Tell me about the reality of being a children and family social worker

[Newpuppymummy]

I’ve been a teacher then a foster Carer and am thinking of doing the Step up to social worker course. Would love to know the pros and cons from those working in the field.

You'll always have a job. You are the sole focus of hatred and anger by some families. The boundaries that you will learn from the job will be invaluable. You will also learn that you cannot help everyone or even half of your clients.

It is really hard to balance family life particularly young dc.
It seems to work best for people with older dc, no dc or very supportive family members.
I left frontline child protection work when I wanted to have a family.

But I wouldn't not have spent the five years I did doing it. I learned a huge amount about both myself and others.

The social workers I saw that struggled most where those drawn to make a difference. Because often it is a bureaucratic role where you are picking the least worst option not an individually empowering option.

There is a significant amount of paperwork and senior management almost always hang social workers out to dry in the case of a child death or similar.

I'd also say that local authorities vary a lot so pick your area carefully.

Thank you. I think I have the time to do it as my kids are older but concerned about becoming overly involved and not being able to leave work at work if you know what I mean.

As above, chose your local authority wisely. Look for somewhere with a learning atmosphere for your own development and culture of shared responsibility - they do exist but you’ll need to ask around! The work itself is hard going, but relationship based SW can feel very rewarding. The step-up programme is a whirlwind, but SW is desperate for SWs with life exp.

BASW branches are running loads of events online, to hear about SW issues, these are free so why not join one and ask some questions.

Pay is £30k-ish in London, and can go up to 50 before getting into management roles. Loads of different teams and services you can get into.

There’s a lot to love about the job, for me it’s been hugely flexible, with shifts and home-working long before Covid, but I had to put the time in after qualifying in a difficult team.

I just wanted to add that after front line social work I have gone on to work in two very rewarding roles one in child protection and another in therapeutic work.
I have also although it hasn't been easy managed to transfer my qualifications internationally.
So it is a reasonably flexible qualification to have.