"My job means so much to me, to be able to make a meaningful impact"
If you dream of making a difference, then a rewarding career in social work may be your natural next step
It's never too late to try something new, or chase a new dream.
For Dominique Lima, who started out with big ambitions to become a teacher, a change of heart led to her pursuing a rewarding, fulfilling career in social work.
The first person to progress to the second year of a social work degree after completing the Welsh Government-funded Social Services Practitioner (SSP) course, Dominique has shared her heartwarming career journey ahead of World Social Worker Day on March 18. She hopes to inspire those with a passion for making a real difference to people's lives to pursue a career to be proud of.
"My career started out with me completing an early years degree, with the intention of going into teaching," says Dominique.
"However, over time, I realised that teaching wasn't really for me, and I'd prefer to work with young people in a different capacity.
"I found myself working in a residential care home for young people with disabilities, aged between 16 and 18. During this time, I realised I had a huge passion for supporting young people, and decided to explore the possibility of becoming a social worker.
"I learned about the SSP course, a Level 4 qualification which I was luckily able to complete whilst working in my current local authority role as a personal advisor on the 16+ team. It allowed me to be released from work one day per week to complete my studies at Bridgend College, alongside online courses.
"I really enjoyed the flexibility, and the ability to earn and learn at the same time. It wasn't easy to juggle a full-time job, be a great mum and study for a qualification, but I persisted and had a lot of support from family and tutors along the way.
"If I can do it, anyone can because it's so practical. You can learn at your own pace, and be at any level when you start. ‘Some people on the course hadn't passed their maths qualifications yet, but were able to achieve them thanks to the support available and qualifications like Essential Skills Wales."
The SSP course has been created in close collaboration with key sector stakeholders, including Social Care Wales, local authorities from South East and South West Wales, City and Guilds the awarding body, Bridgend College and Gower College Swansea. The qualification is practice-based and assesses students' knowledge and practice through work-based learning and further education.
Dominique has followed the Open University's credit transfer process to use the credits achieved from the SSP qualification as equivalent to the first year of the social work degree. This means she has been able to start the social work degree programme at year two, whilst developing the knowledge, understanding, behaviours and skills that underpin the role of social services practitioner.
"The most rewarding thing about my job is working with young people, supporting them to leave care, and seeing them navigate their own lives," added Dominique.
"They touch base with us, and I can see them flourish because they have the tools to live to their best potential with a great sense of personal wellbeing.
"I used to watch the time pass at a desk job, but this job is so flexible - so I can be out and about with a young person. No day is ever the same, you're never bored, you're never clock-watching and you know you're making a real difference.
"This new route of work-based learning has been beneficial to my current role, and it has certainly provided me with the essential tools which has enabled so much personal and professional growth.
"Through Welsh Government funding, I have developed a greater understanding of the Social Services and Wellbeing (Wales) Act 2014 and other legislation and frameworks key to the job.
"I am more confident in my practice, and it's definitely given me the skills and knowledge to be able to support young people and adults in the local community. Care experienced children and young people can face a range of challenges and barriers that can impact their wellbeing.
"I think the young people I have supported are the real success story. My job means so much to me, to be able to make a meaningful impact and work with a range of services to empower young people to become strong and resilient. This is the most satisfying part.
"This new route of study has embedded the foundation for supporting people in Wales. Being given this opportunity to gain my qualification while working has been an incredible experience which has been flexible and person-centred.
"It was the only way I have been able to do this qualification."
If you're interested in becoming a social worker, there are many pathways you can follow.
