A SOLIHULL social worker proved she was a cut above the rest when she was handed the silver award at the prestigious Social Worker of the Year Awards.
Ann-Maria Mitchell from Solihull Council was named runner-up in the Newly Qualified Adult Social Worker of the Year for her support of vulnerable adults category at the national awards ceremony which took place in London.
Ann-Maria has completed her assessed and supported year in employment (AYSE) within the council’s adult safeguarding team and was commended for her enthusiasm, confidence and commitment to personal development.
The judges were impressed with her confidence and ability to lead and embrace complex cases so early on in her career.
Ann-Maria said: “I’m amazed and really, really pleased. It’s so nice to be acknowledged in terms of being a practitioner.
“Thank you to the judges and to everyone at Solihull Council.”
Ann-Maria was presented with her award in front of an audience of 350 social workers and representatives of the profession.
The Social Worker of the Year Awards were founded in 2006 by independent practitioner, Beverley Williams, with the aim of improving the understanding and reputation of the profession.
James Rook, Managing Director of headline sponsor Sanctuary Social Care said: “Ann-Maria is clearly very conscientious and the amount she’s taken on so early in her career shows a great amount of confidence and skill.
“Her enthusiasm for the profession is fantastic and she undoubtedly has a very bright future ahead of her.”
