CareSpace has been predominantly for social workers based in the UK. But we've had a few social workers from other countries contributing recently, so I've set up a forum just for you. Do feel free to stop by and say hello - you can still contribute to the other forums too.
CareSpace support
Thanks Simeon, I appreciate the gesture that you have made by setting up a forum especially for international social workers. I am particularly keen to hear from Aussie social workers working in UK hospitals. This is what I would like to do, maybe next year. I'm keen to hear if your systems are like Australia's systems. What sort of experienced have colleagues had with recruiters? Would you recommend any? Speaking in particular to qualified and experienced hospital social workers, how hard or easy was it to get a job in the UK? Are there plenty going in UK hospitals or has it dried up along with the money?
Thanks
Macka
HI Macka, Do u come from Australia??? i am a social worker from Hong Kong, Im also keen to know more / get more information in this aspect as im planning to go to the uk to work in the futurn.....
Hi Ingrid, yes I am in Australia. I was very interested in working in the UK, particularly as a hospital social worker, which is what I do in Australia. But the UK job market looks pretty depressed at the moment, so I am very cautious. I couldn't think of anything worse than coming to the UK and ruining a perfectly good opportunity for a holiday by unsuccessfully job hunting. I would urge caution, unless you work in child protection. There always seem to be jobs in that area of practice. Me, I would run a mile from it. :)
Ok I will check it out
Anyone with any knowledge of Canadian SW (process of applying to get out there, and also the practice itself), can you please send me a private message. I know it's a long shot.
'He that is taught only by himself has a fool for a master' - HST.
I can help you out with this, but I can't seem to find a way to private message you. I am a Canadian trained SW - have worked in CA, UK, USA. There are striking differences between UK and CA SW that you should know about.
Do share with us all! I am also interested in working in Canada :)
mynickname: I can help you out with this, but I can't seem to find a way to private message you. I am a Canadian trained SW - have worked in CA, UK, USA. There are striking differences between UK and CA SW that you should know about.
To send someone a private message;
Click on their name, which takes you to their profile- 'send friend request' enables you to send a private message to them.
Brilliant! Thank you for that!
Yummy: Do share with us all! I am also interested in working in Canada :)
Hi,
Since a couple of people are interested in SW in Canada I thought I would put up a post with some general info about SW in CA. However, if people wish further information please feel free to contact by private message or email.
One thing that should be considered is location. In CA each Province or Territory has its own Child & Family Services Act (or some version of) as each is responsible for administrating their own services. So doing SW in Ontario can be very different than in BC, Nova Scotia, Northwest Territories. It would while to do some research about the system in the area (jurisdiction) you want to go to. As such the practice can be much different in each area, as to can the pay range. For example, in Saskatchewan (which is going through a boom right now) the services don't have a centralized computer data base - using paper. While in Ontario they have a highly computerized data system in place.
In terms of Child Protection SW each jurisdiction has it's own way of identifying risk for Child Protection, however, they will rely on evidenced based work. The best example to put forward is to present the Ontario Eligibility Spectrum (a tool for coding risk) http://www.oacas.org/pubs/oacas/eligibility/index.htm - This is a downloadable PDF.
Another thing to consider, and this is where CA and Australian SW share a similarity, is that it is most likely going to be the case that you will be working with Aboriginal populations. This too can be quite different from area to area. For example there are dedicated "Native Services Teams" in some areas, where in other you may find yourself working in an isolated community where you are a minority (non-Aboriginal). There are over 600 different tribes/cultures (Aboriginal Nations) in Canada (each different but with many similarities too). Should you arrive in a highly Aboriginal populated area you will experience culture shock on multiple levels. One being the Canadian psyche adjustment (i.e, Ice Hockey mad and winter), being exposed to the Aboriginal culture(s) of that area, and the nature of the work itself.
In terms of practice in rural/isolated areas - I am currently working in the North of CA above the arctic circle in a very isolated town. It is not unusual for me or other workers to be flying in/out of these small towns (across the territory/country) for the purpose of placing children/conducting home visits and/or responding to crises. It is also not unusual to be travelling by ice road. Another thing about the work in these areas is that one will work closely with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) which is crucial in the north and northern part of Provinces. You would also be wearing many hats (child protection, family support, crisis response, counselling, children in care, prevention, fostering, court, adult, etc.).
Regardless of location the practice in CA is less rigid that the UK. While many jurisdictions have specialist teams, these are found mostly in the major centres. However, it is possible to broaden your practice into other areas as there seems to be more of an emphasis upon SW capacity building in CA - compared to the UK. CA overall tends to investe in developing the skills set of SWs and will often promote efforts in this area. (This is something you should ask about at any job interview for a SW role in CA, regardless of field).
These are just a few things to consider and I hope it is helpful to those interested. As previously stated is others wish more information/direction to resources please feel free contact me.
that sounds really interesting, how do mental health services work? I am in vancouver in may, and wondered if you would have any advice of anyone to speak to when there about the possibilities of relocation, and careers stuff.