I qualified with a Post-Graduate Diploma in Social Work in 1997, having previously gained a degree in Sociology from Goldsmiths’ College (University of London). My initial interest in working with individuals with Acquired Brain Injury was through my work in a residential setting for younger people with physical disabilities a number of which had suffered brain injuries. Since qualifying as a social worker, I have held a number of roles in both the statutory sector and within the private sector. After a period of working within a Children & Families Team, which included work in child protection, adoption, direct work with children and children in need assessments; in 1999 I began working as care manager within a physical disabilities team supporting people with a variety of conditions including brain injury, and later became a specialist worker within this team with responsibility for brain injured clients.
In 2006 I joined a specialist Neuro Rehabilitation Unit as a social worker as part of the multi-disciplinary team. This role involved work with service users with brain injuries and their families to manage a seamless transfer to the community or specialist step-down unit, ensuring both service user and families had access to the correct support, and liaison with statutory providers to ensure effective care planning, and family support. The role involved effective goal planning and review, and working to manage and increase independent living skills.
In 2008 I rejoined a statutory social work team in Bromley as the ABI coordinator, later the role also involved me in the role of Stroke coordinator, this involved working with clients and families both in the community, residential and acute rehabilitation settings. These roles required skills in relation to relationship building and person centered planning with a view to improving independence and autonomy, and ensuring effective discharge planning. An important part of my work was ensuring that the family needs were assessed, and their needs as a carer were met.
Experience as a Case Manager:
I currently manage a diverse case load of clients, and managed cases both in pre-settlement and post-settlement phase. This has involved building relationships with both clients and family members, and tailored support through recruitment and management of support worker teams. I am responsible for the oversight and management of community neuro-rehabilitation teams, involving the recruitment and management of the different disciplines making up the therapeutic team. I am responsible for ensuring goal based programmes are followed through and reviewed as necessary through multi-disciplinary team meetings. I am confident working with individuals with a complex presentation, including cognitive impairment, challenging behaviour, communication difficulties and physical problems.
I am responsible for the assessment, coordination, planning and review of community neuro rehabilitation programmes, where interventions may include physical and cognitive rehabilitation strategies, advice on equipment, education and support for families, return to work programmes.
To ensure an integrated therapeutic approach I liaise closely with family members and other professionals involved in their treatment. I am also responsible for the recruitment, training and supervision of support worker teams, ensuring effective supervision and support is provided.
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