Any children's social workers?

first78

I've just finished uni as a mature student and have started working in a children's safeguarding team for my LA. I've been there 2.5 months now (had 4 weeks off sick during this time), but feel I'm really struggling to fit in...it's getting me down as I'm I need a totally new role, new LA and I'm feeling totally overwhelmed. Are all teams like this? Does everyone feel this when they start?

DomRavioli

Everyone feels that way when they start a new job.

Have you done anything yourself to try and fit in? Even something simple as making tea/coffee for people is a start.

You've only done 6 weeks of working there - you need to give it time and make a real effort to fit in, because at this point in your career you need to get experience.

asajj

Starting a new job, especially right after the uni feels like that - so you aren't alone. Try to talk to your manager perhaps. Try to get to know people if possible. If you struggle to perform some tasks, ask help/suggestions. It takes a couple of months to learn many roles. So try to keep worry to a minimum and perhaps learn to prioritize your tasks so you won't feel overwhelmed! Best of the luck

nimbo

I have pm'd you.

first78

DomRavioli wrote: »

Everyone feels that way when they start a new job.

Have you done anything yourself to try and fit in? Even something simple as making tea/coffee for people is a start.

You've only done 6 weeks of working there - you need to give it time and make a real effort to fit in, because at this point in your career you need to get experience.

I've offered to get people stuff from the shop I feel I'm going out to get my lunch, I always say good morning when I go into the office (don't often get a response) and I've tried to make conversation to get to know colleagues, asking how their weekend was, whether they've got plans for the evening etc.

surreysaver

A lot of people don't like small talk. But six weeks is nowhere long enough to settle in. Give it a few months.

Jackieboy

first78 wrote: »

I've just finished uni as a mature student and have started working in a children's safeguarding team for my LA. I've been there 2.5 months now (had 4 weeks off sick during this time), but feel I'm really struggling to fit in...it's getting me down as I'm I need a totally new role, new LA and I'm feeling totally overwhelmed. Are all teams like this? Does everyone feel this when they start?

As you've been off sick for nearly half the time you've been in the job (and presumably everybody else has had to cover your work) you may find that colleagues are feeling a bit put upon. Can you do anything extra to counteract these feelings?

Wasting more time trying to chat and disappearing at lunch time may be counterproductive, however well meant.

so_very_confused

In my 35 years experience of front line childrens social work give it time. You are a newly qualified worker your caseload will be considerably lighter than your colleagues. I have known agency staff start and leave within a matter of weeks and I have not known their name. I am a friendly, sociable and supportive person but in an an environment when you are in the office at 07.30 and still out working at 20.00 then doing reports at home frankly people just have not got the time. It takes time to get to know people. Also consider people maybe tired, burnt out. Has there been a high turn over of staff as that maybe a factor.
My description sounds dreadful but unfortunately it is too often the reality. Hang on in there and people will feel you have an investment and probably will come around.
Do keep talking to your supervisor. You should also have a mentor being newly qualified.
I have now retired. I was very good at what I did and still miss it, I just needed a less demanding job.
Good luck.