Is there a route into Social Work without a degree?

Posted on May 27th, 2010

An article in the postgraduate queries section of The Independent has received some attention from the Community Care Blog this week. The article focuses on a question from a graduate interested in a career in Social Work.

The graduate asked, “I will be finishing a BA in public service management in December, and would like to go in to Social Work, but I have been told a Masters Degree is the only way. Is this right? Or does my (relevant) degree give me a shortcut?”

The Independent’s answer is quite succinct, and offers some helpful advice for anyone wanting to enter in to Social Work, but one phrase is picked up by the Community Care Blog. The Independent’s answer includes the statement, “The only way to circumvent this process is to secure a role as a trainee Social Worker, in which case you will be seconded to a relevant course and will be earning a reasonable salary.” The Community Care Blog’s concern about this statement was the suggestion that you could ‘circumvent’ the need to obtain a relevant degree in Social Work to practice as a Social Worker.

Whilst the answer is not wrong, they could have avoided any confusion by adding a little more detail to the answer. The Community Care Blog fleshes out the answer a little by suggesting that it would be possible to follow the NVQ in Health and Social Care route. Through this, you could complete the registered manager’s award, enabling you to manage a service in the Social Care sector.

The Independent does confirm that you are required to complete either an undergraduate qualification, or a Masters in Social Work to practice as a Social Worker, but perhaps should have stated that this is now a requirement to be able to register as a Social Worker with the General Social Care Council.

Tags: independent social work directory, independent social worker vacancies, social work jobs
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Guardian Sings The Praises of Social Worker Jobs

Posted on November 9th, 2009

A recent article in The Guardian has sung the praises of Child Protection Social Workers and the work that they do.  The article, by Roger Graef, comes after he spent some time with Social Workers in Coventry for the BBC Panorama documentary.

The article is a welcome break from the media criticism of Social Workers that has come about over recent months.  Graef  praised the Social Workers he followed, after realising the stress and pressure that can be associated with child protection jobs.

Child Protection Social Workers across the UK will connect with one Social Worker’s comment – “I don’t know how long people can go on working like this. There’s no lull. It’s just 100mph all the time.”  Graef made sure to confirm that the Social Worker loves her job, as we all love our jobs in social work, but the title, ‘Thousands still want to be Child Protection Social Workers’ may have been a little misleading.

If you are looking for Child Protection Independent Social Work jobs, in London, Kent, Sussex, or indeed, nationally, then call Avocet Independent Social Workers on 08432 899 687, or register  for our Independent Social Worker Directory, to find social work jobs near you.

Tags: independent social worker jobs, independent social worker vacancies, Social Work Jobs in Kent, Social Work Jobs Sussex
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Welcome to the independent social work blog by Avocet!

Posted on September 29th, 2009

Welcome to the Avocet Independent Social Workers Blog.  Our aim is to provide the latest news from the independent social work sector, and provide a place of reference for Independent social workers across the UK.

It is a tough time for Social Work.  Children’s Social Workers have had a bad press over the past few months, with several high profile cases in the media.  The number of Independent Social Worker Vacancies have risen steadily, prompting a tv advertising campaign to recruit social workers featuring a string of celebrities.

In a sector already struggling to fill social work vacancies, the BASW has warned in its blog for independent social workers of possible cuts to the social work sector, and invited its members to its “Social Workers – taking our profession Back” rally in London in November.

At Avocet Independent Social Workers, we understand the needs of independent social workers, as well as solicitors and local authorities looking for child social worker services.

We are perfectly placed to make a difference to independent social work recruitment, and make the whole process easier  for both parties.

Whether you are an independent social worker looking for a social work agency, or you are looking for the service of  an independent social worker, then Avocet can help you.

Tags: independent social work agency, independent social worker, independent social worker jobs, independent social worker vacancies
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