To take a job as a support worker after a social work degree?

[Yolo89]

Hi, advice needed. I've taken a support worker role after my social work degree. ASYE s were hard to find and I didn't wantbyo be out of the game too long. The role is exactly in the field I want to be ( not LA) so figuring once I'm in the system I can move up. I may even be able to do my ASYE in this new role. Have I made the wrong decision? They know I want to move up and there is lots of opportunity. It just seemed a good idea to get into to the place of work where I want to be.

Where are you where ASYE posts are hard to find? There's a huge national shortage of Social Workers and local authorities would more than likely bite your hand off. Are you children's or adults?
You can't complete your ASYE in a support role.
Obviously moving into a department where you want to work is positive though. It depends how likely a SW position is in that department though?

I start my ASYE in the summer. I'll be remaining where I am until I've completed it and THEN looking to move into an area of interest. Doesn't make sense not to fully complete your study.

You made the right decision for you at that time it seems. You’ve got your foot in the door and as there is lots of opportunity to move on up….go for it with a smile on your face. Good luck for your future.

Mary Shelley I'm.in London. My cohort has found it challenging. Lots of roles for post ASYE. You can do the ASYE under the right conditions in a support worker role. I have an interview Durban ASYE role but it's so far away that logistically will be almost impossible with my situation. That would be my ideal role however I just dont know how it can work.

There are so many boroughs in London how are you not finding an ASYE role? Are you excluding children's?

I wouldn't spend more than a year out of social work. You need to be on the ASYE by September 2024 (assuming you're graduating this summer)

You can't do ASYE in a non social work role - how can you?

Mairead - So I have know examples of where it has been done. It needs to be done under the right circumstances but can be done

I know a few people who went into support roles after finishing their degree. Each and every one of them regret this move, and a few of them are now stuck in these roles.

Absolutely astonished that you can’t find an ASYE post - especially in London(!) Very doubtful that you can complete your first year of social work practice in an unqualified support worker role. Two years plus in a child protection role would serve you well. Don’t specialise too early.

Crimson -they are coming out now. But many pf my cohort have had trouble.

I was working in Children and Families assessment team on placement but dont want to work for an LA - I want to work withing CAHMS. The support role is within CAHMS within the NHS.

HappyNew Year - why did they get stuck?

Why shouldnt i specialise too early? This is not my first career.

Crimson = my mate in an LA supported a support worker doing ASYE

I'mChildren's

Fwiw I think you’ll be a better social worker for having grass roots work experience. You’ll have real experience of the problems facing carers, people with different needs, the challenges many face in everyday life.