Inside Look: A Day with a Dudley Lodge Team Case Manager

 

9:00am - Starting the Day with Purpose

Every morning, I start my day with a cup of coffee and review yesterday's daily notes. These notes detail the progress and challenges faced by the families we support. As I read through them, I update the progress summary, carefully categorising the information under the various headings of the Assessment Framework.

While doing this, I mentally compile a to-do list: buy more storage for the bathroom, call the social worker to confirm contact arrangements, monitor a baby's worsening nappy rash, find a buddy for a struggling dad, and ensure staff demonstrate proper sterilising techniques. This preparatory hour sets the tone for the day, reminding me of the diverse needs of the families we support and my significant role in their journey.

10:00am - Communicating with the Guardian

At 10:00 AM, the Guardian calls for an update on a family's situation. The Guardian, who represents the child in court, has a heavy caseload that restricts her ability to see the child frequently. As a result, she relies on our detailed observations and insights. After our conversation, I meticulously document everything in the case discussion, fully aware of how crucial this information is in shaping the child's future.

10:30am - Collaboration and Coordination

My next task involves coordinating with various external agencies. I call Barnardo's to discuss upcoming relationship work with a family then I contact the social worker to confirm contact arrangements, which I write up in the case discussion and update the relevant guidance. This makes sure there is seamless communication and cooperation between every professional, internal and external, making sure we’re all working together.

11:30am - Empowering Parents

Late morning, I visit a parent to discuss targets and provide feedback. There are a lot of concerns, but also some clear strengths in her parenting. Despite any concerns, I always highlight their strengths. Today, I’ve taken direct quotes from staff notes praising her positive parenting moments and written them on a large piece of paper. She hasn’t been told many good things about herself before so when I show her, she’s genuinely surprised that staff have written these nice things about her, and she asks me to put it up on the wall. This small act not only boosts her confidence but also reinforces the authenticity of our concerns and she acknowledges that if the same people who are writing good things are also writing that they’re concerned, then maybe it’s true.

1:00pm - 8-Week Review Meeting

After a quick lunch, I attend an 8-week review meeting for another family. The assessment is going well, and we discuss plans for overnight stays at home. The parent speaks enthusiastically about the skills they’ve gained in our group sessions, and the social worker is amazed by the parent's newfound confidence and willingness to express their views. These moments of transformation are incredibly rewarding and affirm the impact of our work.

2:30pm- Weekly Updates

In the afternoon, I send out a weekly update email to all professionals involved with the family. Keeping everyone informed about the assessment’s progress is crucial for a coordinated approach. These updates ensure that every team member is aware of the latest developments and can provide timely support.

3:00pm - Risk Assessments and Plans

I then focus on updating the family’s risk assessment and assessment plan. This task requires meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that all potential risks are identified and managed appropriately. It’s a crucial part of our work, safeguarding the wellbeing of the parents and their children.

 

4:00pm - Preparing for Supervisions

As the day winds down, I review recent notes from my supervisees in preparation for their supervisions tomorrow. I can see that they’ve been giving detailed feedback and going ‘above and beyond’ in their support for the families they work with.

5:30pm - A Small Act of Kindness

Just as I’m about to head home, I remember I haven’t ordered the extra bathroom storage a parent requested. It may seem like a small detail, but I know how much these little things matter. There’s so much we can’t ‘fix’ for the parents so it’s important to fix what we can. We can’t fix the intimidating court process or that they’re far from home or that they have to be supervised when they go out, but we can fix getting them enough bathroom storage.

   

Reflecting on a Fulfilling Day

As I finally head home, I reflect on the day’s work. Being a Team/Case Manager is challenging, but it's also incredibly fulfilling. Every interaction, every piece of progress, and every small victory reminds me why I love this job. I am part of a compassionate and dedicated team, working together to make a meaningful difference in the lives of families who need it most. And that, to me, is the most rewarding job in the world.