Studying to be a social worker ?

[Iamgiulietta]

Hi guys I have also posted on the returning to work board... Wondered if there are any social workers out there who could advise me on the best sort of work experience I could get before applying for a social work course. I have 8 years experience as an advice worker but from discussions I have had with admissions depts at 3 local units this ain't gonna help me. Locally there are opportunities with home start, Mencap, and a homeless charity... I can't decide which is going to be most useful. TIA

I suggest that you think about what area of social work you want to go into and where your interested lie. I did a 3 month volunteer placement in a boarding school for girls with emotional and behavioural difficulties. The school offered me a job and I stayed for a year and then did a social work diploma and MA. I got offered a place at both my chosen unis and specialised in children and families.

Thanks bluebell. I need to sit down and have a think... I am drawn towards working with people with mental health issues, so need to have a look for voluntary placements connected with this ...

I trained as a generic sw. What I wanted to do when I started I did go on to do, however, a number of people on my course changed their direction when they had the opportunity to try something they had never considered. If you are going to a uni where you need to specialise make sure you get some experience before as often these jobs are not what you would imagine them to be.