American social workers start work in Sussex

A GROUP of social workers from America have been getting to grips with life in England after being drafted in to help fill staffing shortages in the county’s social services department.

The 14-strong group have been taken on for two years by West Sussex County Council, while its training schemes, launched to nurture talent, come to fruition.

Three from that group are destined to work in Worthing.

The group have been in the country for a week, staying near to Chichester.

As well as attending intensive courses on social work in England, they have also been getting used to differences in language and culture as well as undergoing driving lessons as they are required to drive for their job.

Once the training is complete, they will start the role. The others in the group will take up jobs in Horsham and Crawley.

The Worthing-bound trio are Alan Nicholson, Sarah McMurtrie and Rebecca Morris.

Alan, 32, from Louisiana, said: “I came here for cultural involvement and also to understand social work in a broader cultural sense.

“Everybody here in the Chichester area has been absolutely wonderful in helping us and showing us around.”

Sarah, 27, said: “I really love it here so far. I love coming to another country and learning about a new culture and living there.

“I always enjoy it, previously I have worked in Madagascar as a teacher for two years. I have found driving here the most difficult thing to get used to, it’s so different from the US. Also, it’s been a combination of getting used to new things: new rules on the road, new flat new job.”

Rebecca, also 27, said: “I have been really enjoying exploring the area around here and everybody has been so nice. I got into social work so I could be more involved with helping people but not at a distance like a teacher. I wanted to be involved in children’s lives and help them to achieve their dreams and help resolve conflicts and find a long-term solution rather than just sticking plaster solutions.”

Cabinet member for children and families, Pete Bradbury, said the county was one of many which was experiencing a shortage of experienced social workers.

“There is a national shortage of social workers that is creating problems for West Sussex and placing pressure on our existing, highly-valued staff. Several other local authorities have also recruited abroad so this is not unique to West Sussex.

“The Baby Peter tragedy has not only led to a new awareness of child protection issues, but there has also been an increase across the country in referrals that need to be followed up.”