Calling all Social Workers

Thank you!  The only part I'm not looking forward to is going back and digging up the info on every job I've had in the past (I believe that's part of the application process...?).   I can't even remember all of them. 

I am sure I left off some of my old jobs back in the day and kept it more relevant.

if I remember right from doing it last year the form says you have to explain any gaps of more than three months, so leaving things off doesn't really work.  Of course, I couldn't remember all the details of each job--for instance, I couldn't remember the name of a day care centre or my boss that I worked with for four months in college.  I just put down something like children's day care centre work and the city, cannot recall address. 

If you are stressed about any particular detail, I found them to be very helpful in answering questions.  I don't know about the GSCC since I registered with the CCW in Wales to get my GSCC, but they had a helpline and had a person who was specifically responsible for international applicants who was good at answering questions.

I think you are wise to apply from the States.  I waited till I got here and found it difficult to go back and gather the information.  I didn't have references here to recommend me and didn't want to send my paperwork, birth certificate, passport and such back to my old boss in Idaho to verify.  I ended up registering with a social care agency that I didn't really plan on working for just so that they could sign the paperwork for me.  It would have been much easier if I had done it there.

Yeah, I'm trying to get as much of it done and settled States-side as I possibly can.  The first time I did BUNAC, I miraculously managed to get accommodation and a job* squared away before I left the US.  I'm probably foolish to think I can pull it off again (especially the job part), but it never hurts to try.  I know I can get GSCC squared away, so it's nice to be sure on that front.

All of my gaps in employment can be accounted for with school (I hope).  I actually started to compile all my jobs together today, so we'll see how far I can get...

* - It was actually a job interview.  But I did wind up getting the job!

Another question!  I swear, I feel like I'm the only pest around here.    I guess it helps keep the thread alive...

Is TTM recruitment still around in terms of social work in England?  I know someone mentioned them before upthread, but when I did a Google search, I really couldn't find anything on TTM and social work in England.  All I could dig up was TTM Teach (for teachers) and TTM's Ireland-based site.

I'll be honest and say I'm only curious about them because I read they offer relocation packages.  I'm really not expecting to receive a relocation package from anyone, but I figure it doesn't help to explore the options (if relocation packages are still an option at all).  And it's not like I'd turn one away if I did get one!

Any feedback would be much appreciated. 

I think most local authorities offer relocation packages as part of the recruitment process. The recruitment agency is only the broker between them and you. They get a hefty price on your head (more than the package I was offered!) if you go with them.

You don't need to use a recruiter but most local authorities are used to working with agencies because they do all the hard work of finding and matching workers plus processing the paperwork from your end.

There are LOADS of agencies out there. I suggest registering with all of them.

Be sure to get your relocation package offer in writing!!

Thanks for the info, Olive!  You now have me thinking this relocation package deal may be a real possibility after all...

I'm sifting through the Guardian's website.  There's tons of job offers on there, so I'll scroll through just to see what kind of agencies pop up.

Keep asking questions! There are so many different jobs out there and you really can have your choice about what job you want to take... it just might take longer to get something if you are more selective of job and location. But totally worth it!

At this point, the only thing I'm really picky about is location - London!  It was Leeds, but I fell in love with London while doing BUNAC last year and can easily see myself living there.  I would like to work in Southern London, just because that's also where I plan to live (however, I prefer not to live and work in the same borough).  Job-wise, I'd really love to work either with children in some capacity or somewhere in the learning/developmental disabilities sector.  But honestly, I really can't exclude any particular job at the moment.  I'd be lucky to get any job at all!  So I'm open to just about everything right now, even though I'm not actively looking yet. 

Have you considered looking here: http://www.socialworkcareers.co.uk/socialwork/default.asp

Whoa, that is a fantastic site!     That's exactly what I've been looking for.  All the Googling I'm doing, I'm surprised I haven't seen it before (or maybe I have, but just didn't look through it well enough). Thanks a bunch!   

Job-wise, I'd really love to work either with children in some capacity or somewhere in the learning/developmental disabilities sector.  But honestly, I really can't exclude any particular job at the moment.  I'd be lucky to get any job at all!  So I'm open to just about everything right now, even though I'm not actively looking yet. 

You shouldn't have a problem getting a job with children if you are qualified. I work with children with physical and/or learning disabilities and I really enjoy it. I live and work in the same borough and that is fine but I can see why you wouldn't want to live and work in the same borough of you worked in child protection. Occasionally, I run into parents at the supermarket or around town, but not much more than when I am actually working.

It does take awhile so start putting out your feelers now so you don't start to feel desperate later. When do you want to move?

Good to hear there's ample work for those interested in working with children!  The only thing that worries me is seeing that a lot of places want you to have "post-qualifying" experience, which I won't have.     But hopefully they're willing to substitute education/internships for paid work experience.

I plan to move soon after I graduate.  I'll get my MSW next May and then I want to give myself time to prepare for and take the LMSW licensing exam.  So I'm thinking I'd like to go over around August of next year.  The sooner the better!

Good to hear there's ample work for those interested in working with children!  The only thing that worries me is seeing that a lot of places want you to have "post-qualifying" experience, which I won't have.     But hopefully they're willing to substitute education/internships for paid work experience.

Don't let that put you off. There are simply not enough trained social workers as it is.

I suppose beggars can't be choosers (or at least not too choosy)!