I agree with much of what you share Renae. I graduated from New York University as a Clinical Social Worker and was alarmed to see how the role of a Social Worker here in the UK ‘is viewed so negatively and with disdain.’ However i believe that is largely because the public sees the role of social workers only in Child Protection, and as case workers who simply ‘remove’ children from their parents. On the flip side however, if there is a death or injury to a child while in their parent’s care, its always the Social Worker’s fault and who will end up getting the blame. So they are in a no-win position. The problem here is that the role of a Social Worker is not recognised as it is in the USA or where you qualified, however the Social Workers here are very dedicated and professional and only now are they being given the respect due, but there is a long way to go, As for CAMHS, yes, you got it right again, they view themselves as a class above the Social Workers but i can understand why as they do most, if not all of the therapeutic intervention with children and families. But then it’s not unlike some of what happens in the US where Clinical Social Workers see themselves as a class above their colleagues who are not qualified as Clinical Social Workers who only want to do ‘Therapy.’
]]>Hi Jose, I guess that would depend on the Social Worker’s immigration status.
Don’t know if that helps.
Paul
This fee was in place via HCPC when I applied 7 years ago. So it’s not new to SWE.
]]>How?
]]>This wasn’t in place when I applied to the HCPC as a Social Worker educated abroad. Really disappointing that SWE are doing this money-making scheme – given how extortionate visa fees charged by the Home Office are.
Most Social Workers are also not exempt from the Immigration Health Surcharge (an extra cost of £624 per year per person which those on work visas + their dependents have to pay for use of the NHS per year) – which is another ridiculous expense, given that we are coming here to work and pay taxes already, which contributes to NHS funding.
I have worked alongside Social Workers from many different countries and it has been an enriching experience – I remember finding Community Care a good resource to get up to speed with UK legislation when I first arrived too.
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