Advice for starting in social work

[Temphelp]

Hi Mumsnet,

Apologies for putting this in AIBU but my posts in other sections don't get as much feedback.

I am 27. I have a 2:2 psychology undergrad degree but have been at home since I had children (about 6 years, youngest is 2, eldest is 6). I volunteer with a mental health charity for teenagers & used to help in one for the elderly but it's all conducted online/by phone.

I have decided I want to get into social work. I think my best bet is getting the MSc Social Work but I feel like my experience is lacking.

Please can someone pop in with some advice on how to get into social work, any tips/recommendations/etc.

What is the best experience to get before starting? At a school, youth club...? My options are slightly limited because I don't have a lot of help with childcare, which is why most of my stuff is online.

Thank you in advance! :)

Bumping up

Contact the Uni no ask them (I spoke to the lecturer).
You can volunteer at nursing homes, not sure right now due to covid. Probably best to ring around and ask, the Uni may be able to signpost you too.
Good luck! Someone else may be along soon with better advice.

I'm an Admissions Tutor for an MA in Social Work. Your degree and experience sound fine as long as you can reflect on how it has impacted you/what you have learned - about others, about yourself, about social work, about the world.

If I can be any help feel free to message me.

Is it still 500 hours of work in an appropriate setting that's needed? If so, you'll need to go with what you can fit in. But it might not be for the MSc. Add up how many hours you have done. It doesn't matter if it isn't face-to-face.

I did a BA as a mature student. For the interview it was better to have identified why you want to be a SW and have a particular area of interest. Research that area and read about what's going wrong/right and why. It isn't ever just funding.
How much do you know about the role of a SW?

As said, reflective practice is covered now and expected to be used. So are healthy ways to de-stress. Do you know what service you would want to work in?

@ponoka7 No it isn't. And it hadn't been - at least not in the last 30 years. Maybe at one specific university but certainly not at most.

I'd say at interview it's better NOT to have set out with a specific area of interest though we wouldn't exclude on that basis.

@AdmissionsTutor, it just shows how Universities differ. I suppose it's best then for the OP to contact the University that she wants to apply to and do her research. I did access to SW before my BA and even during that process we were expected to have narrowed down what area most interested us and have knowledge of what the role would be. Only to show that we understand what SWs do. Our first lessons were around what we thought SW was and what they do. A few people dropped out at that stage. Being mature students and most having children meant that some were picking roles that they knew they could do the hours. It's probably different with younger students.

I 100% know that I want to be a social worker for children in the future, but I understand that even that would involve dealing with a variety of adults so ideally I would have to be skilled in both areas - which I’m sure the degree and experience will help with!

I contacted one uni and they said they will accept a 2.2 undergrad as long as I have at least 2 years of relevant experience, but didn’t go into much detail.

I also have young children at the moment which is why my options are slim; otherwise I’d probably just apply anywhere and everywhere!

Thank you for all the help so far, really appreciate it :) and I may drop you a message @AdmissionsTutor - thanks!

Most students on social work courses are mature students with children. Just apply OP. The worst they will do is tell you to apply again next year when you've more experience.

Apply for both post grad and the under grad route so at least you have options if your heart is set on social work but if you don't get onto MSc. That and learn your anti oppressive practice

I don't think I could afford the undergrad route! I can just about afford the MA

I will probably just go and apply for the MA, you're right, what's the worst that could happen? Thanks for the support.

Any other tips/advice for social work degrees/careers would still be highly appreciated

Have you looked at the Step up to social Work programme? It allows those with degrees to undertake the MA while working for a local authority and therefore getting paid. It's good if you're reasonably confident of the area you want to work in as both placements are likely to be in the same service

www5.i-grasp.com/fe/tpl_capita78.asp?newms=info1

I would love to do the SUTSW programme but with a 2.2 I need a postgraduate qualification as well to 'prove' my competence basically

I'm a 20 year social work veteran. There are lots of routes to getting in. Front Line is good. Or don't do it. Run

Do you have a plan for childcare if you get on the masters or degree course? Becuse there are a lot of placement days.

Does your local authority employ relief staff that work in children's homes? That's a great way to get relevant experience and you'll be reasonably paid for doing it (my area pay around £13-£15 per hour) you can pick as many or few hours as you can and will be able to get a reference from the manager which will support your application