Jessica Viegas

Motivated and compassionate Social Work student completing a BA (Hons) in Social Work, with diverse placement experience across children's services, adults social care, disability support, and housing services. My final placement within the Permanency Team at Cornwall Council confirmed my passion for supporting children in foster care and promoting placement stability. Alongside my studies, I have worked in support and healthcare roles, including supporting individuals with acquired brain injuries.

I bring strong safeguarding awareness, trauma-informed practice, analytical report writing skills, and over seven years of professional administrative experience ensuring high standards of documentation and compliance.

Support Worker at Steps Ahead Support (2024-11 – Present)

• Supporting individuals with acquired brain injuries.
• Providing person-centred support to promote independence and wellbeing.
• Managing complex behaviours linked to trauma and neurological conditions.
• Conducting risk assessments and following safeguarding procedures.
• Maintaining detailed, accurate records.
• Supporting individuals during crisis and emotional distress.
• Working collaboratively with multidisciplinary professionals.

Receptionist at Elm Surgery (2021-01 – 2021-12)

• Managing confidential patient records (EMIS).
• Handling sensitive and complex enquiries.
• Supporting vulnerable individuals with empathy and professionalism.
• Maintaining GDPR compliance.

Area Administrator at Amey Defence Services (2018-01 – 2018-12)

• Producing detailed compliance reports.
• Managing internal systems and documentation.
• Supporting senior management.
• Ensuring accuracy in record keeping.

Social Work Student – Permanency Team at Cornwall Council (2023-09 – 2024-12)

100 Days placement

• Supported care planning for children in long-term foster placements.
• Contributed to Special Guardianship Order (SGO) assessments.
• Attended statutory reviews and multi-agency meetings.
• Engaged with foster carers and children to gather assessment information.
• Applied safeguarding frameworks and Children Act legislation.
• Observed the importance of placement stability and carer resilience.
• Developed analytical report writing and professional recording skills.

Social Work Student – Housing Support at BCHA Housing Support (Bournemouth Churches Housing Association) (2023-09 – 2024-12)

70 Days placement. Supporting vulnerable adults experiencing housing instability.

• Supported individuals experiencing homelessness and housing vulnerability.
• Conducted needs-led assessments.
• Supported individuals to access services including mental health and substance misuse support.
• Applied strengths-based and anti-oppressive approaches.
• Managed risk and safeguarding concerns appropriately.
• Worked collaboratively with external agencies and housing providers.

Social Work Student – Day Care Centre (Adults with Disabilities) at Day Care Centre (2023-09 – 2024-12)

30 Days placement.

• Supported adults with learning and physical disabilities.
• Promoted independence, dignity, and inclusion.
• Assisted with care planning and activity engagement.
• Applied person-centred approaches.
• Worked within safeguarding procedures.
• Observed multidisciplinary collaboration.

Social Work Observation – Adults Social Care Team at Cornwall Council (2023-09 – 2023-09)

1 Week observation.

• Observed statutory adult safeguarding processes.
• Gained insight into Care Act 2014 responsibilities.
• Attended assessments and strategy discussions.
• Developed understanding of threshold decision-making.

BA (Hons) in Social Work – University of Plymouth (2023-09 – 2026-06)

NVQ Level 2, 3, 4 and 5 in Business Administration – Achievement Training

NVQ Level 2 & 3 in Public Services – Plymouth City College

GCSEs – Notre Dame Roman Catholic School