Hi
I recently qualified from a MA SW degree and didnt get a statutory placement.
Does anyone have any ideas about how to get some statutory experience. My placements were in an advocacy service and a childrens centre.
Im applying for jobs but not getting interviews because i dont meet the essential criteria, i.e. experience of assessing needs
Any ideas would be greatly appreciated
Thanks
Whatever the setting you were in, I think you need to properly think through the term 'assessing needs' when you fill in your application.
Your experience in a Children's Centre ought to have provided you with experience of assessing needs of both parents and children alike - Why were they attending? What were the assessed needs? What were the Strengths and Weaknesses? What types of Intervention did you use? How did you assess progress? What other agencies were involved?
redana: Whatever the setting you were in, I think you need to properly think through the term 'assessing needs' when you fill in your application.
Alternatively; just wait for someone well meaning to come along and give you all the answers.
I suggest you apply for a job as a 'Support worker' in a children and families team. You would be involved in work with statutory cases and would have plenty of opportunities for finding out from colleagues how assessments are carried out.
It is also important to be aware of the need to develop skills in the assessment of risk - in addition to assessing needs - and you must show that you have a good grasp of the dilemmas involved in combining these two roles.