Hazel Iwuchukwu

Compassionate and approachable Social Worker currently working within Child Protection at Leeds City Council. I am experienced in managing a high and complex caseload within a fast-paced statutory setting, where no two days are ever the same. My role involves completing assessments, writing reports, making recommendations, and working within statutory timescales whilst ensuring children remain at the centre of all decision-making.

I am passionate about building meaningful relationships with children and families and believe in working alongside families. My practice is rooted in restorative and relationship-based approaches, with a strong focus on empowerment, collaboration, and ensuring the lived experiences and voices of children are heard and understood. Prior to qualifying, I gained valuable experience supporting vulnerable adults within the community as a Mental Health Community Support Worker, where I developed effective communication skills, emotional resilience, and an understanding of holistic, person-centred support.

These experiences have shaped me into a reflective, empathetic, and committed practitioner who is able to work effectively under pressure whilst maintaining compassion and professionalism.

Social Worker – Child Protection Team - Leeds City Council - Leeds

(2024-10)

• Managing a high and complex caseload within a busy Child Protection team, working in a fast-paced environment where priorities can change daily.
• Completing Child and Family Assessments, reports, reviews, and safeguarding interventions within statutory timescales, whilst maintaining accurate and reflective case recordings.
• Building positive and meaningful relationships with children, young people, and families through restorative and relationship-based practice.
• Ensuring children's voices, lived experiences, and wishes and feelings remain central to assessments, planning, and decision-making.
• Working closely alongside families to promote positive change, empowerment, and safer outcomes for children.
• Participating in Child Protection Conferences, Core Groups, strategy discussions, and multi-agency meetings, contributing professional analysis and recommendations.
• Working collaboratively with schools, health professionals, police, and partner agencies to safeguard children and support families effectively.
• Using critical reflection, professional judgement, and management oversight to support decision-making within complex safeguarding situations.
• Supporting a student social worker through shadowing opportunities and reflective discussions around practice.

Mental Health Community Support Worker - Universal Home Support

(2023-01 - 2024-12)

• Provided person-centred support to vulnerable adults within the community experiencing mental health difficulties and additional support needs, supporting adults to maintain independence, wellbeing, and stability within the community.
• Built trusting and professional relationships with service users, promoting independence, wellbeing, and emotional support.
• Supported individuals to access community resources, appointments, and daily living activities.
• Worked collaboratively with professionals and external agencies to ensure holistic support was provided.
• Maintained professional records and contributed to safeguarding and risk management processes where required.

Bachelor of Social Work - Social Work - University of Leeds (2024-06)

GCSE - Maths

GCSE - English A Level - Sociology A Level - Criminology

Diploma - Health and Social Care