Recognition of prior work experience leads to Social Work registration

19 October 2023 Recognition of prior work experience leads to Social Work registration Newly registered Social Worker Kelly Shaw was absolutely delighted to finally receive her Social Work registration papers having completed the application process over a two-year period.

Kelly says, “I was encouraged and supported to start the Social Work registration process by my clinical supervisor. Although, I wasn’t formally trained or qualified, I had over 15 years of onthe-job experience which I had acquired working in a variety of social welfare positions.”

“In order to get my registration, I needed to show how well I met the core Social Work competencies. When I first looked at the paperwork, I thought that all I needed to do was fill in the template, but I quickly learnt that it was far more involved than that.”

To work as a Social Worker in New Zealand, you must be registered with New Zealand’s Social Workers Registration Board (SWRB). If you don’t hold a SWRB-recognised social work qualification, but you do have significant experience practising social work in New Zealand, you may be eligible to become registered as a social worker through the SWRB Experience Pathway: S13. The Board needs to be satisfied that you are competent to practise social work, meet the necessary fit and proper criteria and that your experience is enough to compensate for not holding a recognised social work qualification.

“It was at times a very uncomfortable process as I found it difficult to reflect on and then document what I have done well in my work. This included providing information on how I met the core competencies, highlights of my career and incorporating case studies which reflected how I work with people.

“While it was challenging, I really appreciate that I got the opportunity to be recognised for my skills and experience. I was also especially fortunate to be very well supported by my workplace and to be mentored through the process all while working as the West Coast’s Supporting Parents Healthy Children Co-ordinator.”

“Being a registered Social Worker opens up so many future opportunities for me as I can now apply for clinical roles. I really encourage others to consider looking at recognition of prior learning options within their respective careers as the reward is definitely worthwhile,” says Kelly.

Photo: Kelly Shaw proudly holding her Social Work registration certificate. * This article was also published in Issue #42, Tū Mata Kōkiri (All Staff Pānui) on 19 Whiringa-ā-nuku (19 October 2023). Past issues of Tū Mata Kōkiri are available on Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand’s website – HERE.