My name is Katy Schmidt and I’ve been working at Devon County Council, as a Social Worker, for 6 years.
How have you progressed through your role?
I completed my Assessed Year in Employment, which is my ASYE with Devon. I was supported through mentoring and training from the Social Work Academy and received support from my peers and mentors. I originally worked in the Children’s and Families team in County Hall Exeter and then at Estuary House, Newton Abbot. Then in 2021, I moved to the Disabled Children’s Service – South.
Can you give an overview of your role?
I became an Advanced Social Worker in April 2022, working within the Disabled Children’s Service. And as part of my role, I’m also currently undertaking a Practice Educator qualification with Bournemouth University.
So I’ve got some significant lived experience in supporting those with mental difficulties and Autism. And in my role as an Advanced Social Worker I’m able to utilise my knowledge in combination with research and theory to support families.
The Disabled Children’s Service offers support as well as advice and practical help to children and families, and we identify needs through assessment. I hold a small and complex case load, so can continue to complete direct work with children and families. And I’m able to support overseas social workers and student social workers to learn and develop in their role. And in addition to this, I also provide supervision and oversight to two family practitioners in the team.
What do you enjoy about living and working in Devon?
I enjoy working in Devon County Council and plan to remain here and I’ve been given many opportunities to develop my career in Devon. In addition to my primary role as an Advanced Social Worker, it was during the Covid pandemic, I was given the opportunity to work part-time shifts in the Emergency Duty team and I continue to work these shifts on weekends and in the holidays.
I’ve have great support from both teams that I work within, and enjoy what Devon has to offer. I also love living in Devon, and have lived here for 24 years and there is so much to do. I would definitely encourage others to come and work in the advanced social worker role within Devon County Council as it’s a great place to work.