Sonia Fanasi Uzama-Okpalaeke
Summary
I am final year Masters student social worker, seeking to start her ASYE in a career path that entails working with adults, children and families. I am eager to apply my knowledge to practice and also gain more practical experiences. I am proficient in utilising relevant social work interventions and theories, working in team environments and collaborating with various stakeholders. I have a known reputation for hard work, team work, punctuality and willingness to learn.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
Work history
Student Social Worker
Glenwood School
Emsworth
2023.10 - Current
- Reviewed already implemented EHC plans for students with special needs.
- Developed risk assessments and support and care plans for the pupils in my case load.
- Ensured adherence to relevant legislation, such as the Children Act, equality Act, and Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) code of Practice.
- Assisted in transition planning for students moving between key educational stages or transitioning out of the school environment.
- Attended meetings and assisted in the development and review of Personal education plans (PEP) for students who are looked after children.
- Represented children Nat risk of safeguarding concerns in multi-agency meetings.
- Attended Children in care meetings and early help hubs.
- Collaborated with teachers and support staff to understand the unique needs of each child, providing tailored, person centred social and emotional support.
- Conducted assessments and observations to identify social, emotional, or behavioural challenges and develop intervention plans to address
them. - Offered individual or group counselling sessions to help children navigate social situations, manage emotions, and build positive relationships.
- Liaised with families and caregivers to understand the home environment and collaborate on strategies that support the child's well-being both at school and home.
- Advocated for inclusive and anti-oppressive practices within the school setting, promoting a supportive and accepting environment for children with diverse needs.
- Collaborated closely with therapists, educational psychologists, healthcare professionals, and social workers to ensure a coordinated approach to each child's care and development.
- Implemented strategies and made use of different tool kits for behaviour management and 1-1 sessions, promoting positive behaviour and addressing challenges through positive reinforcement, de-escalation techniques and self-esteem boosters.
- Facilitated social skills groups to help children develop communication, cooperation, and social interaction skills.
- Identified external resources and services in the community that can further support the children and their families, making appropriate referrals, when necessary, e.g Food banks, My sister’s house ( a domestic violence centre).
- Maintained accurate records of assessments, interventions, incidents and progress notes through an electronic case management system called CPOMS, in compliance with confidentiality and data
protection policies.
Adult Mental health Support Worker
Choice Care Group - Spencer Place
Chichester, West Sussex
2023.02 - Current
- Provided person-centred care, tailored to the unique needs and preferences of each adult resident especially in meetings regarding their mental
health needs. - Assisted residents in daily activities, helping them access the community, facilitating group sessions aimed at skill-building and social interaction, offering emotional support, companionship, and guidance as required.
- Scheduled and accompanied residents to meetings and appointments.
- Experienced in assessing, reporting and documenting residents’ progress, behaviours, and any concerns to enable vital updating of care plans and communication with other professionals.
- Managed patient caseloads to create risk assessments, care and support plans, move on plans, community access plans, attend assessment review meetings, utilise interventions such as crisis intervention, motivational interviewing, and empowerment.
- Raised awareness of key issues involved in working with some residents from mental health needs, diverse ethnic, cultural and socio-economic backgrounds.
- Contributed to induction and orientation programs for new staff.
- Stayed updated with best practices, attending training sessions and workshops to enhance skills and knowledge in the field of social care Such as Mental Health awareness trainings and Data Protection training, etc.
- Administered medication and supported healthcare needs, liaising with healthcare professionals, social workers, positive behaviour team
and maintaining accurate records. - Familiar with strategies to manage challenging behaviours, foster positive interactions and conflict resolution, by properly handling unexpected situations or behavioural challenges through de-escalation techniques and following established protocols.
- Advocated for residents' rights and choices, ensuring they have a voice in decision-making processes.
- Collaborated with colleagues, families, and multi-agency working, to create comprehensive care plans and ensure holistic support in a trauma informed way.
- Maintained a safe and clean environment, identifying and addressing potential hazards promptly.
Student Social Worker
Stonepillow
Chichester, West Sussex
2023.06 - 2023.09
- Managed caseloads of 3 looked after children in the service, including conducting assessments, creating care plans, creating support plans, homeless outcome stars, move on plans and risk assessments and reviewing progress.
