Lesley Miller – Senior Social Worker, AJR
When people ask me about my work, I proudly tell them it is the most unique and rewarding job I have ever had in my life. Despite mountains of paperwork, a full caseload and driving all over northwest London and Hertfordshire making home visits; this is no ordinary social work job. Working with older people and their families is a great privilege. Working with Holocaust survivors and refugees is the greatest privilege of my life.
I have met some delightful and extraordinary people in this role. Building a relationship is essential in trying to understand the background that has shaped their experience. Furthermore, it is important for delivering tailored support that may help them to overcome obstacles that affect their health and welfare.
On a typical day I answer emails and phone messages in the morning and check the diary to see if I have visits booked or assessments due. I plan for the next few days, which include supervision with our newly qualified social worker and a visit to York to meet up with the remote senior social worker and our manager for a strategy meeting.
I have to drive out to Radlett where I am served coffee and cake on beautiful china, while writing up an Attendance Allowance form. Next I’m off to Bushey to complete a full assessment for a new client so they can benefit from the homecare scheme. It can be an intense appointment discussing personal history and childhood memories. We sift through old documents and talk about the past. This is an evidence gathering exercise to ensure eligibility for the Claims Conference grant. We look at the practical measures going forward connecting to the client’s health, home environment, and support network. In the afternoon I drive over to Barnet to collect the financial documents for the homecare assessment I conducted last week. At some point someone may feel sorry for me and offer me a smoked salmon sandwich!
I head back to the office armed with paperwork ready to type up and scan to the computer. More calls and emails are waiting to be answered and there are deadlines that must be observed.
I love coming back to the office as I have such supportive and lovely colleagues. There is a lot of good humour, love and support between us which makes AJR a fantastic place to work.
