Calling all Social Workers

An update for everyone who answered my questions on the CRB mine came back.  Mine came back fine. 

Also we just hired a new social worker who worked in the US.  Not sure yet if she is American or if she just worked there for awhile. 

I got my starting date today!

I will start with Brent on Jan 16th.  I will be arriving in London on the 8th.  Is anyone else coming in January?

I'm getting nervous now 

Yeah, Joshua, there are twelve of us coming over on the 1oth to start with Merton on the 16th. Beware the invasion...(laughs wickedly)

Hey everyone. 

Quick question - can anyone give a rundown of what a typical interview with one (or any) of these agencies is like?  I'm still working on my SW degree, but my nerves are already shot just thinking about what an interview with a UK SW agency may entail.   

gyladene, it is not much different than a SW interview in the US. You may have to write a brief case report. It REALLY helps if you know UK terminology and legislation. Most employers hiring international workers know there will be some catch up time so no worries to know everything, but it does impress them. Back to the interview they may ask things like your experiences, how would you handle a case etc. Nothing really struck me as extraordinary.

Good luck!

Congrats Joshua! Good luck getting all sorted when you first arrive. Good thoughts to you. I highly advise several days spent getting your life sorted before starting work. It's that whole heirarchy of needs theory! You will be surprised how much you can accomplish in a week.

smcjbc, I've passed through Croydon town multiple times on my IKEA trips. It is HUGE!!! Tall buildings, shopping areas and great transportation links. Do you know where your office will be and where you will be looking to live?

Thanks so much for the tips!     Now I can rest (somewhat) easy.

Off the top of your head, can you think of any good sites where I can get an early start on reading up on UK legislation?  If not, that's fine.  Google is a friend of mine.   

Gyladene,

Here are the links my recruiter sent me prior to my interview.

www.basw.co.uk

http://www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts1989/Ukpga_19890041_en_1.htm

http://www.dfes.gov.uk/publications/childrenactreport/

http://www.everychildmatters.gov.uk/

You should go to the GSCC website and start working on the application, as well. As those of us who have been through the process can attest to, it's a b**ch of a document and any prep work done will make the process easier.

Good luck!

paula is right on with the links.

absolutely know every child matters since that is a HUGE thing in the UK at the moment.

best wishes

there are twelve of us coming over on the 1oth to start with Merton on the 16th. Beware the invasion...(laughs wickedly)

Just curious... Why are there so many American social workers coming over here?
Is there a problem with the ones we've got? 

No, there just aren't enough of them.

I see!  Thanks...

Do you American social workers receive/ anticipate any problems from your clients, just because you're not British?

Do you American social workers receive/ anticipate any problems from your clients, just because you're not British?

I am curious about this too! I've always wondered is there is any resentment factor. Like who do you think you are coming to MY country telling ME what to do and how to do it.

I am curious about this too! I've always wondered is there is any resentment factor. Like who do you think you are coming to MY country telling ME what to do and how to do it.

Exactly what i was thinking, and after living here for 20 years... exactly what i would expect from a lot of people.   Sadly. 

I haven't come across this yet.  Most people (outside of London) loved that I was American or didn't really think anything of it.  If they are going to resent you, they are going to resent you because you are a social worker in their lives, not because you are an American social worker in their lives.  There are so many social workers from around the world working in the UK these days so families are used to sometimes having an non-UK social worker. 

Thanks for clearing that up!