Lauren Conway
Claremont,WA
Summary
As a qualified Social Worker with extensive experience in the UK, I have a strong background in supporting a variety of vulnerable client groups, including refugees, victims of trafficking, victims of domestic violence, and individuals experiencing homelessness. My background in Social Work has equipped me with strong communication skills, allowing me to effectively engage with clients, colleagues, and external agencies. I am dedicated to employing a strengths-based approach to empower clients and facilitate positive outcomes. My commitment to person-centred care ensures that the unique needs and wishes of each client are at the forefront of my practice. With significant experience in handling highly sensitive client information according to data protection legislation, I excel in problem-solving and prioritising workloads to meet diverse needs. My managerial experience has enhanced my ability to lead and support multidisciplinary teams, fostering collaborative and effective practices. Passionate about social justice issues and systems affecting marginalised communities, I am dedicated to developing services that support these communities.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Support Worker
Ruah Community Services
08.2024 - Current
- Deliver trauma-informed support to women and children fleeing family and domestic violence, fostering a safe and nurturing environment while addressing their emotional, practical and psychological needs
- Identify and evaluate potential risks to clients, ensuring the development and implementation of effective safety plans tailored to individual circumstances
- Following safeguarding policies for both adults and children is essential to uphold best practices and organisational standards, ensuring the protection of vulnerable individuals from harm
- Advocate for residents within the refuge, liaising with external agencies and services to ensure access to essential resources and support systems
- Develop and facilitate individual support plans, incorporating clients' goals and needs while promoting their empowerment and autonomy
- Maintain accurate and confidential records, documenting interactions, progress, and any incidents to ensure continuity of care and compliance with safeguarding protocols
Housing Adviser
Leeds City Council
04.2024 - 06.2024
- Managed and took responsibility for a caseload of applicants who were homeless or in housing need, providing tailored advice and support to resolve their housing situations
- Conducted homeless and housing enquiries according to relevant housing legislation
- Identified support needs and made appropriate referrals to assist clients in obtaining or maintaining a tenancy
- Liaised with various partners and organisations, including supported housing and temporary accommodation providers, to support vulnerable clients
- Delivered housing options services both face-to-face and via telephone or email, ensuring excellent customer service
- Provided detailed advice and support to clients to prevent homelessness through negotiation, securing alternative accommodation, or referrals to third-party services
- Collaborated extensively with a range of professionals, including GPs, hospitals, midwives, lawyers, and occupational therapists, to provide holistic support for individuals and families facing complex housing and social challenges
- Carried out assessments and wrote decision letters in accordance with housing law
- Managed and evaluated the impact of the programme to improve delivery and achieve better outcomes for newly recognised refugees
Integration Manager
North of England Refugee Service
07.2022 - 03.2024
- Recruited, led, and developed staff within the project ensuring effective teamwork and high performance in supporting refugee clients
- Acted as the main point of contact for external partners and commissioners, providing tailored support to improve refugees' financial inclusion, housing, employment, and wider integration needs
- Worked with various professionals, including local authorities, NGO's, and other service providers, to address the diverse needs of refugees and enhance their self-sufficiency and integration
- Developed and implemented policies and practices to meet the aims of the integration project, ensuring effective service delivery and continuous improvement
- Managed financial aspects of the programme, including budgeting, financial reporting, and ensuring efficient use of resources
- Solved problems and implemented changes to improve service delivery and achieve strategic objectives, ensuring the best outcomes for clients
- Supported clients in accessing their entitlements as victims of human trafficking and/or modern slavery
- Assisted clients in resolving problems and developing life skills through safety planning, support, information, signposting, and advocacy
- Conducted initial assessments, needs assessments, and risk assessments using a strength-based, person-centred approach to ensure comprehensive and tailored support for clients
- Established and promoted effective working relationships with partner agencies, both statutory and voluntary, to enhance support for clients
