Finding a social work job with UK MSW qualifications

I am American but I obtained my MSW in Scotland. I plan on moving back to Los Angeles to start working as a social worker. I am wondering if anyone else has been in a similar situation and has any advise about transitioning into employment in LA.

We are in desperate need of good marital abuse intervention here in the L.A. area.

Molly Blank in High Valleyfield, United Kingdom said: I am American but I obtained my MSW in Scotland. I plan on moving back to Los Angeles to start working as a social worker. I am wondering if anyone else has been in a similar situation and has any advise about transitioning into employment in LA.

I found your comment while searching for information about obtaining a msw from scotland which I am actively considering. At which University did you get your degree? Were there other Americans following a similar course of study there? Was it it difficult to get your credentials approved in America?

I am interested to read the above query from the person who completed their studies MSW in the UK. I am a UK social worker and thinking of extending my development in SW by thinking of studying for my MSW in America?

Were there any specific reasons the UK was chosen as against staying in ones home country.

Regards

Phillippa

I am originally from the US and I came to the UK to study SW to be with my current partner - it really was for no other reason. With regards to going to the US to practice SW - I would think the greatest hurdle you would have would be getting a visa to live and work in the US. Why did you refer to going to the US to 'study for your MSW in America' when you already have an MSW - I am under the impression that they are equivalent.

HAPPY NEW YEAR... All the best.

Molly Blank in High Valleyfield, United Kingdom said: I am American but I obtained my MSW in Scotland. I plan on moving back to Los Angeles to start working as a social worker. I am wondering if anyone else has been in a similar situation and has any advise about transitioning into employment in LA.

I've been actively considering pursuing an MSW in the UK as well, but I really haven't come across any info to show whether or not it is common for foreigners to study social work there. All of the programs I have found lead to licensure in the UK and sound like they are geared towards locals practicing in their local councils.
Is a UK MSW commensurate with a US MSW? Still haven't found that answer yet. If anyone hears of any answers, please post! Thanks!

phillippa in United Kingdom said: I am interested to read the above query from the person who completed their studies MSW in the UK. I am a UK social worker and thinking of extending my development in SW by thinking of studying for my MSW in America?

I would suggest you take a look at enrolling in Walla Walla University in College Place Washington state. They have a very good 1 year MSW program there. I received my MSW there and also worked there for 4 years. They like to accept students from other countries into their program.

Molly Blank in High Valleyfield, United Kingdom said: I am American but I obtained my MSW in Scotland. I plan on moving back to Los Angeles to start working as a social worker. I am wondering if anyone else has been in a similar situation and has any advise about transitioning into employment in LA.

I've been actively considering pursuing an MSW in the UK as well, but I really haven't come across any info to show whether or not it is common for foreigners to study social work there. All of the programs I have found lead to licensure in the UK and sound like they are geared towards locals practicing in their local councils.
Is a UK MSW commensurate with a US MSW? Still haven't found that answer yet. If anyone hears of any answers, please post! Thanks!

Hi,
Yes, all of the Social Work degree courses in the UK (either BA Social Work or BSc Social Work) are geared towards practice for Local authorities in the UK. However with it being a degree now as well (it used to be a diploma only), there are many academically based units to complete as part of the course. Foreigners are definitley welcome to study at UK universities and you will not be expected to work for the UK after you qualify; although if you are not a UK citizen you would not be eligable for the national student loan or the General Social Care Council Bursary so you would have to find the tutition fees plus living money yourself.

I am not sure if the qualification would be sufficient for practice in LA, USA. If anyone knows the answer to that please let me know! I am newly qualified and would love to expand my career into LA, USA. Is my British qualification substantial to an MSW? Could there be a possibility of exchanging maybe?! Also, why would I have trouble obtaining a visa with a vocational degree?

