Any social workers?

[Allispretty]

I currently work in hr I have no care experience other than looking after my gran. I've always felt either this or MH nursing has been a calling however Im extremely squeamish so ruled that one out years ago (actually got a uni place!) then ended up falling into hr.

I'm really unsatisfied and it's been heightened with the pandemic as I'm rendered useless in my role (more recruitment focused in leisure industry) so I'm furloughed yet again.

Is social work a good career choice? What kind or exposure should I try to get through volunteering?

If you’re thinking of adult social care then any experience in the care sector is helpful - day centre, home carer, care home worker

The most jobs in adult social care are with older people/dementia so anything with direct contact with that group or other client groups such as learning disabilities, physical disabilities or mental health.
Can’t comment on children’s social work, sorry.

I think it is a good career choice in many ways but can be bloody hard and you need to be quite resilient to stress

Great career choice as massive shortage and many vacancies around the country, lots of specialisms within it. Childrens social worker or adult social worker then within each lots of different areas to experience/work in eg mental health, physical disabilities, older people, refugees, specialist teams who work with prisoners etc. Also lots of local authorities have apprenticeship schemes so worth looking into that as a route in. In my local area we also have social care roles for unqualified staff which can be a great bridge into a career if you feel you're suited to it. In terms of volunteering/experience to gain I would say any care work - home care, agency work, but also volunteering so with dementia charities, befriending for elderly or with younger adults (can do phone befriending at the moment), anything to help you demonstrate an understanding of people's needs and experiences of needing support to live their lives.

My DS is a social worker ( mostly adult) and has recently become a Mental Health Professional ( not sure if the exact title), so you can combine the two

Hello op

I am a social worker in children's services. Can be hugely stressful and you will certainly have more work than you can get done. Late nights and weekend working occasionally. But - it can be so rewarding. You build relationships with children and families and when you see them making real positive changes it makes work, and life, feel more meaningful. In my experience social workers are kind empathic people too (for the most part!) And there is often good team support. Good luck :)