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I am a newly qualified social worker, with my graduation scheduled for November 2023. My journey in the healthcare field spans over 20 years, during which time I have cultivated a diverse background in care settings. My experiences include working in assisted living, end-of-life care (palliative car...More I am a newly qualified social worker, with my graduation scheduled for November 2023. My journey in the healthcare field spans over 20 years, during which time I have cultivated a diverse background in care settings. My experiences include working in assisted living, end-of-life care (palliative care), and supporting adults and children with complex needs across various clinical environments. Driven by my passion for healthcare, I pursued a degree in social work, where I completed two placements and achieved an Upper Second-Class Honours (2:1). During my first placement, I undertook a 70-day role as a Floating Support Worker, assisting adults aged 18 and above. My responsibilities involved providing short-term housing-related support services to residents facing the threat of eviction or homelessness due to complex social and economic challenges. I also assisted individuals with lived experience (PwLE) in managing their debts, including applying for grants to supplement their income. This role required maintaining professional boundaries while building trust with clients. Collaborating with multi-agency teams and local charities across Cheshire and Merseyside, I worked to promote resettlement and tenancy sustainability for residents. I helped manage debt and rent arrears in partnership with organizations such as the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and the Citizens Advice Bureau. My second placement was 100 days with the Local Authority’s Over 65 Team. Here, I maintained a small caseload, closely monitored by my line manager. I conducted assessments, commissioned care packages, and supported adult safeguarding in line with local policies. My caseload included individuals with diverse conditions, including dementia, learning disabilities, and mental health diagnoses. I learned to tailor support to individual needs using a strength-based approach and understanding the Adult Care Act’s framework. This placement allowed me to enhance my professional judgment through evidence-based practice, manage hospital discharge assessments, and partner with multidisciplinary teams. Through shadowing and hands-on experience, I gained insights into social workers' vital role in assessing mental capacity and advocating for PwLE. I understood the principles of the Mental Capacity Act 2005, which always assumes a person's capacity unless otherwise proven. Observing professional practices in hospital discharge assessments highlighted the importance of integrated care and collaboration among health professionals, reinforcing my commitment to holistic and person-centred care. My placements have developed my professional leadership skills and deepened my understanding of healthcare services' multifaceted challenges. By fostering positive change and respecting the views and needs of vulnerable individuals, I have enhanced my communication capabilities, engaging a diverse range of clients through clear and structured interactions. The supportive environment of my placement team further solidified my passion for social work, culminating in an offer to join as a social worker. I am excited to continue positively impacting the lives of those I serve and to contribute to the broader community.