Season 4, Episode 10: Being Neurodivergent on a Social Work Placement

In the concluding episode of this series, we invite you to join Colleen Simon and Tienga Ngale for a reflective conversation examining our journey in hosting the latest season of How Does The Social Work Podcast from Brunel University Social Work Programme. Together, we explore the motivations that inspired us to host the podcast and share our personal experiences throughout this endeavour. We will also highlight some of the valuable lessons we have learned along the way in our capacities as hosts and Tienga conveys his reflections as a student social worker, emphasising why students should seize the opportunity to become future hosts.'

Goodbye (Endings) Social workers specialise in establishing relationships with service users founded on empathy and respect. However, what occurs when it's necessary to conclude a case, transfer it to another worker, or when a student's placement ends? Today, our focus is on closures and farewells during placements, as well as the potential experiences that student social workers may have as they need to say goodbye to service users, and the placement team.

Neurodivergent on Social Work Placement Neurodiversity is a framework that seeks to understand the functioning of the human brain by acknowledging the inherent diversity in human cognition as a biological reality. It is a term that encompasses various neurological differences such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, ADHD, and autism spectrum condition. In this episode, we will explore the concept of neurodiversity and discuss the potential challenges and unique perspectives that a neurodivergent student social worker may encounter during their placement.   Guests: Jenni Guthrie – Autistic/ADHD social worker, writer. researcher and speaker currently working as a Principle Curriculum Lead on a social work Master's programme. Jenni is also the host of www.autisticsocialworker.co.uk Dalbir Chana – Final Year student social worker @ Brunel University.

Power & Fear The Code of Ethics of the British Association of Social Workers underscores the significance of adopting an anti-oppressive approach, which is deeply rooted in social justice and empowerment frameworks (British Association of Social Workers, 2021). In this episode, we delve into the impact of power dynamics during placements and examine how students perceive and navigate feelings of powerlessness and fear, both of which are recurring themes throughout the placement experience.   Guests: Ruvarashe Mandiveyi (MSc SW student @ Brunel University), Rohima Begum (Apprentice programme Student SW)

Student Social Worker – A Male Perspective & Experiences on Placement It is undeniable that men hold significant sway over the children they are responsible for, making a substantial impact on their development and well-being. Today, we are here to delve into the topic of men's involvement in the field of social work, specifically focusing on the experiences of male student social workers during their placements. To kickstart our discussion, we have the privilege of hearing from Aleski, who will shed light on the inspiration behind his publication, aptly titled 'Preparing for First Social Work Placement'.   D. Aleski Brandy-Williams is an experienced social work practitioner, guest lecturer, Youth Advocate and author of two books titled ‘My journey to becoming a Black Male Social Worker’ and ‘Preparing for First Social Work Placement’.   There is more about Aleski Brandy-Williams https://brandy-williams.co.uk/home

In this episode, we focus on all things relating to the practicalities of being on a placement. Touching on home visits, the timing of visits, safety, and risk assessments, as well as writing comprehensive case notes, timekeeping, management of tasks and working with multi-agencies.   Our hosts, Colleen Simon and Tienga Ngale are joined by Sophia Onuh and Michelle Boreland. Sophia Onuh is an experienced SW & Lecturer in Social Work @ Yeovil College University Centre, and Michelle Boreland is an experienced SW, MASH DTM & Practice Educator. Aleski Brandy-Williams’ book on “Preparing for First Social Work Placement” as an introductory guide for aspiring social workers in the children and young people service was featured. The book can be found here: https://brandy-williams.co.uk/shop/ols/products/preparing-for-first-social-work-placement

In this episode, Colleen and Tienga are joined by Jenni Guthrie, the person behind the Autistic Social Worker website, to discuss how we apply theories, models, approaches and laws taught in class on placement. What does competence in this domain look like? Can we identify role models to emulate? Join us to discuss these issues and more.  Jenni Guthrie - Autistic/ADHD social worker, writer, researcher and speaker currently working as a Principle Curriculum Lead on a social work Master's programme. Jenni is also the host of www.autisticsocialworker.co.uk

In this episode, we explore the topic of communications on placement. Effective communication is the heart of social work practice but it is far from simple. How do we do it? How may you experience it on placement? Where might the potential difficulties and what can we do to overcome them? Join our hosts, Colleen Simon and Tienga Ngale, and their guests, Nana Yabbey-Hagan (Practice Educator & C&F SW Manager), and Rohima Begum (Apprentice programme Student SW), who will grapple with these questions.

In this episode, we look at race and explore the experience of race and racism in social work placement. Thinking about Cultural Competence and the experience of working with those you share the same culture with: could familiarity help in relationship building or could it be an obstacle? Our guests are: Shantel Thomas is an experienced SW practitioner, Clinical Professional & Course Lead @ Tavistock & Portman NHS Foundation, and founder of the Anti-Racist Movement (A.R.M.) Thedini Liyanage is a 2nd year MSc social work student from Brunel University. Chito Okeke is a 1st year MSc social work student at Brunel University. An interesting read from an article in the Community Care Newsletter suggests that ‘one in 10 social workers encountered racism from workmates at least five times, while almost 20% reported having increased anxiety as a result of their experiences, finds a poll of almost 2,000 practitioners.’ https://www.communitycare.co.uk/2022/03/18/one-third-of-social-workers-faced-racism-from-colleagues-or-managers-in-past-year-finds-survey/

In this episode, we focus on the student social worker and what they may need to make the most of their social work placement. Thinking about factors such as first impressions, values, behaviours, professional boundaries, commitment, dress code, managing expectations in terms of equipment and learning, preparedness, understanding of PCFs, Social Work England Standards and much more. Our hosts Tienga Ngale and Colleen Simon will be joined by two wonderful social workers: Maria Fashakin who is a Liaison and Diversion Practitioner/Mental Health Social Worker/AMHP/DV Ambassador and Harpal Sokhi who is a Newly Qualified Social Worker.