Bassetlaw social worker lends support to recruitment drive

Andrea Dore, 42, said she was inspired to take up the post after becoming “isolated and alone” while caring for her husband for seven years after he was injured in an industrial accident.

Keen to help others inhis situation, she now puts support packages in place for Bassetlaw residents who are under 65 and have a physical disability.

Andrea, who started out as a children’s social worker in 2011 and returned to Nottinghamshire County Council in May for her current role, said: “I was a carer for my husband for seven years after he had an industrial accident and felt isolated and alone during much of this period.

“After this I decided I wanted to do something to help others that were in a similar position to me and social work was the perfect way to do this.

“I have only been working specifically with adults for a couple of months but I get more chance to build relationships with the people I support in this role.

“I also love the variety as each case is different and I get a real buzz putting in place support to help people achieve their personal goals and live independently for as long as they can.

“Although social workers need a qualification, community care workers just need experience in a caring field, whether it be a paid job or caring for a loved one like I did.”

Nottinghamshire County Council currently has 30 vacancies for adult social worker and community care officer roles across the county.

Councillor Muriel Weisz, chair of Nottinghamshire County Council’s adult social care and health Committee, said: “Social and community care officers play a vital role in ensuring people receive the help and support they need at difficult times in their lives.”

“People need to have a caring nature for this area of work and experience in a caring field is an advantage to secure a post.”

Anyone interested in a position can contact 0115 854 6205, email their details to [email protected] or visit www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/socialcareposts.