Social Worker Shortages

purple12

Have a look at the Code of Ethics produced by BASW (British Association of Social Workers). There is some good stuff on values there.
The GSCC also have a code of practice for social workers but personally I find the BASW one more useful as a document.
One of the more important things to note would be about working within an anti-oppressive framework.

There's lots there but I'd also suggest you have a look at the Community Care website and particularly the forum as there are a few social work students there and people are generally happy to share information about applications etc.

It also covers a lot of the issues that come up in Social Work.
The good thing about a trainee social work post is that you are funded all the way through and would have a guaranteed job at the end of it. Honestly, I think that's worth the pay cut.
(I worked part time while I was doing my MA in Social Work - like someone else mentioned, it meant pretty much working 7 days a week at some points. But in retrospect, it was the best thing I ever did.

I love my job and am very proud to be a social worker (although from time to time i need to remind myself of that!).

tessie_bear

purple can i be nosey and ask if u get a bursary and fees paid for the ma....i dont mean amounts im not quite that nosey just the gist of what u get to live on thank u

purple12

tessie_bear wrote: »

purple can i be nosey and ask if u get a bursary and fees paid for the ma....i dont mean amounts im not quite that nosey just the gist of what u get to live on thank u

Er.. I finished my MA in 2000 so please bear in mind that this information might be outdated!

And yes, I got a bursary and fees paid. My understanding is though that that is still the case for the postgraduate route.

littlestar1981

Well I have applied for the Social Work Trainee job, closing date tomorrow so lets see if anything comes of it. Am also looking at roles like education welfare, support work, child care officer, outreach worker that kind of thing but with the way am being treated at work at the mo my confidence is so battered I am starting to question whether I'd actually be able to do these jobs :-(

tessie_bear

good luck im sure u will be fab ignore anyone negative and focus on what u want to do....let us know how u go

purple12

Yes, good luck littlestar and if there's any additional assistance I can give, I'd be happy to via pm.

daz100

The quickest route would be to apply for the degree course now for a September stat date.

The bursary for the MA is curently around 5k a year and that is for a 2 year full time course (Sep-July) with August to write up assignments, revise etc...

I think someone has mentioned that trainee posts are always oversubscribed - this is not to discourage you in any way but to take a multifaceted approach.

You can also apply for student loans in addition to the bursary if you needed them.

squirrelchops

Hi there,
I am in the second year of the social work degree (undergraduate) and I love it (not always of course) but it really is great. Just coming to the end of first 100day placement so pressure is on to get the written work finished.

I agree with the other replies regarding over subscription of trainee posts. I would suggest you go for it. the MA only takes 2 years and would be the quickest route for you.

Good luck with the trainee post too by the way.

lolababy

I know that if you worked for local authority in the past you could be seconded onto the social work course.

littlestar1981

Hi everyone

Just thought I would add an update... I did apply for the Trainee Social Worker post and have been invited to interview at the end of the month :j

Any advice on questions I may get asked, etiquette, dress.... aside from an interview for an internal promotion I haven't had an interview for 8 years!!