A day in the life of Supervising Social Worker Paivi
Unity Foster Care is a fostering team made up of amazing staff, foster carers, and young people.
Ensuring foster carers feel supported in their role is so important to us, which is why all of our foster carers have 24/7 access to a social worker. One of our North East supervising social workers is Paivi.
Read on to find out more about Paivi’s work with Unity Foster Care.
Can you please tell us a bit about yourself?
My name is Paivi, I’m 44 years old, and I’m based in the North East. Born to Finnish parents, I’m originally from Sweden and have been in the UK for 18 years. I have two teenage children, and I’m a Supervising Social Worker for Unity Foster Care.
How did you end up in your current role?
I’m passionate about fostering and enjoy building long-term relationships with carers and the children they look after. I’ve been fortunate enough to experience all areas of children’s services over the last 21 years, and I realised early on that working in the foster care sector is what I’m best at.
Please tell me what your current role involves.
My role is to offer support to foster carers, so they have everything they need to look after the children living with them. It is also my role to supervise carers, to ensure that they meet the needs of the children appropriately and fulfil their duties.
What does a typical day look like for you?
A typical day involves making regular home visits to carers’ homes. I also make calls throughout the day and generally touch base with everyone involved in a child or young person’s life, such as other agencies and professionals.
What’s the most challenging thing about your role?
The most challenging aspect of my role is the fact that the care system is very stretched, and so children sometimes have to wait for support services that they desperately need.
Best thing about your role?
I get to work with some of the most amazing carers and meet some of the most courageous children. I get to follow the journey of both carers and the children in their care. The absolute best part is seeing the positive changes children make and celebrating their achievements.
The positive outcomes for children is what I live and come to work for each day. I have seen many children move on to create positive futures for themselves, attending university and building positive, lasting relationships with foster carers. The young people often keep in touch and remain part of the fostering family, even after they have moved on.
Any advice for someone considering fostering?
Fostering can be challenging but rewarding. It’s important to do research and ask as many questions as possible, so you’re able to make an informed decision. It is important to understand that children who have experienced trauma will require a different response, in terms of parenting, than birth children. Carers will be supported throughout their time in fostering by their supervising social worker and the rest of the agency staff.
Fostering isn’t just about serious issues, we also have lots of fun arranging activities and days out for carers and children. We also celebrate achievements regularly.
What do you get up to in your spare time?
I enjoy reading, holidays to sunnier and warmer climates, meeting up with friends and spending time with my children. Most of my time outside of work is taken up by swimming as both my children swim.
Anything else to add?
I love what I do!
Could you make a difference to the lives of children and young people in your area?
Our friendly team are on hand to answer any questions you may have. To make a start on your application, call us on 0333 772 2333 or contact us online and we’ll be in touch.
To find out more about fostering and if it’s for you, read ‘five reasons to explore fostering in 2024’.