Harry Said:

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

We Answered:

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.