how to become a social worker??

[missy1981]

im 25, full time mum to my 2 and a half year old... Really am looking into going to college or start to something in my life. Really interested in becoming a social worker. Dont have the qualifications, but have lots of what you can call 'life experience', and have had a few delaings with them when i was younger. Where do i start and how do i go about wanting to become one?.. any help would be great.. thanks xx

[Buenchico]

To become a social worker, you'll need a degree. See here:
http://www.learndirect-advice.co.uk/helpwithyo urcareer/jobprofiles/profiles/profile709/

Your first step would probably be to take an access course:
http://www.ucas.com/ucc/access/index.html

If all of that seems too daunting, you might want to consider a career as a social work assistant:
http://www.learndirect-advice.co.uk/helpwithyo urcareer/jobprofiles/profiles/profile297/

Chris

[Bobble1]

I just saw your question... i thought about becoming a social worker and then i discovered occupational therapy... i'm part way through the degree course and it really is amazing, i really recommend finding out more about it if you don't really know what it is. Can work in any area in any setting - mental health, with children, learning disabilities, anything. But similar to becoming a social worker, you'll need either to have a (unrelated) degree & do a 2 yr post grad course or do a 3 yr degree in OT. Usually no previous exp. needed, just, as you say, life experience!

[hibeeslass]

I work for the Social Work Department but only in an admin support capacity, it is a really interesting environment to work in which ever field you decide to train in Health and Social Care or Children and Families though you need a strong stomach for that!!! Good Luck whatever you decide!!