HOW TO TRANSITION FROM STUDENT TO SOCIAL WORKER

So you’re officially a Social Worker! Congratulations!

But now is when the hard work begins. Here are 8 tips to help you manage the transition from student to NQSW...

1 - YOUR ‘TOUR OF DUTY’

Stick any job for three years, unless it has a negative impact on your psyche. I know, at this stage in your career, three years will seem like an eternity, but it will pass quickly. Completing your ‘Tour of Duty’ shows commitment.

2 - BE CONFIDENT TO NEGOTIATE

Ensure your new contract and working hours reflect the work. Even as an NQSW, you can negotiate on holidays and flexible working, though maybe not wages. However, if you are already an experienced social care worker, ask to be put on midpoint salary. I know this takes confidence to ask, but try it - the worst they can say is no.

3 - PLAY TO YOUR STRENGTHS

Choose to work in a job similar to one you had before you qualified. For example, if you worked in youth work, perhaps family support would suit you? Play to your strengths. You don’t always have to have had placement experience to get a post in a different area of expertise. However, if you have had a statutory placement, as above go do your ‘tour of duty,’ it will help with job applications in the future. Pick something you enjoy, social work is tough enough without working in a discipline you don’t enjoy or you do not have a baseline of relevant skills in.

4 - SEEK OUT TRAINING

I know, you just left uni, but seek out practical training to enhance your work skills. Wilson (2013) states that “reality-based training” is best for the new worker, for example court or communication skills.

Also, seek out some YouTube or Skill Share videos on productivity and organisational skills, required for autonomous working. (Hint: Check out The Sociable Social Worker - “the best on the net,” they tell me...)

5 - IDENTIFY ‘SELF-CARE’ SERVICES

Self-care is key to your social work longevity, so, be sure to check out services for wellbeing in your social work patch, such as a lunch time meditation, exercise class, or just a coffee shop for that well-earned break. Alternatively, is there a park nearby for those sunny day stress release walks?

6 - CHOOSE A BIG TEAM!

Choose an area to work in with lots of staff and support, as something like project work or working in a charity could turn out to be very niche and isolating. Working in Statutory teams will provide a bigger staff compliment, more learning opportunities, and the best bit - a better social life.

7 - GET IT SAVVY

Sort your ICT quickly and make sure you make the most of its functionality. Use apps like Forest for productivity, and Tik Tick for to do lists. More time spent learning IT skills means more time with clients, isn’t that why we came into social work in the first place?

8 - GET A PROPER INDUCTION

Make sure you get a proper induction; one that meets your needs. Not: “so, here is the coffee and tea, now crack on with your 60 cases.” Four in ten NQSWs leave the profession within three years because of a poor induction or overwork (Community Care 2019). I have always said, to students and NQSWs, make allies, but just as important, contact the providers you will refer to. They then know your role, and will get to know you as a practitioner, and not just an email address or a voice at the other end of a mobile.