This podcast is designed for experienced child and family social workers who are considering a career transition, whether you’re looking to move up the ladder or explore opportunities beyond statutory social work. Join me as we delve into insightful discussions, expert interviews, and practical advice to help you navigate your next career move with confidence and clarity. Stay tuned for more updates and be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss an episode. Let’s make your career pivot a success!
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From Frontline Social Work to Full-Time Life Coach: Ellie Iovine’s Journey of Career Change and Growth
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43:23Send us a text Today, I’m joined by Ellie Iovine, a former child protection social worker turned full-time life coach. Ellie spent 10 years in frontline safeguarding, working with children and families in crisis. She remained committed to direct client work, serving as an advanced practitioner for three years, but never felt drawn to management—she…
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Is Statutory Social Work a Lifelong Career? Why It’s Time to Take Charge of Your Career Path
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18:21Send us a text Is statutory social work really a lifelong career—or just one part of your journey? In this inspiring episode, we explore why many child and family social workers are leaving the profession earlier than expected. We unpack the impact of burnout, health issues, time and financial pressures—and why simply training more social workers w…
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Interview with Carrissa Kai: From Social Work to Trauma-Informed Health Coaching
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50:31Send us a text In this episode of The Social Work Pivot Podcast, I speak with Carrissa Kai, a former social worker turned Trauma-Informed Body Transformation Coach. Carrissa shares how her experience with burnout, mental health struggles, and obesity led her to create Keep Me Curvy, where she helps high-achieving women break free from emotional eat…
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Coaching for Social Workers: Advancing Your Career with Valeria Kadelski
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54:18Send us a text In this episode of The Social Work Pivot Podcast, I’m joined by Valeria Kadelski (Val), an ICF-certified coach, who helps professionals navigate career transitions with clarity and confidence. Originally from Italy and now based in Denmark, Val specialises in supporting millennial expats in building fulfilling, purpose-driven careers…
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Career Pivot 1 - Finding a Sustainable Path in Statutory Social Work Roles
23:42
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23:42Send us a text Are you feeling burnt out in statutory child and family social work but don’t want to leave social work altogether? You’re not alone. Many social workers reach a point where the long hours, high caseloads, and emotional strain become overwhelming—but that doesn’t mean you have to give up on the profession you love. In this episode, w…
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Why Social Workers Should Volunteer – A Key to Your Career Growth
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14:28Send us a text In this episode of The Social Work Pivot Podcast, we explore why volunteering can be a game-changer for social workers looking to expand their skills, build networks, and even pivot their careers. Many social workers underestimate the value of trusteeship and volunteering, yet these roles provide opportunities to gain governance expe…
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Making the Transition – Balancing Statutory and Independent Social Work with Sarah Cairns
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43:36Send us a text In this episode of The Social Work Pivot Podcast, I’m joined by Sarah Cairns, a trauma-informed social worker with over a decade of experience across child protection, fostering and adoption, court work, and residential care in Scotland and England. Now balancing independent social work alongside a statutory role, Sarah shares her jo…
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Safeguarding Through Stories: Victoria Adepoju’s Journey to Becoming a Children’s Author
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32:45Send us a text In this episode of The Social Work Pivot Podcast, I sit down with Victoria Adepoju, a social worker, safeguarding trainer, and children's author based in London. Victoria shares her journey from working in child protection to becoming an advocate for children's safety through literature. Her experiences led her to write No More Secre…
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Social Work and Beyond: Taking Bold Leaps with Peter Buturo
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40:18Send us a text In this episode of The Social Work Pivot Podcast, I sit down with Peter Buturo, founder of Bold Leap and author of Social Work and Beyond. With years of extensive and direct experience with children in care, Peter’s passionate nature speaks for itself. His own adolescence mirrored that of many children in care, and his caring and hel…
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Coaching Your Way to a Career Pivot: Tools, Questions & Insights for Social Workers
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24:19Send us a text Thinking about a career pivot but unsure where to start? In this solo episode of The Social Work Pivot Podcast, Janet explores how coaching can help social workers gain clarity, make confident career decisions, and take action toward new opportunities. Drawing from her own experiences with coaching, Janet breaks down the difference b…
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From Social Work to Systemic Psychotherapy: Rougi’s Journey to Family Therapy in CAMHS
