Renfrewshire Council

Eirinn Cassidy started working with us as a student social worker in August 2022 before going on to secure a permanent post in May 2023.

To mark World Social Work Day 2025, we caught up with Eirinn to find out what attractedher to social work and how she has been getting on at Renfrewshire Council.

What inspired you to become a social worker?

I've always been an individual with lots of energy and I'm driven by a desire to lend a helping hand. Growing up, I was fortunate to have an incredible social worker by my side. Their support and guidance not only transformed my family's life but also sparked an interest within me. I knew then and there that I wanted to be a change-maker, a person who could offer the same level of compassion and support to others. I thrive on being pushed outside my comfort zone, facing obstacles head-on, and tapping into my full potential. Social work offers me just that—a platform to grow, to learn, and to make a real difference in people's lives.

What attracted you to work for Renfrewshire Council?

I was fortunate enough to join Renfrewshire Council's Children Services for my final university placement. My experience was filled with positivity and support, making it an easy decision to apply for a permanent position when the opportunity arose. Now, as a permanent member of the team, I wake up every morning excited to make a difference in the lives of children and families in our community.

What's your day-to-day like?

My day-to-day life as a social worker is dynamic and often unpredictable, but it revolves around a core set of responsibilities aimed at supporting individuals and families in need. I regularly find myself on a home visit or assessing and planning situations. Additionally, one day every fortnight, I get to be on the duty team, which usually involves crisis intervention and handling child protection concerns or domestic violence situations. Overall, it's a diverse, demanding, and rewarding role that requires compassion, resilience, and a commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of others.

What training and support have your received while working with us?

Throughout my journey from student to social worker, I've had numerous opportunities to expand my professional knowledge through training. As a newly qualified worker, the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) requires a set number of hours within the first year, to be spent on training, which has enabled me to delve into critical topics such as: Raising Awareness of Child Exploitation and Contextual Safeguarding, Attachment, Neuroscience & the Impact of Trauma, and Investigation and Assessment skills in Child Protection. Renfrewshire Council consistently advertises training opportunities that I've enthusiastically embraced, improving my practice every day.

Of course, having a fantastic team and manager who assist me daily (especially when I ask 100 questions per day!) is invaluable. I'm supported through regular supervision meetings, but the support doesn't end there; every member of the team contributes to my growth. Having worked in various workplaces, I can confidently say that being part of the Paisley Area Team has been the best decision I've made.

What has been the best day of work so far?

One of my favourite work memories is when I was asked to attend a young child's Christmas concert at school. Despite his usual too-cool-for-school appearance, he approached me and eagerly invited me to watch him perform. Seeing his transformation on stage, from quiet to enthusiastic, reminded me of the power of support and encouragement. It was a touching reminder of the impact we can have on the lives of the children we support. Moments like these reaffirm the meaningful connections we create and the joy of being part of their journey.

Where do you see yourself in the future?

While there are many avenues to explore, I see myself remaining within an area team. Progression is on the horizon, and I envision looking back on my achievements as a social worker, applying those skills in new roles. In saying this, I am only 26! I've got time on my side to continue growing and evolving.

Why is Social Work important?

For me, social work is about creating positive change and improving wellbeing. I like to believe as social workers we fight against unfair treatment and push for rules and policies that make society fairer and more equal for everyone.

How are you helping to keep The Promise?       

I keep The Promise by listening to both the children and parents I work with, collecting their views and ensuring they are documented and heard. This fosters active participation in decision-making processes where possible. This practice is particularly prevalent during my facilitation of family time, where I strive to ensure that all the care experienced children I work with, are observed to be developing loving and nurturing relationships with their caregivers.

Renfrewshire is working hard to #KeepThePromise to care experienced children, young people and families. We have lots of stories on how our teams are Keeping The Promise in the Staff info section of our website.

Read our most recent article on The Promise reaching its five-year anniversary.

We'd like to thank Eirinn for sharing her experiences and extend that thanks to all our social workers for the valuable job they do.

Published on Tuesday 18 March 2025