A newly qualified social worker has hit out at the lack of support he receives from his employers despite being on the Children's Workforce Development Council's NQSW programme:
"Managers and seniors are so overworked that the support we are supposed to be receiving isn't being offered, despite asking for help and support (we've been accused of being "needy")," he said on our forum, CareSpace. "I'm lacking direction and support and I'm not sure I can handle a whole year."
How many other newly qualifieds are not getting the extra support they were promised? It's a worrying thought.
I don't know how new you are but it doesn't really matter. What matters is that you should be able to ask for and expect to receive the support you require to perform the job to the best of your ability. Unfortunately there is in my view often a difference between what employers say you will receive and what you actually do receive.
In my opinion it is absolutely vital to your wellbeing, survival and the service offered to clients that you get appropriate support from wherever you can.
It sounds like you are not receiving necessary supervision and I think that you are going to have to be assertive and demand that you get it.
You may need to cover yourself by writing on case files(records)that you have not received supervision for whatever period applicable.
You should consider formally writing to senior managers about your concerns and keeping a copy of it.
In addition, consider if there is anyone else in your team or in other teams who can offer you some practical and emotional support.
If you are part of a union it might be wise to alert them to your situation.
It is crucial for your professional development and survival that you receive this support.
It is not a matter of being needy. It is a matter of receiving what you need in order to adequately fulfil your role and it sounds worrying that this isn't recognised - instead you are being dismissed as 'needy'.
Social work demands an incredible amount from it's workers and you have to be equipped with the knowledge, skills and ability to be an effective practitioner.
In essence you are unlikely to be an effective practitioner if you are prevented from gaining the very tools you need to do the job.
I am 10 months into my newly qualified status and the authority I work for does not even have a NQSW scheme. I work frontline Child Protection and my caseload is way too high - I cannot keep up with all the admin!
When I hear my fellow NQSW's who work for other authorities who have protected caseloads of around 8 and here I am working three times that many it makes me so frustrated at the inequality faced by us newbies!
I am a newly qualified social worker looking for an opportunity to gain experience and start my career in the UK.
I have been looking for work for a year and a half now and it is been very complicated because no one is willing to give me an opportunity to start my career saying that I don't have enough experience.
I would like to know where to apply as a newly qualified social worker for an opportunity like this.
Can anyone help me?
Thanks for your comments. Ana, this discussion on our forum might be a useful starting point (and please feel free to join in the debate): http://www.communitycare.co.uk/carespace/forums/do-you-have-questions-about-your-careers-7575.aspx#30352.