A nostalgic reflection on the importance of teamwork for a novice social worker

This paper reflects the professional and personal experience of a novice social worker and explores the intrinsic value of team support and camaraderie in the progression of early practice. Given the considerable current issues with retention and job satisfaction in the social work profession, it is critical to understand and reflect on what are some of the factors that might enable practitioners to sustain their early careers. This paper explores both the obstacles and opportunities in enhancing teamwork in social work practice, including personal insights and experience underpinned by current literature, and research in this area. Although this is a retrospective analysis of previous experience, the themes emerging resonate with current practice. Themes that will be explored include, relationships, resilience, joint working, team meetings, team dynamics, professional identity, confidence, humour, rituals, debriefing and peer supervision. The author reflects on their initial years of social work practice experience, within a statutory child protection team in Northern Ireland.