Natalie Webb

I have just started as a 'Retained' or On Call Firefighter having passed my basic in May.

The role is Saturday - Tuesday and requires me to be available to attend emergency call outs.

My main duties for this are to support the competent crew where possible. I am building my competence around the equipment on the truck and ensure it is available for the crew when asked.

I can manage the 'pump' and can communicate to crew members if there are any issues with this.

It is an incredible role with everyone playing a vital part of the team to keep our community safe.

As a Social Worker I am passionate about social justice, fairness and equality/equity for all. I undertake assessment with a person centred, holistic approach with a strong ethos of reablement. I want to encourage individuals to engage with their own health and care needs and be the driving force behind the betterment of their situation; with the right help, guidance and support from Health and Social Care where necessary.

My job role required me to:

Provide direct case management services to individuals who had been referred through to the team
Supported clients in navigating a complex social service system, and ensured that they understod what support they were entitled too.

• Assessment and problem solving using a person centred and holistic approach.

• Established relationships with community organizations to create a network of support - for example Mental Health support teams, food banks, CSPOs, Advocacy Services, Health services etc

• Advocated on behalf of clients and families for services, basic needs, and other related issues.

• Assisted in obtaining resources from social, health, and welfare agencies to meet the needs of the individual

• Assisted clients with helping to identify rights and available programmes.

• Recognised crisis situations; assessed potential danger to clients, families and other supporting professionals through Safeguarding measures.

• Remained calm and consistent in crisis situations. Documented emergency incidents via Safeguarding and either managed independently where appropriate or escalated to the appropriate team/agency if required

• Communicated with third-party agencies and providers for care coordination.

• Helped clients fill out job and housing applications, supported individuals to contact debt collection agencies to arrange payment plans or breaks

• Conducted assessments via a range of different methods if individuals were unable to do face to face meetings at home - for example zoom/team, telephone, whatsapp, arranged an appropriate place to meet for homeless individuals

• Collaborated with clients to develop relevant and meaningful care plans

• Accompanied clients to appointments or police interviews to provide emotional support or act as an Appropriate Adult

• Referred clients to appropriate third sector charities/support networks

• Followed strict data confidentiality rules to keep client information secure - I am mindful of GDPR and aware of how social media should and should not be used

• Built respectful and trusting relationships with clients by clearly stating my role and boundaries as a Social Worker, and being mindful of the individuals' boundaries.

As part of my role in the team I was often asked to take on new starters for onboarding and training. I received positive feedback from the new team members and management.

I co-wrote and presented a session around Safeguarding for third year Social Work students at Gloucester University which was well received.

As above however with lower risk individuals.

The Coordinator role allowed me to work alongside qualified Social Workers to support those who were deemed 'lower risk' and required a less complex intervention.

This role led to me wanting to become a qualified Social Worker which I did via the Apprenticeship with Oxfordshire County Council.