London Council Recruits Social Workers From Los Angeles

The graduates from the University of Southern California, which is based in the heart of Los Angeles, will be practising in the Housing and Community Care Department.

Two will work in Brent Mental Health Services; two in Older People Services; one in Physical Disability and the other in Learning Disability Services. All have graduated from the Master in Social Work programme at the university, which has been ranked in the top 10 of MA social work courses in the United States, and are working towards a further postgraduate certificate in International Social Work.

Councillor Reg Colwill, Lead Member for Adults, Health and Social Care, said: “Social work is a fascinating and challenging career, and they are joining at an exciting time for social care in Brent as we begin to change how services are delivered. It will help to strengthen our department and bring a new perspective to social work in Brent to have graduates from such a reputable university. I am sure they will find Brent a rewarding place to work and begin their careers.”

Brent Council estimates that this new partnership with the University of Southern California will provide significant savings compared to hiring agency staff over the same period.

The Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) rated Brent Council’s Adult and Social Care department as ‘good’ and maintained its two-star rating last year after an assessment. CSCI inspectors found the department had shown improvement in key areas since an assessment in 2005.