Social Workers in UK

hey everyone! just wanted to update - i have been placed on the gscc as of thursday i'm very happy. it only took 6 weeks whereas i was expecting to hear from them in august.

i've been in touch with a recruitment agency since march-ish and now i'm wondering if that's the best route for me to go. does anyone have any information? they don't have much info on their site and my questions don't get answered when i email them. so i was wondering if it's really to my benefit to register with a recruitment agency of if i'll be able to locate jobs on my own.

Sarah- congratulations of getting your registration so quickly.

If you decide to go with an agency, most employers will expect you do be able to "hit the ground running". Whereas if you hire on as a full time employee of a local authority, they are likely to give you training, support, and time to get settled.

ALthough agency workers get paid more, I think there are lots of reasons to take a FT post with an LA, the benefits, in my humble opinion, are greater than the extra money you get as agency.

You can probably find your own jobs yourself by visiting LA websites or try Community Care magazine http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Home/Default.aspx. CC will also alert you do current happenings in the field of social work in the UK so you can be knowledgable in interviews.

If you haven't done it already, I recommend reviewing the CHildren Act 1989 so you can discuss it fluently in interviews.

My personal experience with a recruiting agency was dreadful. Sounds like you aren't having much luck with yours either.

All the best.

(Feel free to PM me if you have other questions).

Just arrived in edinburgh.I am a counsellor/therapist looking for jobs, there are a tonne of social worker type positions here! Salaries, yes anywhere around 20-35 pounds.

I'm also looking to move to the U.K. and I'm interested in pursuing a career in the social care industry. I looked at the new requirements with the GSCC and unfortunately I fail to meet them. Is it possible to get a career in the field, not as a certified social worker, but a lower or different position in the same industry?

I have a social work degree, but I finished it early and didn't do my practicum because I was starting my own business at the time.

Or do people think it would be more advantageous to finish up the degree here. Oh. not sure what to do. I was hoping to relocate in the spring of 2009 and if I wrap up my degree here that'll set me back a year.

Thoughts?

The salary is quite high but I think the requirements are a lot and do I have to have qualifications?

CJ- I am a UK qualified social worker (although Canadian). There a a lot of options for work as a support worker (not qualified SW) which can pay up to 20,000 gbp per year.

That's great to hear that there are support worker positions. Do you happen to know if I can go through an agency for a support position, or would you recommend finding a job independently?

To all currently working in the u.k. -- do you think it's easier to line up a job after arrival in the uk or pre-departure from canada? While I like the idea of having a job to land myself in when i arrive, not sure if I should stay in Canada longer while I wait to have a securered job.

Thanks in advance for replies.

cj on what kind of visa are you planning to apply for (to work and live in the UK )?

I think it is really difficult to secure a job (even an interview) before you are in the UK. They all prefer applicants to be here and be available to attend interviews. Also they will ask you to see your visa (to show that you can work/live in the UK).

Hope this helps.

Joanne

I'm currently working on getting my citizenship documents sorted out. My mother is a British citizen, so I have the right to abode by naturalization.

I'm just waiting on my renewed Canadian pasport to come so I can send off my documents.

if you register with agencies will you stillhave the same problem that employers want to see your passport? the recruitment agency will have a copy of this.