Hello,
I am still a social work student, but I am concerned about the lack of employment when I qualify. I have heard of this NQSW programme which gives NQSW a reduced work load and extra support. I was wondering what people thought of it? Has anyone done it? How would it look on a CV? Also, does anyone know what sort of salary comes with the programme (if any)?
Thanks for your help.
Hi social_work_student, the NQSW program supports social worker throughout their 1st year in practice, I am led to believe it supports the transition from student to professional status.
The role is employed so naturally a salary is paid, what level of salary would wholly depend where the local authority is located in the country. I personally cannot comment on the program as I have not actually done it so I cannot comment, there are various threads on carespace which relate to the NQSW.
There is an existing Topic:
http://www.communitycare.co.uk/carespace/forums/nqsw-scheme-5164.aspx#18983
Thank you, I will have a look at the other link.
Are NQSW schemes purely for children and family work, or can you do them with adults? YOS? etc
Hi there, I only just read this but Im on the NQSW course having started my first job in November after qualifying in the summer. I work in a Childrens Services CIN team but all statutory social workers attend this course be it adults or children, ( the courses are separated into two)
NQSW have a reduced case load for the first year , at the moment I have 15 children on my case load and am expecting to have about 28 - 30 by the end of the year. We have I believe around 12 course days throughout the year, The course in our area (Hampshire) has two start dates, October and February so if you miss any days from the course you are on, you can do it when that course day comes around again. As well as that, I have two weekly supervision from my team manager and a practice teacher who also gives me monthly supervision.
The training days include topics such as tools for communicating and engaging with children, child development and attachment, child protection and safeguarding and a 3 day competence in care proceedings training where for the first two days you will learn about the court paperwork you would use for proceedings plus the final day a mock court where you have to stand and give evidence.
I am completing a portfolio which in a way is the same as the one you complete in placement. There are two observations (one where you are running a meeting, the other working with a child). In addition to this there are reflective log sheets that you have to fill out, the task you write about has to correspond with one of the key roles eg preparing to work with service users families and carers
Finally Im also allocated one day study per month to complete my work. The portfolio is put together and a statement of confidentiality has to be added (as in your placement portfolio) along with service user and colleague feedback and training certificates.
Hope this helps
Caroline