Full Careers

looking for a change of career from working in pubs to getting into social services!?

I work full time and can't afford to give up work as i have a small child. I would like advice on how to get a work placement so i still get paid but also get training at the same time as i have no qualifications in this area of work. I have got in touch with my social services department via the local council but am getting frustrated because no-one is giving me a straight answer. If some-one could point me in the right direction i would be greatfull.

Public Comments

1. I would get in contact with apprenticeship schemes to see what they can suggest. They may even know somewhere that will take you on.
2. There's no way you can volunteer in a social services department, there is far too much confidential information. It's simply not allowed. I suggest you look at volunteering in a charity or other scheme that helps people to get some experience. You don't say what age range you are interested in, so either something with children or elderly people. You can then develop the skills and understanding to apply for jobs in social services, such as a support worker role and gain your training that way. There are lots of other agencies you can look for work in for such as children's homes, connexions, housing associations, anti-social behaviour teams, charities that do 'social work' or 'community work' that is not working for social services.
3. Not knowing what part of the country you're in (assuming UK from your question) I picked a county council site at random, in this case Notts. It's a very helpful site with several links offering further information. It does look as though job opportunities are solely through formal applications but once you're in there are a lot of opportunities for career development. I honestly don't know if all councils operate the same way but I assume they do - social services jobs come under severe scrutiny from time to time so I assume formal applications only to be part of the vetting process i.e discouraging on-spec applications. Have a look through the extensive career advice forums at www.cvtips.com as there may be someone who has had a similar experience.
4. i currently work in a social services department and having an understanding of how things work there are a number of options available: - - you could apply for a generic support worker type role - eg working on family support issues. Whilst they would like experience it also about other qualities you have e.g having a solution focused approach to work, thinking fast on your feet, being able to make decisions and evidencing what informs your decision making, having good communiction skills, experience of dealing with the general public and different groups of people. You could apply for other jobs such as supervising family contacts - again you don't necessarily need direct social care experience, however they will need to know you understand issues eg what to look out for, what steps you would take if a child became distressed in a contact , what you would consider a poor contact, importance of accurate recording etc. As some one has already suggested - you could also go down the voluntary route first to build up your experience - in order to get a social care related job. In terms of being a social worker (which i am) you will need to complete a degree in social work (either undergraduate - or if you have a degree you can apply for a masters). When you apply for such courses in your applications you have to demontrate you have some experience in related fields and / or have transfereable skills. As part of the social work training you undertake student placements (not paid) of various lenghts - where you gain experience but are also assessed . When i did my MA in Social Work you could specialise in children or families or do adults, however there has been a shift to generic social work so that you gain experience in a variety of fields. if you find you get a support / non - qualified post in a social services dept - they often have scheme's where they will support you to train to become a social worker - however in my experience places are often limited so its the luck of the draw. I would contact some employment agencies and let them know what you want to do and get them to give you information on non - qualified posts - in the mean time in between your current work do some voluntary work to build up your skills.