- Assisted service users in exiting human trafficking and modern slavery situations safely and positively
- Provided key work support and safety planning for a caseload of women trafficked for sexual exploitation or domestic servitude
- Provided information and advice on issues such as health, housing, counselling, welfare benefits, training, employment, and child protection
- Maintained appropriate records and statistics regarding service users
- Developed specialist knowledge in supporting trafficked women, contributed to research, and provided awareness-raising and advice to external agencies
- Assisted clients with daily living activities, including personal care and medication management, while ensuring their dignity and independence
- Facilitated clients' participation in community activities and medical appointments, promoting social inclusion and well-being
- Conducted comprehensive assessments, including initial, needs, and risk assessments, using a strength-based, person-centred approach
- Documented and reported client progress and incidents accurately, maintaining thorough and confidential records
Ashiana
10.2018 - 07.2022
- Company Overview: Anti-Human Trafficking & Modern Slavery Outreach Worker
- Provided key work support and safety planning for a caseload of women trafficked for sexual exploitation or domestic servitude
- Provided information and advice on issues such as health, housing, counselling, welfare benefits, training, employment, and child protection
- Maintained appropriate records and statistics regarding service users
- Developed specialist knowledge in supporting trafficked women, contributed to research, and provided awareness-raising and advice to external agencies
- Assisted clients with daily living activities, including personal care and medication management, while ensuring their dignity and independence
- Facilitated clients' participation in community activities and medical appointments, promoting social inclusion and well-being
- Anti-Human Trafficking & Modern Slavery Outreach Worker
Ethicare
06.2018 - 10.2018
- Company Overview: Learning Disability Support Worker
- Learning Disability Support Worker
Abigail Housing
06.2016 - 01.2017
- Company Overview: Refugee Settlement Coordinator
- Refugee Settlement Coordinator
Build Skills Academy
05.2015 - 06.2016
- Company Overview: Pastoral & Administrative Support Officer
- Pastoral & Administrative Support Officer
Customer Service Adviser
Hotel Chocolat
10.2012 - 01.2015
- Provided exceptional service to customers, ensuring a welcoming and positive shopping experience
- Listened to and addressed customer feedback, ensuring their concerns were resolved promptly and effectively
- Learned and communicated detailed information about the product range, including the cocoa-growing process, manufacturing, allergens, and sustainability commitments
- Adapted to various tasks, such as supporting with deliveries, managing stock, and maintaining the store's appearance, demonstrating flexibility in a dynamic environment
- Worked closely with the team to ensure the smooth operation of the store, showing adaptability and willingness to assist where needed
Education
Master of Arts - International Relations
University of Leeds
06.2019
Bachelor of Arts - Social Work
University of Leeds
06.2017
A-Levels - Sociology, Psychology, English Language
Queen Mary's Sixth Form College
06.2014
GCSE's - Business Studies
Kennet Academy
06.2012
Skills
- Communication and interpersonal skills
- Time-management and organisation
- Attention to detail
- Active listening
- Cultural sensitivity
- Patience
Voluntary Experience
- National Autistic Society, Volunteered in the befriending and mentoring scheme, assisting individuals with autism in learning new skills and achieving new goals.
- Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital, Volunteered on the dementia ward, collaborating with medical staff to provide additional support and care to patients.
- Longsands Surf School, Served as a volunteer coordinator for a project offering free surfing lessons to young children with social anxiety, enhancing their confidence and social skills.
References
Name: Andrew Walker
Job Title: Team Leader
Email Address: Andrew.Walker@leeds.gov.uk
Organisation: Leeds City Council
Name: Elham Watson
Job Title: North East Area Lead (formerly)
Email Address: elliepersian75@yahoo.com
Organisation: Ashiana (formerly)
Timeline
Support Worker
Ruah Community Services
08.2024 - Current
Housing Adviser
Leeds City Council
04.2024 - 06.2024
Integration Manager
North of England Refugee Service
07.2022 - 03.2024
Ashiana
10.2018 - 07.2022
Ethicare
06.2018 - 10.2018
Abigail Housing
06.2016 - 01.2017
Build Skills Academy
05.2015 - 06.2016
Customer Service Adviser
Hotel Chocolat
10.2012 - 01.2015
Master of Arts - International Relations
University of Leeds
Bachelor of Arts - Social Work
University of Leeds
A-Levels - Sociology, Psychology, English Language
Queen Mary's Sixth Form College
GCSE's - Business Studies
Kennet Academy
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