What courses would I need to do to become a social worker?

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Heya, wasn't sure if I should put this here or in higher education.

I want to be a social worker for a number of reasons, mainly because I want to help both adults and children and give a voice to those who don't have one.

I left high school right after my exams and now have two children (4 & 3) and I'm 22 years old, a single parent and I'm not sure if further education is even possible (funding, childcare and out of work atm etc). But I do really want to do this.

What qualifications would I need to get? And would they even accept me as a social worker? I've had sw involvement for a while because I had a mental breakdown and I'm now in councelling to deal with my past so I'm really worried that would count as a big no towards me. My sw was amazing though, she helped me get back on my feet and was there without judgement when I really needed someone. I want to do that for others too.

I'm in scotland and on income support atm but whenever I've talked to the job centre about it I've been told that I wouldn't get funding for child care to go to college, or funding to even do a course. Feeling a bit hopeless because of it all now

Any advice/tips would be massively appreciated, thank you.

Your involvement with social services is a huge positive! First hand experience is actually seen as a good thing in people wanting to enter the profession.

Can't tell you about funding for childcare, but you are going to need a degree to be a social worker, and to get a degree you probably need an access to higher education course. Your local FE college will run one, they can talk you through the finances etc so if you call them. Many give free careers advice.

I'll give them a call then, thanks :) wasn't sure if the fact id been involved with them would count against me or something lol

Hi,

Talk to your local college about childcare funding. I am sure you would get it. Is your eldest at school and when does your youngest start? What GCSE's do you have? You can either do A-levels or an access course. You may be able to do either without ever needing childcare (when both at school). As you are young then you have plenty of time to do it.

You can get course fees (for the social work degree) paid in full and a bursary (from the NHS). As a student, you would also be classed as not working so should also qualify for tax credits. Check link:

www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/825.aspx

I know someone who re-trained as a social worker in her 30's. She ended up being better off being a student for three years than she was working full time as a secretary! She had 3 years of school holidays, whilst she did the degree, so saved loads in childcare. And a full time university degree is really not full time. You get loads of time off in between lectures (meant to study as much as poss though). She graduated with a 1st class and got a job instantly (her salary shot up).

Go for it! Don't ask in the job centre as they can be clueless about careers. Ask to speak to the college finance officer (go in person).

I work for the NHS but not in the social work profession btw.

If I were you I would try and talk to people who are social worker to understand what the role actually consists of its a terribley misunderstood job. Find out first hand what it is like and if it really is for you.