The Social Work Pivot
This podcast is designed for experienced child and family social workers who are considering a career transition, whether you’re looking to move up the ladder or explore opportunities beyond statutory social work. Join me as we delve into insightful discussions, expert interviews, and practical advice to help you navigate your next career move with confidence and clarity. Stay tuned for more updates and be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss an episode. Let’s make your career pivot a success!
The Social Work Pivot
Making the Transition – Balancing Statutory and Independent Social Work with Sarah Cairns
In this episode of The Social Work Pivot Podcast, I’m joined by Sarah Cairns, a trauma-informed social worker with over a decade of experience across child protection, fostering and adoption, court work, and residential care in Scotland and England. Now balancing independent social work alongside a statutory role, Sarah shares her journey, insights on making the transition, and how she stays up to date with legislation, policy, and evidence-based practice.
We discuss:
✅ Sarah’s journey into social work
✅ The realities of combining statutory and independent social work
✅ Key training and specialisms, including DDP, Theraplay, and AIM 3 risk assessment
🔗 Helpful Links:
- Practicing Social Work in Scotland – Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC)
- Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP) Training – DDP Network
- AIM3 Risk Assessment Framework – AIM Project UK
- Theraplay Training & Resources – The Theraplay Institute
🎧 Tune in for practical insights and advice on making the transition into independent practice while maintaining a statutory role!
👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this episode with fellow social workers.
Let’s get started! 🚀
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