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Podcast Introduction:Rougi started her journey in social work through the Frontline programme, where she honed her skills and passion for supporting families. But Rougi’s story doesn’t stop there. She’s now on an exciting path to becoming a Systemic Psychotherapist and currently works as a Family Therapist within CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services).

In this episode, Rougi shares her journey into social work, the motivations behind her decision to pivot towards systemic psychotherapy, and an insightful glimpse into what her work life looks like now. Whether you're considering a career change, curious about the world of family therapy, or just looking for inspiration, Rougi’s story is sure to resonate with you.

So, grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and let’s dive into Rougi’s incredible journey.

Episode links:

Here are some helpful links for listeners in England considering a similar career pivot from social work to systemic psychotherapy or family therapy:

1. The Association for Family Therapy and Systemic Practice (AFT)
   
   
   • https://www.aft.org.uk
   • AFT provides information on systemic psychotherapy, training pathways, accredited courses, and career development in family therapy.
2. The UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP)
   
   
   • https://www.psychotherapy.org.uk
   • UKCP offers resources on registering as a psychotherapist, finding accredited training programs, and exploring career options in psychotherapy.
3. The National Health Service (NHS) Careers – Psychological Therapies
   
   
   • https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/explore-roles/psychological-therapies
   • Explore career opportunities, qualifications, and pathways to becoming a family therapist or systemic psychotherapist within the NHS.
4. Frontline
   
   
   • https://thefrontline.org.uk
   • For those interested in starting their journey in social work, Frontline offers a fast-track training program that can lay the foundation for future career pivots.
5. NHS Education for Systemic Psychotherapy Courses
   
   
   • Check with your local NHS trust or academic institution for courses like the Postgraduate Diploma or MSc in Systemic Psychotherapy. Example institutions:
     • Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust (https://tavistockandportman.nhs.uk)
     • King’s College London (https://www.kcl.ac.uk)
6. British Association of Social Workers (BASW)
   
   
   • https://www.basw.co.uk
   • BASW offers professional development resources and networking opportunities that can support social workers exploring career changes.
7. The Systemic Training Institute
   
   
   • https://www.systemictraininginstitute.co.uk
   • Provides systemic therapy training tailored for professionals looking to advance their careers in family therapy.

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Episode Description:

In this inspiring episode of The Social Work Pivot Podcast, Janet sits down with Angie Bartoli, an accomplished social worker, academic, and author of Becoming a Social Work Manager. Drawing on her extensive career and doctoral research, Angie shares valuable insights into the transition from practitioner to manager and how she found her passion in academia.

Whether you’re considering a career in academia, aiming for a managerial role, or just seeking fresh inspiration, this episode is packed with actionable advice and encouragement to help you navigate your next steps.

🎧 Don’t miss this enriching conversation—listen now and take the next step in your social work career!

📘 Get your copy of Angie's book, Becoming a Social Work Manager, here:
https://www.criticalpublishing.com/becoming-a-social-work-manager
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Becoming-Social-Manager-Angie-Bartoli/dp/1915713757

Follow the podcast for more stories, strategies, and insights to help you pivot and thrive in the ever-evolving world of social work!

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In this episode of The Social Work Pivot Podcast, we explore practical strategies to help social workers succeed in job interviews. If you're aiming for a role in statutory services, this episode covers the essentials to ensure you present your skills, communicate your experience, and emphasise your values confidently. Learn what to focus on in your preparation, how to handle common interview questions for social work roles, and ways to stand out by showcasing your unique insights and adaptability. With tips for social workers at every stage of their career, this episode will leave you feeling prepared, confident, and ready to make your next career pivot.

Resources & Further Reading:

- BASW's Careers and CPD Resources: https://www.basw.co.uk/professional-development – The British Association of Social Workers (BASW) offers a range of career development resources, including interview guidance, CPD opportunities, and tools to strengthen your professional profile.

Quick Tips Mentioned in the Episode:

- Research the organisation's values and prepare responses that show how your approach aligns with their mission.
- Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers to competency-based questions, providing clear and relevant examples.
- Prepare thoughtful questions for your interviewer that demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and an understanding of the organisation’s aims.

Tune in for tips to boost your interview confidence and help you step into your next role with ease!

Sign up for our newsletter Beyond the Caseload for more success stories, insights and resources to guide and inspire you in your career pivot: www.thesocialworkpivot.com

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In this episode of The Social Work Pivot Podcast, we welcome Priya, a seasoned social worker with extensive experience in child and family services across multiple countries. After moving with her family to Abu Dhabi, Priya returned recently to the UAE and has launched her own safeguarding company in the field. She takes us through the unique challenges of working in Abu Dhabi, sharing first-hand what it’s like to practise social work in a different cultural context. Priya also delves into her journey of shifting from an employee mindset to an entrepreneurial one, revealing the growth and resilience needed to turn her vision into reality. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on embracing change, overcoming challenges, and redefining social work in an entrepreneurial context.

