Calling all Social Workers

Sorry, I don't live near Gatwick. 

Hi! You won't believe how helpful this thread has been for me! I am graduating with a MSW degree in May after completing a BSW degree last year. Phew! Can't wait to be done!

I am seriously looking into beginning my career in England (somewhere near or in London hopefully!). Even though, my graduate degree has an emphasis on school social work, I feel that child protections work is like a rite of passage and foundation knowledge for social work. As scary as all of it is to me, I am extremely motivated to experience culture and the profession outside of the U.S. I will regret it if I wimp out and don't follow through.

I have been in contact with UK Pro and Reeds Global, giving them the timeline that I would like to get out there Sept/Oct. I have read your posts and UK Pro seems to be not as popular, but good things about Reeds?

The social workers who are currently in England, where are you guys working and living?

Gyladene, i have seen that you have  been having a long journey to make it to your dream to work in England. I am curious to know your status! I hope you are getting closer or already there!

Well, I am excited to have begun the process! Thank you for your help!

One quick question..

Is there any risk in registering for recruitment agencies? I mean "risk" in the general/financial way.

Thank you!!!!!!

Hi Tapshoes!

Glad to see you're interested in taking that step just like the rest of us.   This thread will give the impression that my journey has been a long one, because I have been wanting to do this ever since I started my BSW, and have been posting in this thread just as long. I graduated with my MSW last May, and the only reason why I haven't left for the UK just yet is because the rules have tightened SO MUCH since I first began this journey. Pre-2008, newly-graduated Americans had the easy-as-pie BUNAC option for a work visa, and one could go on to get a two year work permit for pretty much any area of social work. Of course, I wasn't ready to go to the UK permanently at that time as I was still in the middle of my studies (I did spend a summer in the UK via BUNAC, just to ensure I'd like the place), and by the time I had my MSW and could register with the GSCC, UK immigration laws underwent their current make over.

As of right now, I'm doing thorough research on which area of the UK I'd like to live and work, and waiting for the results of my CRB (which is something that's needed, along with GSCC registration). I'll PM you more details.

In terms of "risk" in registering for recruitment agencies, I haven't had any problems so far. You should never, ever have to pay money to a recruitment agency. If an agency is asking you for money, then it's a con.

Also, check out all of mapleleafgirl's comments/links. She is an EXCELLENT source of information, and if she doesn't know the answer, by golly, she'll be sure to tell you who does. lol She's a peach, and a real asset to this board.

Also, check out all of mapleleafgirl's comments/links. She is an EXCELLENT source of information, and if she doesn't know the answer, by golly, she'll be sure to tell you who does. lol She's a peach, and a real asset to this board.

That's very generous of you! Thank you!

Tapshoes, I'm sorry I can't provide you with any relevant information about how to get to the UK or even agencies - I think my experience of arriving in the UK is out of date, so would not be so relevant, unfortunately.  

Ignore recruitment agencies who pressure you about GSCC registration. Gather your evidence now in advance, but you can't send off your forms until you have your transcript papers saying you have your MSW and you have graduated. It will take some time to process your application for GSCC. Have a flick through this thread - though it sounds like you are on that already!  

Best of luck!  
  

Thanks guys!!!!

Hi all. Congrats and good luck to you that have just registered, soon to be graduating, getting new jobs etc.

I just got a new job so will be switching from my old work permit to Tier 2. I feel your pain!

Good luck with switching your visa, Olive! Hope it's painless.

Congrats, Olive! Are you still in a school setting? 

I sent off my Tier 2 application today. We'll see how long it takes. The Certificate of Sponsorship was fast so here is hoping I can still make my holiday planned for the end of May.

I've been in disability since I arrived. We work closely with multi-agency partners so I still have contact with schools. There is definitely a need for school social workers especially in the special schools or mainstream settings. Now that would be true preventative working, eh? 

I would LOVE to do school social work! I probably mentioned that to you a long while back. But alas, it seems CPS is the only way to go nowadays if you want to get your foot into the UK. Unless you qualify for Tier $$$, aka, Tier 1. 

Can't wait to see the turnaround time for your visa!

Award winning blog about a residential supported housing worker working in the care system in the UK:

http://winstonsmith33.blogspot.com/

And accompanying Guardian interview:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2010/apr/14/writing-award-nomination-children-in-care-blog

Just a quick tip, don't bother with going through Synergy Recruitment agency. But I did hear that Reed and HCL (ask for Felissa) is good.

A post for you new social workers in the UK.  One of the things I found very confusing was some of the terminology differences.  I don't think the principles we are trained in are all that different, but I came into the field and found everyone referring to things like Section 47s and LAC reviews, and I had NO idea what they were talking about and sometimes felt silly asking.

I found this basic explanation of the Children's Act today--it's really just a few of the basics, but I thought it might be helpful to some.  This is a decent thumbnail explanation of what the bulk of children's services social work is built on.  It's written for teachers, but gives a good idea for those who aren't familiar with the terminology.

http://www.ntas.org.uk/resources/childrenact.htm

I had another good one from NSPCC--a guide to child protective services, but it seems to be off the web page last time I looked.  Anyone else know of good beginners guides for those starting in the system or to share with clients who are feeling confused by it all?

Excellent idea, Cadenza!

Here are some more useful sites:

Regarding social work law: http://openlearn.open.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=2571

Practice issues: http://www-open2-net-csvip.open.ac.uk/healtheducation/health_socialcare/socialwork_menu.html

Scottish information: http://www.socialworkscotland.org.uk/

Practice guidance, research and learning materials for social care and social work: http://www.scie.org.uk/index.asp

Practice guidance: http://www.scie.org.uk/publications/guides/index.asp

Practice learning: http://www.swap.ac.uk/resources/themes/praclearning.html

Social work magazine: http://www.communitycare.co.uk