Transform Your Life: The Inspiring Journey to a Rewarding Career in Social Work

Make a Difference with a Career in Social Work

If you dream of making a difference, then a rewarding career in social work may be your natural next step.

For Dominique Lima, her initial ambition to become a teacher took a transformative turn towards social work. As 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 shares her inspiring journey ahead of World Social Worker Day on March 18, aiming to motivate others to pursue a career that truly makes an impact.

From Teaching to Social Work

Dominique began her career with an early years degree, intending to teach. However, her experiences in a residential care home for young people with disabilities ignited her passion for supporting youth, leading her to explore social work.

"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."

Dominique has had the opportunity to gain her qualification while working, in a flexible and person-centred approach to learning.

The Flexible Learning Experience

Dominique appreciated the flexibility of the SSP course, which allowed her to earn while learning. Balancing a full-time job and motherhood with studying was challenging, but she credits her success to the support from family and tutors.

"If I can do it, anyone can because it's so practical. You can learn at your own pace... Some people on the course hadn't passed their maths qualifications yet, but were able to achieve them thanks to the support available."

The SSP course is designed in collaboration with key sector stakeholders, providing a practice-based qualification that assesses students through work-based learning.

Progressing in Social Work

Dominique utilized credits from the SSP qualification to advance directly to the second year of her social work degree, equipping her with the essential knowledge and skills needed for the role.

"The most rewarding thing about my job is working with young people, supporting them to leave care, and seeing them navigate their own lives. 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."

If you dream of a job where you can make a meaningful impact like Dominique, then social work may be the perfect career for you.

A Flexible and Rewarding Role

Dominique highlights the flexibility of her job, contrasting it with the monotony of a desk job. "No day is ever the same, you're never bored, you're never clock-watching, and you know you're making a real difference."

Through Welsh Government funding, she has gained a deeper understanding of the Social Services and Wellbeing (Wales) Act 2014, enhancing her confidence and capacity to support young people and adults in her community.

"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."

If you're interested in becoming a social worker, there are many pathways you can follow. To find out more about how you could follow in Dominique's footsteps and pursue a rewarding career in social work, visit the WeCare Wales website.