Jobs

Q. How Do I become a Social Worker?

There are currently two routes to obtain an undergraduate qualification in social work, if you work within CSF.

Nominations are invited for unqualified workers with 12 months experience of working with children to apply for secondment onto:

• the certificate of Higher Education in Social Care or
• the 3 year BSC in social work.

Certificate in Higher Education in Social Care

Venue

School of Social, Community and Health Studies, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield

This new award, provides staff in children's social care agencies with the opportunity to gain a qualification that will enhance their knowledge and capabilities. It can be taken as a stand-alone qualification, or could provide a route through to the University's new BSc Social Work Degree*. The Programme is part-time, and can be taken over a period of up to 2 years. The course starts in September.

Content of the Programme

Students can take either the Working with Children Looked After module (Four one-day sessions), or Assessment with Families and Children (Four one-day sessions)

Additional modules to take are:

• Human Growth and Development module (September to May).
• Values and Diversity (September to January)
• Legal Context for social work (February to May)
• Information Technology and Communication Skills for social workers (September to January)
• Introduction to Social Sciences (September to January)
• Portfolio of Learning and Achievement: 15 credits.

There would also be a half-day orientation for students prior to commencing the programme.

BSc in Social Work - The new three year (3) degree programme

Venue

This new social work qualification is provided through the University of Hertfordshire, University of Luton and the Open University for CSF staff.

Preparation

Prospective students attend 3 days for induction and to prepare them for the Preparation for Practice and the Reflective Portfolio assignment. (500 - 750 words) for University of Hertfordshire in Spring 2007.

Entry Requirements

Applicants must meet these requirements:

• Successful completion of the above assignment verified by a line manager testimonial that a Portfolio student has achieved a defined level of practice linked to the appraisal process.
• Compile a learning journal with at least 10 entries; descriptions of activities that the prospective student undertook and that they have demonstrated the ability to reflect on their learning.
• Gain a pass for the written exercise which will be marked by an external examiner
• To have obtained a GCSE English and Mathematics or NVQs at Level 2 or 3. Those without English or Mathematics GCSE Level C or NVQ in Care Level 3 must contact their nearest Learn Direct Centre for assistance BEFORE applying.

Time scales to apply for admission to the three-year degree

Application pack available from November 2006 for commencement on the Sept 2007 programme

Q. What if I have a Degree in another subject and want to do a MSC in Social Work?

If workers have obtained a degree they may be eligible for the Msc SW programme available at Luton and Hertfordshire University. Candidates are invited to apply for secondment in the autumn and will then be interviewed for suitability for the programme and whether they meet the CSF standards for secondment on to the 2 year programme. More details are available on www.herts.ac.uk or www.luton.ac.uk