Maira Farooq

Newly qualified Social Worker graduating with a BSc (Hons) Social Work with Upper Second Class Honours. I have completed a 100-day statutory placement within Hillingdon Council Adult Social Care, developing experience in Care Act Assessments, Mental Capacity Assessments, safeguarding, reviews, referrals and multi-agency working. I use person-centred, strengths-based and anti-oppressive approaches and aim to ensure that the person's voice, wishes and desired outcomes remain central to practice.

I am seeking an ASYE opportunity where I can continue developing my professional practice while making a positive contribution to adults, carers and families.

Student Social Worker at Hillingdon Council, Adult Social Care

Final Statutory Placement | 100-day placement

• Undertook Care Act Assessments to identify adults' care and support needs, strengths, desired outcomes and available support.
• Completed Mental Capacity Assessments relating to care and support needs, finances and tenancy matters, applying the principles of the Mental Capacity Act 2005.
• Contributed to safeguarding work by identifying concerns, gathering information and working with relevant professionals to support appropriate responses.
• Completed and contributed to reablement reviews, long-term support reviews and care planning, considering the least restrictive and most appropriate options.
• Made and followed up referrals to services including Occupational Therapy and reablement, supporting adults to access appropriate services and equipment.
• Worked collaboratively with GPs, brokerage, financial assessment teams, care providers, reablement services and other professionals.
• Developed professional reasoning and decision-making skills while keeping the person's voice, wishes and desired outcomes central to assessment and planning.
• Adapted communication to individual needs, including arranging and working with BSL interpreters where required.
• Shadowed SPA, MASH and PFA/transition services to broaden understanding of adult social care pathways and multidisciplinary practice.
• Maintained professional records and case notes and developed an understanding of confidentiality, professional accountability and information sharing.
• Applied the Care Act 2014, Mental Capacity Act 2005, Human Rights Act 1998 and Equality Act 2010 alongside person-centred, strengths-based and anti-oppressive approaches.

Student Social Worker at Marshill Care

Social Work Placement | 70-day placement

• Supported young people with wellbeing, education, safety and personal development through direct work and collaborative support.
• Completed and updated risk assessments and support plans in collaboration with support workers.
• Worked one-to-one with young people, including supporting completion of Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaires (SDQs).
• Participated in CLA, PEP and Key Work meetings alongside social workers and support staff, contributing to discussions around education, emotional wellbeing and aspirations.
• Developed professional relationships with young people through informal sessions exploring interests, aspirations and challenges.
• Developed knowledge of safeguarding, data protection, lone working and modern slavery policies and delivered a staff presentation on data protection.
• Participated in supervision and team meetings, using feedback to reflect on and develop professional practice.

Sales Assistant at WHSmith (2023-12 – 2024-08)

• Provide customer-focused support by listening to needs, answering queries and offering appropriate information and recommendations.
• Process transactions accurately, maintain organised stock and work efficiently within a busy retail environment.
• Use strong communication, patience and professionalism when supporting customers and resolving issues.

Customer Service Advisor at Bucks Trade Centre (2021-04 – 2022-04)

• Handled a high volume of inbound calls, responding to customer enquiries, resolving issues and directing queries appropriately.
• Managed complaints professionally and developed patience, active listening and problem-solving skills when dealing with challenging situations.
• Communicated clearly with customers and colleagues to provide an effective and respectful service.

BSc (Hons) in Social Work – University of Hertfordshire A Levels in Sociology, Philosophy & Ethics, Business – The Misbourne School, Great Missenden

GCSEs in English Language (6), English Literature (6), Maths (4), Combined Science (5-5), Religious Studies (5), Citizenship Studies (5) – Eden Girls' School, Slough