How to Thrive in a New Social Work Team Without Losing Yourself

Vicki Shevlin
Sep 22
2 min read

Starting in a new social work team is a mix of excitement and nerves. Whether you’re joining your very first team as an ASYE or moving to a new local authority, there’s a lot to take in.

First — remember this: you’re new to social work, but you’re not new to life. You bring your own experiences, perspective, and strengths to the table. Fresh eyes are valuable, and your recent training means you’re steeped in the latest research and theory. That matters.

Second — take the time to observe and listen. The first few weeks are a golden opportunity to watch how your team works, notice the energy people bring, and jot down terms, processes, and ideas you want to remember. These observations will help you figure out who you want to learn from and how you want to shape your own practice.

Finally — don’t be afraid to do things differently. It’s easy to slip into the habits of your team, even if they don’t align with the social worker you want to be. If taking a lunch break away from your desk or stepping outside for fresh air is part of your self-care, hold onto it — even if you’re the only one doing it.

Starting in a new team isn’t just about fitting in — it’s about contributing, learning, and protecting the way you want to work so you can stay in this profession for the long haul.

🎧 Listen to the full episode of Social Work Sorted for a practical, confidence-boosting guide to starting in a new team — and protecting your energy along the way.

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