Hello,
I wonder if someone can help me?
What happens with the student gscc registration when we graduate? Do we have to apply for qualified social worker status or does this happen automatically? If we have to apply will we be sent information on how to do this?
Thanks
Hi,
Once you finish your final year there is a form you complete and send to the GSCC ,there is another form your uni completes once all of the grades have been OK'd. There can be a gap between you getting your grades/degree classifiation and all of the exam boards meeting. There will also be a gap between your uni telling the GSCC you have qualified and you officially getting your registration. If you are working during this gap you will need to practice as an SWA/family support worker etc to reflect that you cannot call yourself a social worker until you are registered (your employer can contact the GSCC to hurry this up if you are already in post). This may also mean that your employer pays you a salary as an unqualified worker (some employers reinburse you through back pay, some don't).
Most of my year found that we got our results and started our jobs in June/July but only got full registration around September/October - but this was a few years ago so it may have changed.
Your uni should let you know and give you all the details nearer the time, so don't worry. It may be useful at interviews to start raising the question of how the emloyer will manage the period between you starting work and your official qualification coming through.
Thanks for your replies.
Pika- when did you start applying for jobs. Am I right in thinking January? I will graduate in July
I went for jobs where interviews were in March, given that HR usually take at least 2/3 months to get there stuff together and often longer for a start date to be set; this leaves you time to finish exams etc and still start around the same time as other applicants. But I guess it'd be worth chatting to employers, they may be happy to wait for you. Good luck job hunting