Priya's website: www.pmcsafeguarding.com

Sign up for our newsletter Beyond the Caseload for more success stories, insights and resources to guide and inspire you in your career pivot: www.thesocialworkpivot.com

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In this solo episode of The Social Work Pivot Podcast, we explore how flexible working can be the key to unlocking your next career pivot. Whether you're looking to shift into a new area of social work, transition to independent practice, or explore roles outside of statutory services, embracing flexibility in your work life can provide the freedom and space to pursue your next steps.

We’ll dive into practical insights on how to make flexible working work for you, featuring inspiring stories from social workers who’ve successfully made career pivots. Learn how to navigate the challenges and opportunities that come with flexible work arrangements and discover how to use this approach to plan and execute a career change, all while maintaining balance in your current role.

If you're considering a career shift or simply curious about how flexible working can support your growth, this episode is packed with tips and advice to help you move forward. Tune in and take the next step in your social work journey!

Sign up for our newsletter Beyond the Caseload for more success stories, insights and resources to guide and inspire you in your career pivot: www.thesocialworkpivot.com

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On this episode of The Social Work Pivot, I’m joined by Connor Appleton, a UK-trained child and family social worker who made the bold move to permanently relocate to Australia in 2022. Connor shares his first-hand experience of the culture shock that came with living and working in a new country, as well as the unique challenges and opportunities he’s encountered practising social work in Australia.

Tune in to hear Connor’s reflections on the differences in social work systems, his tips for making relocating to Australia to practise social work, and the personal growth that comes with stepping outside of your comfort zone. If you're thinking about working abroad or curious about how social work varies in a different country, this episode is for you!

Connor Resources:

Work as a social worker in Australia:

• The recruitment agency Connor used to find job roles in Australia: https://berecruitment.com.au/
• Facebook groups/communities – ‘Social Workers Wanting Oz’ is a great one with lots of activity but, there are many.
• To explore different types of visas and costs - https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing - Note that Social Work is often on the Skilled Visa list (often reviewed)
• AASW (Australian Association of Social Workers/ equivalent to Social Work England) who assess your international qualifications for employment and migration purposes (via an online application) - https://www.aasw.asn.au/education-employment/international-qualification-recognition/

Connor's recommendations to learn more about Australia's history:

• This is a good resource to learn about significant moments in Australia’s recent history, which continue to shape to way that we work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities – notably the stolen generation and the people’s apology. There are also links to further reading material, youtube videos etc. https://aiatsis.gov.au/explore/stolen-generations
• This is a powerful documentary about the impact of the Voice referendum held in 2023, for aboriginal communities to have a voice in Parliament, aboriginal culture and how the communities differ across the country. https://ourvoiceourheart.com.au/
• Information about delivering an Acknowledgement of Country, which is usually made before all meetings in the workspace. https://www.indigenous.gov.au/contact-us/welcome_acknowledgement-country

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On this episode of The Social Work Pivot, I’m thrilled to welcome Laura Taylor, Independent Social Worker and Therapeutic Parenting Coach. With over 15 years of experience in child and family social work, much of Laura’s career has been dedicated to working with children in care and supporting foster carers. She is passionate about trauma-informed care and enhancing the practice of parents, carers, and professionals in both home and residential settings.

Laura recently transitioned from statutory social work into independent practice, and in this episode, she shares her inspiring journey. If you're considering a move toward independence, stay tuned as Laura offers practical advice and insights to help you make that leap!

Laura's links:
The National Association of Therapeutic Parents: https://www.naotp.com/who-we-are
Dyadic Therapeutic Psychotherapy: https://ddpnetwork.org/professionals/training/

To work with Laura:

Laura Taylor

Therapeutic Parenting Coach

Practice Educator

Independent Social Worker

07766 952559

Facebook: Laura Taylor Therapeutic Parenting Coach

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/laura-taylor-36193b91

Sign up for our newsletter Beyond the Caseload for more success stories, insights and resources to guide and inspire you in your career pivot: www.thesocialworkpivot.com

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In this episode of The Social Work Pivot, I sit down with Karlene Ruddock, a qualified social worker who began her career in children’s services, working in safeguarding before transitioning to adults. She moved from permanent to locum work along the way and is now training to become an occupational therapist. Karlene’s story is one of determination and purpose. When she realised social work no longer aligned with her personal and professional goals, she made a plan to pivot and is now on a new path toward a fulfilling career in occupational therapy.

If you’re feeling stuck or dissatisfied with where you are in your career, Karlene’s journey will inspire you to take action. It’s about identifying what you want, creating a plan, and having the courage to follow through. Tune in for practical insights and motivation to help you make your own career change!

To follow Karlene, visit: linkedin.com/in/karlene-ruddock-7285a0291
If you are interested in a similar career transition into Occupational Therapy visit: https://chooseot.co.uk/routes-into-occupational-therapy/
The Royal College of Occupational Therapy www.rcot.co.uk

Sign up for our newsletter Beyond the Caseload for more success stories, insights and resources to guide and inspire you in your career pivot: www.thesocialworkpivot.com