Social workers are screen stars in recruitment drive

SOCIAL workers have turned video stars to try to get some new recruits to join their overstretched teams.

Four workers have been recorded for a special promotional video for Neath Port Talbot Council’s website.

In February the authority revealed it was going to take on 40 extra staff following an unprecedented increase in looked-after youngsters — which was higher than the Welsh average with no sign of slowing.

Julie Wood, Kirsty Waters, Gaynor Jones and Emma Discombe belong to various children’s social work teams within the council.

“They volunteered to be featured in a series of video clips as part of a current recruitment drive for the service,” said a Neath Port Talbot Council spokesman.

“In the videos, the four speak about their jobs and how they came into social work, give an insight into what they might do on a typical day and share their thoughts on what qualities you need be a social worker in Neath Port Talbot.

“The videos are an important part of the council’s social work recruitment website under the heading of Safer Brighter Futures. The site is being used to recruit for a number of new children’s social work posts and the videos are proving to be a draw.”

As of February there were 448 children being looked after by the local authority, compared to 399 the year before, putting pressure not just on staff but also on the council budget.

An initial nine staff were taken on earlier this year, with the authority looking to recruit a further 31.

Interim head of children and young people services Karen Jones said: “We are looking for talented and experienced social workers to fill a number of new posts in the authority.

“We want to be able to let potential candidates know more about social work in Neath Port Talbot. The best people to help us achieve this are real social workers who know exactly what the job entails.”