Vanessa McCourt
Barton upon Humber,North Lincolnshire
Summary
I am a skilled social worker with a strong focus on reflective and analytical practice. I have demonstrated excellence in assessment skills and consistently deliver high-quality, court-admissible written reports. I have specialised in the support and assessment of mainstream and kinship carers, ensuring compassionate and effective service delivery.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
9
9
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work history
Fostering Social Worker
Hull Fostering Service
Hull
2020.08 - Current
- Conducted assessments and recruitment of mainstream foster carers and supported lodgings providers.
- Assessed kinship carers to ensure suitability for fostering placements.
- As a specialist viability assessor, completed over 600 reports.
- Participated as a member of fostering panel, contributing to decision-making processes.
- Support and mentoring of students on placement.
Fostering Social Worker
Action For Children Fostering
Doncaster
2019.01 - 2020.08
- Developed strong relationships with foster families to ensure effective support and guidance.
- Completed annual reviews.
- Provided regular formal supervision.
Children's Services Practitioner (maternity post)
NSPCC
Grimsby, North East Lincolnshire
2017.09 - 2018.09
- Facilitated the NSPCC SMILES program to groups of young people .
- Completed Graded Care Profile assessments.
- Collaborated with families to create tailored support plans based on individual needs.
Social worker
North East Lincolnshire Council
Grimsby
2017.06 - 2017.09
- Carrying out the statutory functions of the role and in implementing the Signs of Safety model of practice.
Business owner
Self Employed (Rowjo)
Barton upon Humber, North Lincolnshire
2007.11 - 2017.06
- Managing a small manufacturing and retail business.
- Search Engine Optimization and online promotion.
- Development of website and online shopping cart.
- Book keeping and payroll.
Volunteer ChildLine Schools Practitioner
NSPCC
, Humberside
2013.06 - 2015.06
- Presenting 'Speak Out Stay Safe' assemblies and facilitating workshops to primary school children across four counties.
- Educating children about child protection and children's rights.
Social Worker
North Lincolnshire Council
Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire
2005.05 - 2009.01
- Carrying out the statutory functions of the Local Authority within the Looked After Children and Leaving Care Teams.
Social Worker
East Riding of Yorkshire Council
Skirlaugh
2004.06 - 2005.05
- Newly Qualified Social worker, completing social care assessments, care proceedings and managing a case load including CIN, CP and LAC.
Support Worker
The Linnaeus Centre
Hull
2000.09 - 2001.09
- Completed observations and provided support to families under assessment.
- Carried out 1-1 direct work sessions.
Nanny
Ersoy Family
Istanbul
1996.06 - 1999.06
- Provided care and support for children by creating structured daily routines.
- Developed engaging activities that promoted physical and cognitive development in children.
- Accompanied family on holidays as a trusted caregiver, providing continuous care for the children.
Nanny
Hookway Family
Kew, Richmond upon Thames
1992.09 - 1996.05
- Provided attentive care to children, ensuring a safe and nurturing environment.
- Developed engaging activities to promote children's learning and social skills.
- Coordinated daily routines, including meals, playtime, and sleep schedules.
- Assisted with homework and educational projects, fostering a love for learning.
Education
Diploma Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy -
Institute of Counselling
2012.09 - 2013.05
BA (Hons) Social Work & DipSW -
University of Lincoln
2001.09 - 2004.06
NNEB - Nursery Nursing
Hull College of Further Education
1990.09 - 1992.06
GCSEs -
Andrew Marvell Secondary School
Hull 1986.09 - 1990.06
Skills
- Assessment and analysis
- Child care and development
- Direct work with children
- Student support and development
- Report writing
- Effective communication
- Therapeutic parenting
- Non Violent Resistance
- Knowledge of kinship care and fostering
- Presentation skills
- Signs of Safety
Certification
- Trained at the Attachment and Trauma Centre (Middlesex University) and licensed to use the Adult Attachment Style Interview.
- Licensed to use the PAMS assessment tool.
- Licensed to use the Graded Care Profile assessment tool
- Trained to advanced level in Non Violent Resistance Model.
- First Aid Certification
- Registered with Social Work England.
- UK driving license.
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Fostering Social Worker
Hull Fostering Service
2020.08 - Current
Fostering Social Worker
Action For Children Fostering
2019.01 - 2020.08
Children's Services Practitioner (maternity post)
NSPCC
2017.09 - 2018.09
Social worker
North East Lincolnshire Council
2017.06 - 2017.09
Volunteer ChildLine Schools Practitioner
NSPCC
2013.06 - 2015.06
Diploma Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy -
Institute of Counselling
2012.09 - 2013.05
Business owner
Self Employed (Rowjo)
2007.11 - 2017.06
Social Worker
North Lincolnshire Council
2005.05 - 2009.01
Social Worker
East Riding of Yorkshire Council
2004.06 - 2005.05
BA (Hons) Social Work & DipSW -
University of Lincoln
2001.09 - 2004.06
Support Worker
The Linnaeus Centre
2000.09 - 2001.09
Nanny
Ersoy Family
1996.06 - 1999.06
Nanny
Hookway Family
1992.09 - 1996.05
NNEB - Nursery Nursing
Hull College of Further Education
1990.09 - 1992.06
GCSEs -
Andrew Marvell Secondary School
1986.09 - 1990.06