supporting prisoners with day-to-day issues relating to community reintegration.
- Preparation of reports for statutory bodies such as the Parole Board, MAPPA, and the Scottish Prison Service.
- Application of risk assessment tools such as LS/CMI, RoSH, RM2000, SARAv3.
- Supervision of students undertaking Social Work placements.
- Responsible for re-design of induction paperwork to make it more person-centered and trauma-responsive.
Social Worker
Perth and Kinross Council
05.2016 - 01.2018
- Assessment and support provided to adults with a range of community care needs, including assessment for self-directed support and carers assessments.
- Council Officer duties under Adult Support and Protection Act, including management and co-ordination of large scale inquiries.
- Deputised for Team Leader in screening and allocation of referrals.
- Received ‘Securing the Future’ award in relation to community empowerment and development of a new Movie Memories Group.
Social Worker
Dundee City Council
05.2014 - 05.2016
- Assessment of risks relating to children and families in order to make recommendations to SCRA, Child Protection Case Conferences and development of support plans.
- Joint Interviews undertaken with Police.
- Participation in duty system as well as management of caseload.
Social Worker
Fife Council
06.2013 - 05.2014
- Court reports, Breach reports and management of Community Payback Orders.
- This involved working with clients both within the office and through home visits.
- Assessment of risks and development of rehabilitation plans.
Education
Postgraduate Certificate - Management and Leadership in Social Work
University of Stirling
Stirling01-2025
Postgraduate Certificate - Applied Social Research Methods
University of Stirling
Stirling01-2023
Postgraduate Certificate - Adult Support and Protection
University of Stirling
Stirling01-2022
Master of science - Social Work
University of Dundee
Dundee2013
BA(honours) - Media, Culture and Society
University of Abertay Dundee
Dundee2008
Skills
- Service design
- Risk assessment
- Policy writing
- Mentoring and coaching
- Project management
- Compassionate leadership
- Training delivery
- Change management
Research
- Rights and Ethics in Adult Safeguarding – Theory and Practice, due to be published January 2027 Polity Press, University of Stirling
- Barriers to relationship-based practice with people at risk of harm through substance use, National project involving mixed research methods. It is proposed that the results will be submitted for publication as a journal article.
Timeline
Team Manager
Fife Council
05.2023 - Current
Team Manager
Dundee City Council
08.2022 - 04.2023
Social Worker
Perth and Kinross Council
06.2018 - 07.2022
Social Worker
Perth and Kinross Council
05.2016 - 01.2018
Social Worker
Dundee City Council
05.2014 - 05.2016
Social Worker
Fife Council
06.2013 - 05.2014
Postgraduate Certificate - Management and Leadership in Social Work
University of Stirling
Postgraduate Certificate - Applied Social Research Methods
University of Stirling
Postgraduate Certificate - Adult Support and Protection
University of Stirling
Master of science - Social Work
University of Dundee
BA(honours) - Media, Culture and Society
University of Abertay Dundee