Any social workers here??Please answer!?

I am thinking about becomming a social worker, but have come across some problems:


1-I dont live close to a uni, and moving my whole family closer to a uni is also not possible


2-i cannot do a degree in social work with OU, as i need to already be working in this area to study it





I was just wondering if ALL social workers had to get their degree before starting work?


also, do you find yourself in some scary situation with clients etc, and if so, how do you deal with that?


Many thanks for your help!

Any social workers here??Please answer!?
you can start work as a social work assistant and train up though your job but to be a social worker you must now have a degree no other way around it I'm afraid. part of your degree training means that you spend 210 days in practice so you will get plenty of experience. good luck x
Reply:Why don't you just try to find a job in social work first? Then start doing a course in it.
Reply:you could try and look for an introductory course to study online (E.G. ICS do a health and social care course online)then apply for a support workers role, this will give you the basic knowledge of reactions in difficult situations you may find yourself in.


you may also want to look into what area you wish to work in like elderly or children.


good luck
Reply:You could try conctacting your local social services department and see if there are any vacancies for Case officers - they do similar work to a social worker but are not qualified as a social worker and cannot call themselves one. The local authority may then decide to second you into a degree programme or train you to level 4 NVQ in health and social care. (This you would do on the job).





You cannot be or call yourself a social worker unless you are degree level qualified and registered with the General Social care Council (GSCC). It is a criminal offense to do so.
Reply:You don't indicate where in the world you are or if OU is Ohio University, Oklahoma University or something else.





In general you do not need to be already working in social work to get a degree - it is helpful and is considered but plenty of people go to school before working.





You can volunteer and sometimes get entry level jobs in the human services with a BA in any field. Just harder to sell yourself and you won't be able to rise.





DA
Reply:I would contact your local council and I am sure they can provide information on a career in social work.





Of course, you will be facing some scary situations on the basis that most people in the social care system have problems. This can range from people needing assistance with daily tasks which we take forgranted, ex offenders to child abuse - you choose the area you want to specialise in. Why don't you do some care work or volunteer work to get a taste of things. I am not a social worker but many of my friends are.

dds