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33:12Send us a text Podcast Introduction:Rougi started her journey in social work through the Frontline programme, where she honed her skills and passion for supporting families. But Rougi’s story doesn’t stop there. She’s now on an exciting path to becoming a Systemic Psychotherapist and currently works as a Family Therapist within CAMHS (Child and Ado…
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The Path to Leadership: Angie Bartoli on Her Research into Becoming a Social Work Manager
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44:00Send us a text Episode Description: In this inspiring episode of The Social Work Pivot Podcast, Janet sits down with Angie Bartoli, an accomplished social worker, academic, and author of Becoming a Social Work Manager. Drawing on her extensive career and doctoral research, Angie shares valuable insights into the transition from practitioner to mana…
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Nailing Your Next Job Interview: Tips for Social Workers
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24:49Send us a text In this episode of The Social Work Pivot Podcast, we explore practical strategies to help social workers succeed in job interviews. If you're aiming for a role in statutory services, this episode covers the essentials to ensure you present your skills, communicate your experience, and emphasise your values confidently. Learn what to …
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From Social Worker to Entrepreneur: Priya’s Journey of Growth and New Beginnings in Abu Dhabi
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50:17Send us a text In this episode of The Social Work Pivot Podcast, we welcome Priya, a seasoned social worker with extensive experience in child and family services across multiple countries. After moving with her family to Abu Dhabi, Priya returned recently to the UAE and has launched her own safeguarding company in the field. She takes us through t…
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Flexible Working - The Key to Unlocking Your Career Pivot
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18:41Send us a text In this solo episode of The Social Work Pivot Podcast, we explore how flexible working can be the key to unlocking your next career pivot. Whether you're looking to shift into a new area of social work, transition to independent practice, or explore roles outside of statutory services, embracing flexibility in your work life can prov…
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Navigating Social Work in Australia: Connor’s Career Journey Across Continents
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31:42Send us a text On this episode of The Social Work Pivot, I’m joined by Connor Appleton, a UK-trained child and family social worker who made the bold move to permanently relocate to Australia in 2022. Connor shares his first-hand experience of the culture shock that came with living and working in a new country, as well as the unique challenges and…
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From Statutory Social Work to Independent Practice: Laura Taylor’s Journey
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34:23Send us a text On this episode of The Social Work Pivot, I’m thrilled to welcome Laura Taylor, Independent Social Worker and Therapeutic Parenting Coach. With over 15 years of experience in child and family social work, much of Laura’s career has been dedicated to working with children in care and supporting foster carers. She is passionate about t…
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From Social Work to Occupational Therapy: Karlene’s Journey and the Power of Career Planning
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32:47Send us a text In this episode of The Social Work Pivot, I sit down with Karlene Ruddock, a qualified social worker who began her career in children’s services, working in safeguarding before transitioning to adults. She moved from permanent to locum work along the way and is now training to become an occupational therapist. Karlene’s story is one …
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Building a Global Social Work Practice: Pilar's Career Pivot into Independent Practice with Spanish-Speaking Families
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35:29Send us a text I had a great time talking with Pilar Cubelos in this episode! Pilar is a qualified social worker who entered the profession after a successful career in stone masonry. After gaining experience in statutory child and family social work, she pivoted into independent practice during the COVID pandemic. What's truly remarkable about Pil…
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Send us a text Welcome to the inaugural episode of The Social Work Pivot! In this episode, we explore the concept of career pivots, specifically tailored for experienced child and family social workers looking to make a strategic career change. Whether you’re contemplating a move up the professional ladder or considering stepping away from statutor…
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Rethinking Roles: Embracing an Entrepreneurial Mindset
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19:56Send us a text Welcome to the next episode of The Social Work Pivot! In this episode, we explore the concept of career pivots, specifically tailored for experienced child and family social workers looking to make a strategic career change. Whether you’re contemplating a move up the professional ladder or considering stepping away from statutory soc…
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Send us a text Tune in to this trailer to find out everything you can expect from the podcast! Sign up for our newsletter Beyond the Caseload for more success stories, insights and resources to guide and inspire you in your career pivot: www.thesocialworkpivot.comBy Janet Ayoola
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