To career change and become a social worker

[CigarettesTuckedInMySleeve]

I've name changed for this...

Firstly, I'm a police officer. I've been doing the job for over seven years and I'm on maternity leave having had my second child. When I had my first baby I had the same thought... I want to be a social worker. Specifically the child protection side.

Naturally in my job I've come into contact with SWs and CP issues, all very useful methinks :)

But, and like any other risk, it's a big but, what if it isn't worth it? I earn a decent wage, I enjoy flexibility of role and working hours. I occasionally feel as if I help. The reason I want to become a social worker is my suspicion (and I'm prepared to be told I'm wrong) that I might get to help people more.

I don't need to be thanked, I don't care if people like me and I'm used to confrontation. I cannot afford to stop working to study. I have a 5 year old and 5 month old. I'm nearly 32, so not too old to have a career change.

So MN, I know there's lots of you out there, what do I need to consider? I have a degree in that ever so useful subject English Literature if that helps?? Is the job worth it? What steps would I need to take? Or should I count my blessings and stick with the shield?

Apologies for the brevity, I have a sleeping child on me and I'm not sure how long I've got.

If it's something you want to do then go for it. Both careers are worthwhile and recieve little or no thanks. You'll need a thick skin if you ahead, but one assumes that you have one alread from your present job. Good luck. I'm afraid that i don't know enough about the courses and implications to comment further.

When I looked into it about 12 years ago you needed to get a diploma. This was a 2 year full-time post-grad course, I think it includes placement work and at that time it wasn't funded, not sure if this has changed since. I decided upon teaching in the end.

Could you ask to be seconded to a FACU? You'd still be a Police Officer but much more directly involved in Child Protection - on the job training more likely, no 'career change' or unpaid Post Grad/Dip.SW training and placements.

SW is becoming more and more like a box ticking exercise - direct work (the 'helping people' that you mention) is going down the plughole. Love my job but it breaks my heart most days (mainly because of the red tape and the bosses )

Great idea PreviouslyonLost

my sister is just finishing this 2 year MsC - she hasn't found it too tough

-good luck, you sound very suited to it.

I would stick to what you're doing. You are unlikely to get any type of bursary or financial help, so will finish the dgree in debt, as a newly qualified social worker, if you can find a job, there is no garuntee of a protected caseload or decent supervision, you may well be thrown in at the deep end. You may be the sort to thrive on this scenario, only you know. I am coming to end of a 30 yr career in social care and I cant wait to get out..... I hope it works for you. The profession needs strong and determined people coming in.

You can only train via a 2 year full time masters course. There are grants but you will need to borrow lots of £££. You will start off earning around £26k. Social work isn't about 'helping' as such, be careful with that attitude. Tbh if you are happy in your job and have no experience in social work and no burning desire to be a social worker - don't bother!