Hi everyone,
I’m looking for some guidance from people working in social work or who have gone through qualification routes.
I’ve worked in safeguarding for a number of years across policing, IDVA work, MARAC/MAPPA chairing, and local authority domestic abuse/safeguarding leadership. More recently, while looking at roles that seem to match my experience on paper, I’ve noticed many require a Social Work degree and registration with Social Work England.
That has made me consider whether I should look for a route into qualifying as a social worker, ideally while continuing to work in a relevant role. I’d be open to working with adults, children, or families, as my previous roles have involved safeguarding across different groups.
I’m unsure where to start and would really appreciate advice on:
- Whether social work training qualifies you generally, or whether you qualify specifically in adults’ or children’s services
- What types of jobs might support someone trying to gain relevant experience before or during a social work degree
- Whether there are employment routes that support placements or work-based learning, even if I funded the degree myself
- Whether these are usually advertise under specific job titles
I’ve checked my LA and county council vacancies but haven’t seen anything that clearly fits this route.
Any advice on where to start, what job titles to search for, or what routes people have taken would be really appreciated.
Thanks in advance.