Autism social worker struck off for turning up to work drunk
A Moray social worker who worked with young people affected by autism has been struck off after turning up for work drunk.
A Scottish Social Services (SSSC) conduct committee heard Emma Sim turned up for work at the Waulkmill Project in Elgin under the influence of alcohol on September 6 last year.
Ms Sim was then reported by one of her co-workers to a senior colleague and was sent home immediately. Following a suspension on September 7, she decided to resign and has not returned since.
The SSSC hearing found Ms Sim guilty of breaching her employer’s alcohol and substance misuse policy and putting service users in her care at risk of harm.
In their report, the SSSC said: “In presenting herself at work under the influence of alcohol, there was a risk that the registrant was unable to perform her duties to required standards of competence, alertness, vigilance and safety, whilst placing service users, colleagues and others at risk of harm.”
The report went on to explain that merely suspending Ms Sim would have been “inappropriate”, because the lack of acknowledgement of her failings meant that the “behaviour is likely to be repeated.”
The SSSC also raised concerns regarding Ms Sim not expressing any regret or apologising for her behaviour and not co-operating with the their investigation.
It concluded that a removal order was the most appropriate sanction to “ensure the continuing trust and confidence in the social service profession”.
In a statement, Ms Sim’s employer, Scottish Autism, said: “We can confirm that a member of staff involved in our Moray service was suspected of being under the influence of alcohol while on duty on September 6, 2013.
“As part of our robust HR procedures, we progressed with the disciplinary process which included reporting the matter to the SSSC.
“A hearing took place on October 11 which the individual in question did not attend. Since then, the SSSC has concluded that the individual is to be struck off their register.
“Given the nature of the work we do with vulnerable people, we view any breach in staff behavioural standards very seriously.”
The notice of removal by the SSSC comes into effect on November 28.
