Social Workers, Social Workers Assitant, Family Support Workers etc

[JHKE]

Hi,

Looking for advice really on the above roles... I am currently a SAHM and have been for over 4 years now. I plan on being one for another 2 years too.

Just started looking at options for getting back into work. When I left school I wanted to be a social worker, I went and did the GNVQ in Health and Social Care Advance (Level 3) and applied for Social Work Degree, also did a little voluntary work as well. I got an interview and although I didn't get in on the basis of not enough experience (was 19 at the time) I was invited to come back the following year - so I take this as encouraging.

However, although I carried on volunteering for a short while I lost interest and went into office work in a finance company and was there for about 6 years before having kids. Having a look at job roles on the internet the Social Worker Assistant (or similar) role looks interesting, but I want to be realistic as well.

So I am hoping someone can answer these questions for me...

1. Can any of these roles be done on a part time basis
2. Do you feel that Rules/ Policies stop you from doing your job at times/ How often?
3. Is there alot of travelling involve (I guess yes really but want to check)
4. I also guess that I need more experience, am I right?

Thats it for now.. I know I will have loads of questions, so I am hoping there is just someone out there that can help.

social worker would require the university degree. you would probably be asked about your experiance again.

social work assistant is actually quite a similar role to a social worker in as much as you will work with families, will be asked to attend initial assesments, you will need to complete reports etc.
it is less money as it is seen as less responsibility but in reality its not. the swa's i have worked with have often taken the place of a a sw whilst we were short staffed.

family support worker is probably the most likely role to be viable as a part time position.

traveling will usually be within the catchment area of the borough you are working in. you will probably have a couple of house calls a day.

rules and policies is a difficult one. different fields have different boundaries and to be honest everyone grumbles about their own frustrations.

if you aren't looking at returning to work for a couple of years then yes i would advise getting son volyntary work in the area you wish to specialise.

Hello,
I am a practising ASW.

1. many people do work part-time, but you will sometimes be required to work late at short notice, which you might need to bear in mind when arranging childcare
2. rules and policies will indeed be the bane of your life, but I can't think of many jobs where they're not. You need to flip things around and use them to help and support you in your decision making.
3. Travelling depends on the job. You could be a hospital social worker, working mostly in one location. Mental Health teams have small catchment areas - just a couple of miles in London. Other jobs, like reviewing officers can involve regional or national travel.
4. Sounds like you have some experience, but it wouldn't hurt to get a little more. Social work assistant jobs are great - often your employer will pay for you to do a social work qualification.

Thanks for your help...I guess my next step will be to do some voluntary work.. I have seen one advertised for a home visiting volunteer with home start... I guess this will be a good place to start, what do you think? I want to make sure I get the right voluntary work. Just hope this is still available in September when I plan on starting voluntary work.

Also another question.. Since I did my GNVQ 11 years ago, and not had any health or social related work, will this still be valid? I'm guessing this just proves that I can work to that level?