Even though many of our graduates will have progressed in their careers since completing a case study, they are still of interest to students who wish to gain an understanding of the world of work.

To ensure that the support plan is delivered either directly or in partnership with others.
Assessing patient and family's needs and where possible support with the identified needs. This can be accessing financial support, practical support. Supporting with completion of benefit application forms (i.e. Disability Living Allowance).
To advocate the social, emotional, and practical needs of the patient and family.
To support the overall function of the multi-disciplinary team in delivering holistic treatment and care to the patient and family.
Where an issue is identified that is outside the scope of this job (e.g. child safeguarding issue) this would be raised with line manager for discussion with the local authority.
To maintain records of work undertaken in accordance with CLIC Sargent policies, procedures and guidance.
To participate in a personal development plan that develops and maintains paediatric oncology social care skills at the highest levels.

A typical day can involve having contact with various patients and their families either on the phone and face to face on the ward. Providing one to one emotional support with a patient or parent(s) over a hot drink; listening and offering advice with coping strategies where applicable. Advocating on the behalf of patients and parents with the nursing staff and consultants to gain clarity of information for them or arrange conversation to be had to build better relationships. Completing grant applications and DLA forms with families.

Being able to make a real difference. Being part of people's cancer journey and being there encouraging them, through the tears, pain and anguish. Sharing in their joy and laughter. Their deep gratitude and appreciation for the support they receive. Being with them from beginning to the end and seeing their resilience. Working with other charities such as the Ellen MacArthur Cancer trust to build the confidence and self-esteem of patients by taking them sailing for 4 days each year.

The small number who sadly do not make it and die. Providing bereavement support.

I was interested in something different and I had been told about the charity by a friend. I was particularly interested in the emotional support and this area of work seeming that as a worker I would have more direct involvement with the patient and their families. Completely different to what I was having when I worked in the local authority as a child protection social worker.

Social work qualification.
Computer literacy.
Time management.
Organisational skills.

Following my social work qualification, I worked for Derbyshire Local authority in the children and young people's service for a year and half. Then moved to work for CLIC Sargent.

I would like to do further studies and train as a child psychotherapist or cognitive behavioural therapist.

To definitely work in local authority children and young people child protection for at least a year and half as it sets as a platform from which you can launch into different specialisms.

Always happy to talk about my work and share with others to encourage and inspire.