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The Social Work Pivot

The Social Work Pivot

Written by: Janet Ayoola
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About this listen

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!

© 2025 The Social Work Pivot
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Episodes
  • Messy Social Work: Rich Devine on Writing Online and Child Protection Social Work
    Jun 24 2025

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    In this episode, I sit down with Rich Devine, a dedicated social worker, to explore the emotional and psychological challenges of the profession. Rich shares his personal journey, from his early motivations influenced by his father's struggles, to his experiences in child protection and the impact of his work on his own life.

    We delve into the realities of social work, discussing the importance of attachment theory, the complexities of working with families, and the emotional toll of making difficult decisions. Rich also opens up about his experiences of regularly writing about social work online and how it led to the publication of his book, 'Messy Social Work.' This episode is particularly inspiring for social workers who want to share their expertise online but are hesitant or don't know where to start.

    Join us for an insightful conversation that sheds light on the often unspoken aspects of social work and offers valuable lessons for both new and experienced practitioners. Whether you're a social worker, a student, or simply interested in the field, this episode provides a deep and personal look into the world of social work.

    Read Rich's blog here: https://richarddevinesocialwork.com/

    Buy Rich's book 'Messy Social Work': https://uk.jkp.com/products/messy-social-work

    Sign up for our newsletter Beyond the Caseload for more success stories, insights and resources to guide and inspire you in your career pivot: www.thesocialworkpivot.com

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    48 mins
  • From Statutory Social Work to Charity Leadership: Oretha Wofford's Inspiring Social Work Career
    Jun 17 2025

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    In this inspiring episode, I welcome Oretha Wofford, a dedicated social worker, to share her remarkable journey from childhood in care to becoming a leader in social work.

    Oretha's story begins with her powerful childhood memory of black bin bags which evolved into a lifelong commitment to ensuring no child feels devalued.

    Discover how Oretha's experiences shaped her career, her transition from the US to the UK, and her impactful work in various social work settings. We then delve into Oretha's pivot into charity leadership, first as a trustee and then as the CEO of St. Michaels Fellowship.

    Tune in to learn about Oretha's innovative approaches and her vision for the future of social work.

    Learn more about St. Michaels' Fellowship: https://stmichaelsfellowship.org.uk/



    Sign up for our newsletter Beyond the Caseload for more success stories, insights and resources to guide and inspire you in your career pivot: www.thesocialworkpivot.com

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    48 mins
  • From Frontline Challenges to Coaching Solutions - Interview with Kate Cuthbertson
    Jun 10 2025

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    Join me as I sit down with Kate Cuthbertson, a seasoned social worker and accredited coach, to explore the transformative journey from frontline social work to coaching and mentoring.

    In this insightful episode, Kate shares her early childhood experiences that led to embarking on her social work career, the impact of coaching on social work practice, and the importance of maintaining boundaries and self-care. Discover how coaching can empower social workers, enhance their professional growth, and improve retention in the field. Whether you're a social worker, a coach, or someone interested in the helping professions, this episode offers valuable insights and practical advice for navigating the complexities of social work.

    Tune in to learn about:

    • Kate's journey from frontline social work to becoming a coach supervisor.
    • The role of coaching in supporting social workers through transitions and challenges.
    • The importance of reflective supervision and maintaining professional boundaries.
    • How coaching can help realign values and rejuvenate passion for social work.

    Don't miss this engaging conversation that highlights the power of coaching in transforming social work practice and supporting the well-being of social workers.

    BASW's free coaching service (free for BASW members only in England, free for all social workers in Scotland and Wales): https://basw.co.uk/support/social-work-professional-support-service-swpss

    Connect with Kate: linkedin.com/in/kate-cuthbertson-b865b742

    Sign up for our newsletter Beyond the Caseload for more success stories, insights and resources to guide and inspire you in your career pivot: www.thesocialworkpivot.com

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    44 mins
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