Nia79

Just joined this forum enjoying the discussions would really like some advice./tips.
Applied in skilled worker category in August 05 got AOR in Sept 05. Now playing the waiting game..like everyone else i guess!!
If there are any social workers out there i would really like to know what the job prospects are like and whether UK social work qualifications are recognised in Canada. I qualified 3 years ago i am based in a community forensic team (mental health) and work in a low secure psychiatric hospital.

dingbat

In BC you will have to have a degree in social work to practice and be warned even if you have a UK qualification in social work, you will have to "upgrade" with various (usually useless but expensive) courses. If you have a Dip SS, it is not recognised to allow you to practice as a social worker and you are looking at at least two more years of school. There is a myriad of other information that is province specific, but let me know what your credentials are if you headed to BC and I will give you the bad news. By the way, I have a BA and a BSW plus a couple of highly specialist (SW) qualifications and can earn twice in the UK what I earn here.

Nia79

Cheers for the info, i had a feeling this was going to be the case and yes indeed i unfortunately have the DIPSW not a degree!! I will be doing my ASW training in the new year as well as the post qualifying training (will be supervising social work students)...Does this account for anything?? Probably going to land in Toronto.

dingbat

Unfortunately you are going to need to get a degree. To be honest, the DipSW is great when combined with the ASW, but they don't have that here. Social workers with ASW equivalent designations are mental health workers who have either done or are going to do a Psych based degree as a first undergraduate degree or post graduate qualification. The two disciplines are very demarcated and the workers in each are fiercely territorial. Social workers cannot "commit" under the Mental Health Act(s) here under any circumstances. You would be reprimanded in BC for even trying to suggest the course of action often taken by ASW's without two doctors agreeing and signing off on the diagnosis. 'Tis a very different social work ball game over here.

http://www.oacas.org/careers/index.htm

The qualifications listed for most jobs requires a degree at minimum; at least in Ontario you can have a degree in another discipline plus relevant experience. In BC, there is no such flexibility.

Rich_007

Dingbat, could you offer comment on the courses offered here....

http://www.counsellortraining.com/pr...ndcourses.html

....in terms of acccess to employment and how their quals (Diploma level) would be perceived. The PR hype and examples of post graduation career success looks quite positive, however I like to see through the spin.

Many thanks,

Rich.

dingbat

The courses offered here do not have any reputation in the field, largely because this "college" is actually a private business and the courses themselves are not transferable through the post graduate system. The clues are on the FAQ page:

Accredited by......"Private Career Training Intututions Agency of B.C." which is regulated by....no one other than itself.

"The Diploma program offered through the Kelowna College can be completed in one year, or 1,000 hours of classroom study, stressing the skill development necessary for entry-level employment."

A professionally recognised counselling course would be part of a two year diploma or four year degree. There are no academic pre-requisites, which is also a red flag.

Don't waste your money.

Rich_007

Thanks for your advice. You've been karma'd.

Rich

ramac

Check this site out for accrediatation on Ontario. On a personal note think about Social work maybe other than Toronto. Good Luck!!

http://www.casw-acts.ca/

Nia79

Your right it is a totally different ball game..how could i be so naive!!!
Do they have such things as social work assistants out there? Not that i really want to go down that route but if its a way in whilst studying for the equivalent canadian qualification.......?
Are the course fees expensive?
Sorry to go on but im trying to establish what my options are.

ramac

There are positions like Family Support workers that pay approx $40,000.
We have them in our agency.its a bit like a Social Work Assistant/homemaker position.

Some of the bigger child welfare agencies may have SWA positions.

Nia79

Dingbat, thanks for the info really useful.

Nia79

Ramac, do you know where i can find more information on these positions and the employment agencies? Thanks

ramac

Hi Nia

The agencies I am referring to are the Childrens Aid Societies. They are referred to as agencies. They dont all hire family support workers or life skills workers, but it is worth looking into. You will find the 52 socieites in Ontario on the link below:

www.oacas.org

You should also look into the ontario government website:

www.gov.on.ca

You will find the Ministries listed there that may lead to some social work type positions.

Alos check out the Region of Halton, I cant remember the website address, but a search under the Region of Halton will suffice.

Check out charity village, its probably one of the best job sites for not for profit:

www.charityvillage.ca

Good Luck
Rose

Nia79

Thanks Rose, looks like ive got some searching to do!
Nia