My Legion Life: Petra Soper

Devon County Manager’s Assistant and Welfare Caseworker tells Legion about her work for the RBL

From Legion Autumn 2009

What inspired you to become a Welfare Caseworker?
It was after I’d been working as the County Manager’s Assistant for a couple of months. I realised how much people needed help. As I was already dealing with Caseworkers who needed to obtain all the details for the Welfare Officers to process claims, I thought that it would be nice to go out and see what the Caseworkers do and what they come across.

What’s the best part of your job?
There isn’t anything about my job that I don’t like, because my role is so varied. I answer the phones and deal with clients and Caseworkers on a daily basis, and there are other administrative tasks that I do.

What’s been the biggest challenge?
The biggest challenge is around September, October and November, as we not only deal with clients but also it is Remembrancetide and lots of people call in to get a wreath, so we’re always busy with something.

What’s been the most rewarding moment so far?
There have been quite a few. We’ve had a couple of clients who were in the most difficult situations and us helping them out might have saved their lives – or at least saved them from living on the streets by finding them some accommodation. It is a very good feeling when somebody phones in to say how grateful they are because we changed their life.

What advice would you give to other aspiring
Welfare Caseworkers?
‘Go for it!’ It is such a very rewarding job, because
it’s all about making people realise that the support
they need is available.

Describe yourself in three words…
Enthusiastic, cheerful and supportive.