How do I go about becoming a social worker?

Question

I'm in the 6th form at the moment taking English Language, History, Psychology and Philosophy and Ethics for 2 years, but after that what do I do?

Answer 1

Degree in Social Work (do a search on www.ucas.com).
It is also possible to do a non-Social Work degree and then do a 2 year Masters degree in Social Work, but which there is financial support.
To get onto a degree you will need a significant amount of voluntary work experience with the client group that interests you - so if you want to go straight for the degree then start looking at ways of arranging this.
I'd also suggest you contact your local Social Services department to see if you can arrange to talk to a Social Worker about their role and responsibilities.

Answer 2

I work with social workers all the time and I believe it is a very demanding yet rewarding career. My sister is also a social worker and she underwent a social work degree and then worked for a local authority. She now specialises in Mental Health and has undertaken post-graduate training as an Approved Social Worker. There are many disciplines to modern social work in that it is no longer generic. I have friends who work in various areas of social work from child protection, palliative care, HIV care and also in care of the elderly. Like any career it is demanding but rewarding. You may be interested in contacting your local social services to see if you can undertake some work experience.... looking at the work social workers do on a daily basis. The department that is affiliated to our hospital has many work experience people and social work is often their career interest. The best of luck..... by the way ignore these narrow minded ideas tha social workers always remove children..... some do but most don't.

Answer 3

Being in sixth form as I understand it is what happens in the islands where you do college prep classes. Although those are good, you will need to go to college to get a degree in Social Work. The degree usually takes about 4 years to complete at the bachelors level. Being a social worker is not negative like I see a lot of people are calling you names because of it. Do not get discouraged by societies lack of knowledge about what we actually do. People who are closed minded enough to call us "baby Snatchers" have no clue what we really do and that there are so many different levels of social work.

People who are calling you names and judging you, have probably had thier children taken from them due to drugs or abuse issues. They are so busy putting the blame on others when they are the ones who have screwed up.

Answer 4

social work is what I'm studying to do.
there are two options either go to college for 2 years then straight to uni.
but by the sounds of things u could probably go straight from school. u need 2 highers or more, English & psychology are good 1ns especially for social work.
apply for uni, speak 2 a lecturer and then u will go through the interview processes.
its a 4year course after that at uni, but hey its well worth it & it goes really fast.
good luck, hope it all works out,

Answer 5

To be a social worker you need a degree.

To drive a car you need a license.

To be a parent nobody needs a degree.

Not sure who it does work in your country, try to find it in google or a career builder page. It is great that some people still want to work to help other people.

Answer 6

ignore the smart arses for a start! one of the things that they require other than qualifications, is so many hours of voluntary work. have a look on the nhs website.
good luck x

Answer 7

What is the sixth form? If you are in college, look for a school which offers a BSW...there are a number of them. Sometime thereafter, look to get your MSW. (I have one.) Good luck.

Answer 8

by being a mean ***** who enjoys taking kids AWAY FROM THEIR PARENTS ................................. tch!!!!