Lynne Withnell
Livingston,West Lothian
Summary
An experienced team manager with a passion for working with vulnerable families. I work within a wonderful team who strive tirelessly to improve outcomes for women and children experiencing abuse and trauma. I am lucky enough to be able to guide and support them in their work with families. I consider myself to be a good leader and team player with effective communication skills. I enjoy learning and development and supporting the learning of others. I have recently completed a Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Professional Studies (Social Work Practice Education) and thoroughly enjoyed working with a student, especially supporting their learning around the area of domestic abuse. I am responsible for domestic abuse multi-agency training in West Lothian and feel passionate about the Safe and Together model and the meaningful change it can bring to systems.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
5
5
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Team Manager (DASAT)
West Lothian Council
Livingston, West Lothian
03.2013 - Current
- I manage a busy Local Authority service, supporting women and children survivors of domestic abuse in West Lothian.
- I line manage a small team of 8 workers, providing emotional and practical support and guidance in relation to their trauma-focused work with families.
- I specialise in understanding the impact of coercive control on women and children
- I am responsible for providing high quality supervision to staff and supporting individual and team development.
- I provide multi agency training across partner agencies in West Lothian. This includes dynamics and typology of domestic abuse and the impact of coercive control on families, with an overview of the Safe and Together model.
- I contribute to the Gender Based Violence Partnership by being an active member of the committee, supporting the implementation of the GBV strategy 2022 - 2025.
Children and Families Social Worker
Edinburgh Council
Edinburgh
06.2001 - 03.2013
- Worked alongside vulnerable families who had experienced domestic abuse and intersections such as substance use, mental health issues, neglect
- Built positive, meaningful and productive relationships with service users, supporting best outcomes for families.
- Aligned with non offending parents to best support them in meeting the safety and wellbeing needs of their children.
- Worked from a rights based perspective, advocating on behalf of children and their families, striving for social justice.
- Exercised professional judgement in assessing information and implementing interventions
- Followed evidence-based practices to achieve service user involvement and participation
- Responded calmly to manage crisis and emergency situations.
Education
Postgraduate Certificate in Professional Studies - Social Work (Practice Education)
University of Stirling
Stirling 09.2022 - 01.2023
Bachelor of Arts - Social Work
Robert Gordon University
Aberdeen 08.2005 - 06.2010
Skills
- Passionate and committed
- Rights based
- Warm and approachable
- Excellent communicator
- Strong leadership skills
- Training and development expertise
Timeline
Postgraduate Certificate in Professional Studies - Social Work (Practice Education)
University of Stirling
09.2022 - 01.2023
Team Manager (DASAT)
West Lothian Council
03.2013 - Current
Bachelor of Arts - Social Work
Robert Gordon University
08.2005 - 06.2010
Children and Families Social Worker
Edinburgh Council
06.2001 - 03.2013
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