social work/psychology work?

Hi, there.

I am planning a move to the UK in the fall/winter of 2005. I am in the fairly early planning stages right now, and could use some advice.

I have a bachelor's degree in psychology, and have been working with corrections for just over four years. I know that social work is on the shortage occupations list, but I am not sure if my education in psychology would allow me to qualify for the visa, or if I would even be able to get a social work job with my degree.

My thought at the moment is to go under a working holiday visa, to start. I would like to take a break from my current line of work, and maybe try a 'fun' job, perhaps in a pub. I was also thinking of touring Europe in the spring. If I decide I like living in the UK, I will start looking for a more 'serious' job after touring, but I am concerned that I will have a hard time getting work when I am travelling on such a temporary visa, especially now that the WHV only allows you to work for 12 months out of a 2 year stay. I am also unsure if I can change visas mid-stream. Does anyone have any experience with this?

Thanks!

Hiya-
I'm a social worker who has been in the UK since November.
I don't think you will be able to get a job as a qualified social worker in the UK with a degree in psych. You may likely be able to get a job as an unqualified social worker, unfortunately the pay is much much less.
Good luck!

I was afraid that might be the case, as it is much the same here in Alberta. I was hoping that several years' related experience would swing things in my favour, though. I have worked on and off as a parole officer, which is really a 'social work' type job description.

Thanks for the info...

Ah- sorry to have been the bearer of bad news. But with a WHV you can do whatever you want and it would be nice to have a break from all things social worker (she says after 11 straight years of it!!).

Good luck!

You definitely need a social work degree to qualify for a visa for social work jobs in the UK right now.

In my opinion, England is really cracking down and trying to professionalize the social work industry -- this is evident in the recent upgrading of educational requirements to become a Qualified Social Worker -- demanding that social workers complete a degree in social work as entry to practice as a QSW (qualified social worker).

For a Canadian trying to come into the UK and work in social work, you will need to be registered with the GSCC -- the social work regulating body. This registration is absolutely mandatory for Qualified Social Work positions and I am worried that without this registration, you may have a difficult time getting agencies to sponsor you.