A Day in the Life of a Foster Care Case Worker.

The below article was kindly written for Be Recruitment Group by one of our long-standing Youth Workers who has transitioned in the last 12 months into a Case Management role within foster care. Thank you for your contribution and the work that you do 🙏

 

My journey to work in case management began with a Social Work degree. I was drawn to social work because I’ve always felt compelled to help others, especially children in vulnerable situations. From an early age, I volunteered at community centres and youth programs, where I witnessed first-hand the transformative power of compassionate support. Over time, I realised I wanted to make a real, lasting difference in the lives of young people. Pursuing a Social Work degree and becoming a member of the AASW felt like a natural step—one that allowed me to combine my passion for advocacy and empathy into a meaningful career.

Before getting into Case Work I started work in disability support after completing my Diploma and later residential support as a Youth Worker.  The hands-on experience I gained there—supporting young people through daily routines, building trust, independent living, and advocating for their rights—helped shape the case worker I am today.

What My Role Involves
My day-to-day responsibilities as a Foster Care Case Worker include providing ongoing support to foster carers, conducting home visits, and working collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams. I ensure that each child in care has access to the resources they need, from educational support to mental health services. One of the most important parts of my role is maintaining strong relationships with both the foster families and the children, ensuring everyone feels heard and supported.

What I Love About My Role
What I find most rewarding is witnessing the resilience of children as they grow in stable, loving environments. Helping foster carers navigate challenging times and celebrating the family’s achievements—no matter how small—brings me immense joy. Every day is different; no two children or foster carers are the same, which keeps my work dynamic and inspiring.

Initial Challenges
When I first started, I found it challenging to balance empathy with professional boundaries. I was eager to help but had to learn when to step back and let foster carers build their own confidence. Time management also took practice—juggling paperwork, reports, and visits can become overwhelming without proper organization and self-care.

Advice to My Younger Self

  1. Pace Yourself: This field can be emotionally demanding. It’s okay to take breaks and seek support from supervisors and peers.
  2. Stay Curious: Keep learning—your degree is only the beginning of a lifelong journey in professional development.
  3. Embrace Compassion: Show empathy but remember to protect your own wellbeing. Self-care isn’t selfish; it’s necessary.
  4. Trust the Process: You’re part of a bigger network committed to improving lives. Change might not happen overnight, but with patience and perseverance, real progress is made.

Working with Foster Care Services has affirmed my passion for social work. I’m grateful to Be Recruitment for placing me in a role that aligns with my professional goals and values, and I can’t wait to see how my career continues to evolve in this meaningful field.

If you are interested in jobs in Case Management, Case Work or Social Work please reach out to the team at Be Recruitment for an informal discussion. [email protected] 

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