Calling all Social Workers

I'm an American social worker wanting to moving overseas in a couple of years.  At the moment I'm looking into loan repayment programs in the States where the government will repay student loans if a person works in a certain area for a specified amount of time.  Does anyone know if there is a program like this in the UK and, if so, would this benefit non-citizens?

Thanks

You should look at the hospitals also in the UK they are crying out for social workers, and most children and family teams seem to be the same, you now need a social work degree, but it is amazing how many social workers do not have them, my wife is in the process of studying to go to Uni for her degree.

Good luck.

you now need a social work degree, but it is amazing how many social workers do not have them,

Then these people should not be called 'social workers' and are usually named social work assistants or the like.

As I said on your last post shudarsana, I haven't heard of any loan repayment schemes in the UK. The only schemes I have heard are local councils who sponsor unqualified employees to go through the programme and these are highly competitive.

Lots of councils offer relocation packages which you could always put towards your loans or  do like many of us and use the exchange rate in your favour!

Sorry if someone's asked this already- It's my understanding that the bulk of the jobs are children and families oriented, many in child protection.  I'm wondering how many are available in pallative care and hospice, plus where these jobs tend to be located.
Any info would be appreciated.  Thanks.

my bad, a couple of posts above say hospital social workers are needed, but i'm still curious about hospice.

Unfortunately, I think the difficulty you will have is securing a work permit (if that is your intention) from a hospice as many are private or charity run. Some local councils even find it challenging to hire international workers.

Social workers are need in all fields but obviously there are more in child protection due to demand. I held out and I got the job I wanted it disability. It wasn't easy and I nearly gave in to CP but it worked out in the end. Most of the social workers I've met in hospitals or hospices have UK  and palliative care experience and in the case of hospices, social workers can earn less so that is something else to consider.

My advice is start putting yourself out there. Do you know what area you want to live? Start researching what is available. Are you wanting to work with adults or children? That will make a difference too.

Unfortunately, I think the difficulty you will have is securing a work permit (if that is your intention) from a hospice as many are private or charity run. Some local councils even find it challenging to hire international workers.

Social workers are need in all fields but obviously there are more in child protection due to demand. I held out and I got the job I wanted it disability. It wasn't easy and I nearly gave in to CP but it worked out in the end. Most of the social workers I've met in hospitals or hospices have UK  and palliative care experience and in the case of hospices, social workers can earn less so that is something else to consider.

My advice is start putting yourself out there. Do you know what area you want to live? Start researching what is available. Are you wanting to work with adults or children? That will make a difference too.

Olive, I totally agree.

Here's some links to get you started:

http://www.socialworkandcare.co.uk/socialwork/
http://www.prospects.ac.uk/cms/ShowPage/Home_page/Explore_types_of_jobs/Types_of_Job/p!eipaL?grpno=B4&state=showgrp
http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Home/Default.aspx

Hi everyone,

This is my first post on the boards. I just moved to Canterbury about two weeks ago to work for the Kent County Council as a Social Worker. I am looking for an American LCSW who may be willing to provide LCSW Supervision. Any referrals or advice would be apprecaited.

Thanks so much and this board has been very helpful in my move.

Liz

Hi Liz,

I take it you work at Brook House.  Welcome and maybe we will bump into each other some time.  Gook luck and hope you enjoy living over here.

Moi -

Hi everyone,

This is my first post on the boards. I just moved to Canterbury about two weeks ago to work for the Kent County Council as a Social Worker. I am looking for an American LCSW who may be willing to provide LCSW Supervision. Any referrals or advice would be apprecaited.

Thanks so much and this board has been very helpful in my move.

Liz

PM Kerry H... she supervises ASWs. You can find her on the last page.

Hi Liz,

I take it you work at Brook House.  Welcome and maybe we will bump into each other some time.  Gook luck and hope you enjoy living over here.

Moi -

How do you guys like working in Kent?

PM Kerry H... she supervises ASWs. You can find her on the last page.

hey thanks olive....but i'm headed off for france again soon. i actually recommended liz post on here seeing if anyone else might be able to supervise her. thanks for the recommendation though!!!!

hey thanks olive....but i'm headed off for france again soon. i actually recommended liz post on here seeing if anyone else might be able to supervise her. thanks for the recommendation though!!!!

Hi Beatlescowgirl,

Kent is one of the largest counties and has a lot to offer.  It really depends upon what area you live in.  Kent is from Dover to near London.  I live in Canterbury which is a bit inland from the Thames estuary.  If you are planning to work in Kent your experience will be dependant upon which District you work in as they can very greatly to pressures and demands.  Kent has a lot to offer. 

How do you guys like working in Kent?

Hi Beatlescowgirl,

Kent is one of the largest counties and has a lot to offer.  It really depends upon what area you live in.  Kent is from Dover to near London.  I live in Canterbury which is a bit inland from the Thames estuary.  If you are planning to work in Kent your experience will be dependant upon which District you work in as they can very greatly to pressures and demands.  Kent has a lot to offer. 

I was just curious   I'm working for a London borough, and will probably be applying for a permanent position there, but get curious about what other areas people are working