Hi

I wish my school would help me!  But no, they are of no help in this area.  The only person that has given me some advice and knows the situation I will stepping into is one of my professors.  He has a cousin in Leeds that is a social worker.  He also helped other students work in England through recruitment agenices and BUNAC.  So, I usually go to him for questions.  The whole thing about waiting to get a job when I am over there scares me because then I only have a little time to get a flat, so I can't be as picky as I usually am.  But, it'll all work out.  I'm just excited that my field of work is needed over there and that I get to have the opportunity to work overseas; I am so grateful.

I definitely know what you mean about being scared to wait to get a job...normally I have to have every detail taken care of before I travel or do anything new like this.  It's just hard to do that in this situation.  You're lucky your area of expertise is in higher demand.  I have yet to find out if my school will turn out to be as much of a help as I think it will be.  I can't wait to get it all figured out!  It's still a little early for me though.

AmericanFox - what agency are you using? I am also a social worker; we are moving for my husband to go to school but I will need to work also. I have looked at several agency websites but I don't know anyone who has done this and it is hard to tell what agencies are reputable. I would love to here more about your experiences/preparation. (did you have to get your degree verified through GSCC, what area are you planning to work in, what salary range, how long is it taking to get everything set up, is the agency helping you with housing, I saw that some agencies negotiated relocation packages for you - is yours?) lots more questions but I'll give it a rest
belle

I don't mind the questions.  Feel free to ask as many as you want.  This is something that I have been researching for almost 2 years!  Wow.  Anyways, I am going through Uk Pro.  www.uk-pro.net  The reason why is because they have a director that works out of an office in Georgia and she went over to work in London after receiving her MSW and knows how crazy and confusing it all is.  The other recruitment agencies don't really seem to have a degree in the field or are as hands on as she is.  The first thing she had me do was call her or have her call me (so as not to charge me for long distance) and speak with me personally to see what my individual situation is.  They do not give any type of packages, but it is more about service.  As soon as you get there someone is supposed to work with you and help you get settled.  Some girls at my school used LQSW (which is now called Elite Social Workers) but their company was alleged 'double-dipping' and taking money from the workers.  (which is illegal, so I've been told)  Also, they weren't as helpful.  Most recruitment agencies gear towards people from Australia, New Zealand, Canada, South Africa (Commonwealth countries).  This is the only agency that I have come across that gears towards Americans.  I sent my application out a couple of days ago for the GSCC verification.  What a pain in the you know what that application is!  Anyways, give yourself 6 months when you send that in.  Your verification letter could come back sooner, but be on the safe side because they are notoriously slow.  Uk-Pro told me I would earn something around 18 pounds an hour starting out (with my masters).  I think it is a little lower for bachelors, maybe 15 pounds.  Of course, this is talking London, but I think the salary range isn't too far off that amount in other cities. 

Hi- I'm a social worker as well moving to the UK soon......I would be interested in chatting with other social workers to gain ideas, insight, etc.  Do you have any interest in chatting on a separate thread?

Sounds good.  I love talking to other social workers about this!  It helps ease the tension, you know?  Maybe the Chit Chat section or the job section?

I'll start a thread in the jobs section- looking forward to chatting with you!
Patti