1. Where does social work fit into the new world?
There are significant changes in the delivery of adult and children’s social work services, but there will be an ongoing demand for social workers.
Social work is also an international profession, so wherever you go in the world your qualification will help you get entry visas and employment.
2. I want to know more about social work and social care and the job opportunities available
To find out more about social work issues look out for the new Knowledge Hub being launched on MyBASW in Autumn 2011, and for wider social care issues look at the website of the Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE) at www.scie-socialcareonline.org.uk
For information about career opportunities look at the BASW website and you also need a copy of Compass: the complete guide to careers in social work and social care. Copies are available at job fairs, or order your own copy from www.compassjobsfair.com or ring 01892 784804.
You can also get current information about job opportunities from www.socialworkandcare.co.uk and publications like Community Care and Children and Young People Now magazines and Society Guardian.
3. Who can call themselves a social worker?
The title of social worker is restricted to those people who are on the register of social workers held by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) (www.hcpc-uk.org/)* and people can only get on the register if they hold, or are studying for, a recognised social work qualification. All social workers should be registered even if they are no longer working in a job which requires a social work qualification. Everyone who applies for registration has to pay an annual fee and complete an application form.
* Or the Care Council for Wales, the Northern Ireland Social Care Council, the Scottish Social Services Council.
4. How Do I Get A Social Work Qualification?
The current social work qualification that entitles people to register is the social work degree. These are programmes run by universities and colleges and application is made via the University Central Admissions Service (UCAS) (www.ucas.ac.uk). Information about the programmes can be obtained from UCAS or from the GSCC which licenses all the degree programmes.
Most universities in England offer the degree as a three-year full time undergraduate programme, but some also offer a longer part-time programme. For people who are graduates already there are some shorter programmes run as a Masters degree.
5. I got my social work qualification outside the UK, what do I do?
If you already have a social work qualification that you gained outside the UK, contact the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) (www.hcpc-uk.org/) to see how you can be registered to work as a social worker in the UK. This can be a complex and time consuming process, but worth it to use your social work skills as you can then apply for social work jobs. To get employment it is always worth trying to visit local social work agencies, including local authorities, to find out what services they are providing and what jobs are available in your area.
Also come along to BASW meetings and conferences to hear and participate in the current debates.
6. I am still at school, how do I plan ahead?
To get on a social work degree programme you will need GCSE English and Mathematics grade C or above and to meet the requirements of the university which is running the degree programme. The grades or points required by universities for entry vary so check with each university or college through the UCAS website.
As a result of the work of the Social Work reform Board, new regulations will come in from Autumn 2012 entry to social work programmes – so make sure you have the up to date information.
Alternatively, you may find work in a social care organisation first and consider studying for the degree later on. If this is your plan, read on.
7. Can I be employed while studying?
Many students have part-time jobs while studying for degrees at universities. Social work programmes are demanding in time and energy since they involve university based learning and placements. This will restrict your availability for other work. Many social work programmes also have regulations about employment during your period of study; so do check with the university when you are considering applying to them.
Some local authorities have established trainee social work schemes. They are all established to helping people gain experience in social care work, support them through the degree, and often offer employment at the end. Some schemes are geared to graduates, some to existing employees with the organisation, and some to both. These schemes are all different, so shop around.
If you are already employed as a social care employee, talk with your employer about your intentions. There could be all sorts of ways in which they could support you. They might rearrange your hours to give you the time to attend the university, they might give you paid or unpaid study time, they might give you a placement in your work setting or elsewhere in the organisation. Your employer might be keen to keep your expertise in the organisation while you study, even if they cannot offer you a social work post at the end of it. It is definitely worth talking with them about the options.
8. Funding
Students receive a bursary from the Department of Health paid by the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) to cover the university fees and an amount for living costs and a fixed amount towards the costs of travel to and from placement. More information from www.ppa.org.uk/ppa/swb
Also look out for the individual university funding schemes to support a wider range of students being able to attend university. Many of these schemes are particularly helpful to those social work students who have family commitments, or do not have a traditional educational background, or are from families who have not been to university before. Information about these funding streams will be available from the university itself.
If every last pound is an issue – also look in the Charities Digest (available in local libraries) as there are many local and national charities that will give small grants for educational courses. It all helps!
9. Where can I find out more?
www.scie-socialcareonline.org.uk
10. Is it worth it?
We believe that social work will always be a worthwhile and rewarding career. Do come and join us in BASW, to help you make the most of your career.
Published : 24th October 2011
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