Want to know more about being a Family Support Worker? Ask Carmina!

“This job is financially recognised at Buckinghamshire Council which makes me feel valued and encouraged to continue being part of this team.”

Carmina has worked at the council since 2019, before which, she worked for Action for Children. Her unwavering dedication to supporting families is nothing short of admirable. In a word, her goal is to bring ‘resilience’ to them. We are proud to have someone on the team who is so committed to empowering families across the county. We were thrilled to have a chat with her and find out more!

So Carmina, tell us about your career background.

I have experience working with children with special needs since 1998, starting in Mexico City, then I moved to the UK working as a carer support worker, Nanny and as a Nursery Nurse, doing an NVQ Childcare Certificate. I got a job as a Family Worker with Action for Children, and it led me to be part of Buckinghamshire Council working as a family worker.

Amazing! And how about your current role, can you tell us a bit about that?

I have been part of the Chiltern & South Bucks Team since it was launched in 2019. I have found a very friendly and supportive group of colleagues who are always willing to share their knowledge and support each other throughout the challenges that we face. I have worked with a couple of assistant team managers who have been very supportive during my personal and professional challenges and who appreciated my hard work very much. The role of a Family Worker has given me the opportunity to develop my skills supporting families with children who have additional needs, but I have also learnt a lot around domestic abuse, housing, working with refugees, and I have learnt to know the community that I support and the local resources available for them.

So Carmina, what is your favourite thing about working here?

My favourite thing is the continued learning that is involved in our work with a wide range of responsibilities, the flexibility to arrange our appointments without being micromanaged but being trusted and reliable, knowing that we all work together in the best interests of the children and families that we support.

Tell us one thing that has surprised you about working for the Council.

I was impressed with the involvement from team managers and staff above them as they are aware of the cases we support, and I have found their direct support when needed. The ‘mobile’ workstyle is also a great bonus as it allows me to cover my own childcare needs and to prioritise face to face meetings and visits whilst also benefiting from wider meetings with professionals using online Microsoft Teams.

And one of the council’s biggest aims is to encourage employees to ‘Be the Best You.’ Do you feel we succeed in this?

We have many opportunities to attend training which we put in practice delivering groups, so the job is never boring, and we continue to develop our personal goals. This job is financially recognised at Buckinghamshire Council which makes me feel valued and encouraged to continue being part of this team.

That’s wonderful. And finally, what would you say to someone thinking of applying to work at Buckinghamshire Council?

As a family worker I would say that you need to be passionate about what you do as it is a challenging job, but which has many rewarding aspects. No two days are the same, but you will be given the tools and support to be able to respond confidently in every situation that comes your way.