Newly Qualified Children’s Social Worker of the Year
Stephanie Mills
ORGANISATION: Rochdale Borough Council
AWARD(S): Newly Qualified Children’s Social Worker of the Year
https://vimeo.com/154301404
Stephanie was a standout winner for the judges and it’s not difficult to see why. Since joining Rochdale Borough Council in September 2014 she has been assigned a series of complex cases that would have proved testing for any practitioner, let alone a newly qualified worker. But she has approached them all with the same enthusiasm, confidence and integrity.
One notable example is when a service user on Stephanie’s caseload disclosed that she had been abused by her foster carer. This case was emotionally challenging for all involved but Stephanie persevered and has been successful in helping the young person to open up about her experiences, rebuild her self-esteem and begin to trust those around her again. The positive impact Stephanie had on this service user was evidenced in a moving testimonial, which described her as “one of the best social workers you could ever have”.
Stephanie’s nomination also described a reflective practitioner who takes full advantage of supervision to further her professional development.
She has a real talent for establishing rapport and relationships with young people, even in the most difficult circumstances, and the judges praised her for always asking the question: “Would this be good enough for my child?”
WHAT THEY SAID:
Stephanie is very child-focused and has worked on a raft of complex cases. It’s brilliant to a newly qualified social worker doing so well in Rochdale.
Anthony Douglas CBE, Chief Executive, Cafcass
Stephanie is very child-focused and I really liked the fact she is asking the question ‘Would this be good enough for my child?’ Children are obviously taking to her.
Sherry Malik, Director of Children’s Services Development and Delivery, NSPCC
Stephanie’s level of development and learning is beyond that which a significant number of social workers achieve in a relatively short period of time. She is an asset to Rochdale and to the children she supports.
Christine Foster, Head of Service, Rochdale Borough Council
Stephanie is a kind and warm-hearted woman who would always be there no matter what. In my opinion she is one of the best social workers you could ever have.
Service user
THE FINALISTS
Nikki Gay, London Borough of Hounslow
Katie Stevens, London Borough of Barnet
Abbie Osborne, Southend Borough Council
SILVER AWARD WINNER
Claire Mullarkey, London Borough of Ealing