- Proficient in applying relevant legislation and policies governing child welfare, safeguarding, and care for young people in the system such as sec17, sec 20 and sec47 of the Children's Act 1989
- Engaged with young people in care, offering emotional support, guidance, and advocacy for their needs.
- Empowered young people to voice their opinions, preferences, and concerns, ensuring their perspectives are considered in decision-making processes and working with them in a person centred and trauma informed way
- Assisted in organising and facilitating workshops or sessions focused on building essential life skills such as budgeting, cooking, job readiness, and self-care for the young people.
- Collaborated with schools and colleges to ensure young people receive appropriate support and resources to further their education.
- Contributed to transition and move on plans for young people leaving care, ensuring they have access to necessary resources and support networks
- Attended Looked after child (LAC) review meetings, Multiagency safeguarding hub (MASH) meetings, strategy meetings, Section 47 assessments, etc.
- Used interventions such as motivational interviewing, crisis intervention, cognitive behavioural therapy, advocacy and empowerment for the young people involved in drug abuse, county lines and exploitation and who had anxiety.
- Liaised with external agencies, health professionals, and community resources such as Asphaleia and Change Grow Live charity to coordinate comprehensive support services for young people
- Maintained accurate and updated records of interventions, assessments, and interactions with young people using an electronic case management system. Called Inform, adhering to confidentiality and data protection policies
- Participated actively in supervision sessions, reflecting on experiences, receiving feedback, and integrating theory into practice under the guidance of experienced social workers.
Program Manager
Dinidari Empowerment Foundation
2021.10 - 2022.07
- Ensured daily execution of advocacy project activities.
- Conducted sex educational classes for school children and women.
- Conducted drug abuse educational classes for children.
- Handled all social welfare and advocacy programs.
- Created advocacy educational pamphlets Sexual and Gender Based Violence.
- Worked collaboratively with other project team members to ensure necessary project planning, resource availability and activities function smoothly and efficiently.
- Planned charity workshops, trainings, outreaches For vulnerable women in the society.
- Prepared contents to be put up on all social platforms for each project e.g SGBV and how climate change affects women.
- Monitored, evaluated and prepared reports of project activities and progress.
- Supervised the communications team to plan and execute media related tasks.
- Prepared and implemented project work plans.
- Followed up on all Sexual and Gender Based Violence cases reported to the organisations.
Legal and Administrative officer
Federal Inland Revenue Services
2019.12 - 2021.02
- Handled the Q-SOFT portal; a software used for case allotment and management.
- Attended to legal queries that came to the department.
- Directed the logistics team on daily mails and letters to be sent out.
- Represented the service in a petition hearing at the National Assembly on Tax Defaulters in the Oil and Gas sector in Nigeria.
- Handled and prepared contract agreements.
- Supervised the auditing of contracts handled by the service.
Education
Master of Arts - Social Work
University of Chichester
Chichester, West Sussex 09/2022 -
Professional Qualification -
Nigerian Law School
Nigeria 11/2018 - 10/2019
Bachelor of Laws (LLB) - Law
Afe Babalola University
Nigeria 09/2013 - 10/2018
Skills
- Empathetic listening
- Good communication
- Child and family assessment skills
- Advocacy
- Patience
- Adult and child protection legislation Knowledge
- Person-centred working skills
- Trauma-informed practice skills
- Good decision making and problem solving skills
- Cultural competence
- Resilience and adaptability
- Team player
- Policy awareness
- Short-term counselling
- Crisis intervention skills
- Attentive listener
- Early help assessments
- Case management experience
- Social work theory and intervention knowledge
- Behavioural therapy skills
- Confidential documentation and record-keeping
- Detail-orientated
- Mental health support
- Community outreach expert
Languages
English
Fluent
Timeline
Student Social Worker
Glenwood School
2023.10 - Current
Student Social Worker
Stonepillow
2023.06 - 2023.09
Adult Mental health Support Worker
Choice Care Group - Spencer Place
2023.02 - Current
Program Manager
Dinidari Empowerment Foundation
2021.10 - 2022.07
Legal and Administrative officer
Federal Inland Revenue Services
2019.12 - 2021.02
Master of Arts - Social Work
University of Chichester
09/2022 -
Professional Qualification -
Nigerian Law School
11/2018 - 10/2019
Bachelor of Laws (LLB) - Law
Afe Babalola University
09/2013 - 10/2018