I would expect that you could still work in social services here in the states. I'm currently working as a program administrator and have worked as a case manager previously, and I don't have any qualifications other than undergraduate degrees. Although, I would say that people with qualifications like an LMSW or LCSW have a better chance at getting the jobs that you want. I haven't been able to find out if the qualifications translate. I even asked a professor at the University of Texas and she didn't know either. Did you get an MSW or BA/BSc in social work?
By the way, which social work schools do you recommend in the UK for postgraduate? I've been looking at Edinburgh, Middlesex, perhaps Manchester. How was your experience?

Hi Chris,
Well I attended The University of Lincoln but we were the first year group to do the BSc (Hons) in Social Work so we were the guinie pigs really! but i have enjoyed the course, yea. We don't have specialist Social Work schools or universitys here to be honest, the best universities tend to be those in the big cities though. Cambridge and Oxford are our versions of your Harvard but then any in London, York, Manchester, Leeds, Newcastle, Nottingham, Edinburgh, Aberdeen or Glasgow are considered good. De Montfort University in Leicster is the best for BSc Social Work but thats an undergraduate course. To find the best post-grad university it depends on what post-grad course you want to do. But any uni in a big city has a good reputation!

Thanks for your help with my enquiries! Let me know if you want any more questions answering!

exeter do a good masters in sw

Molly Blank in London, United Kingdom said: I am originally from the US and I came to the UK to study SW to be with my current partner - it really was for no other reason. With regards to going to the US to practice SW - I would think the greatest hurdle you would have would be getting a visa to live and work in the US. Why did you refer to going to the US to 'study for your MSW in America' when you already have an MSW - I am under the impression that they are equivalent.

HAPPY NEW YEAR... All the best.

I have the eqivalent of the BA/BS in Social work and an MA in Socio Legal Studies which is not sw and not sure what agency would validate in the first instance. As regards to why I would like to pursue studies in the states is the same reason you came to the UK to furhter ones development gaining expereinces from outside ones secure and safe environment and one certainly needs a challenge to appreciate what they have. At this time it is a thought and as you say the first hurdle would be get accepted by a college and then the visa process. At present it is only a thought.

I am an American law student right now. I just finished my first year and I don't want to continue with law. I was planning on eventually practicing in the UK. Does anyone know how difficult it would be to get into an MSW program in the UK with a BA in psychology and/or how difficult it is for a foreigner to stay and practice social work in the UK after receiving a British MSW?

I am licensed social worker, LMSW, in the States. Employment opportunities in the U.S is a bit more complicated. Depending on the State's jurisdiction, the pay could be lousy, even with a master's degree and licensure. Here in Texas, it is not likely you would get a job without a license. Then, you still have to compete with nurses for better job and good working condition. They pay more in New York and California, but then your employability depends on years of experience and whether you are licensed. Many social workers are leaving the profession because of lousy pay and stressful work condition. More and more people are going into private practice. You may have better opportunity as a LCSW, which is clinical social worker with specialized certification in clinical work. I just don't feel social work profession is highly valued as perhaps in Europe. Those of us that go into the profession are very passionate about and we feel we should at least be able to make a living doing the work. Bottom line: make sure you are licensed!

Chris in Austin, Texas said: I would expect that you could still work in social services here in the states. I'm currently working as a program administrator and have worked as a case manager previously, and I don't have any qualifications other than undergraduate degrees. Although, I would say that people with qualifications like an LMSW or LCSW have a better chance at getting the jobs that you want. I haven't been able to find out if the qualifications translate. I even asked a professor at the University of Texas and she didn't know either. Did you get an MSW or BA/BSc in social work?
By the way, which social work schools do you recommend in the UK for postgraduate? I've been looking at Edinburgh, Middlesex, perhaps Manchester. How was your experience?

I have the opposite question most have been asking. I am a LCSW(licensed clinical social worker) in Florida, USA. Went to graduate school in the US. I have a private practice here. I have been thinking of possibly moving to Scotland. Does anyone know if I would be able to practice there?

You would have to register with the General Social Care Council in the UK and they would take a look at your qualification. www.gscc.org.uk. As a licenced clinical social worker I am assuming that you have a masters and therefore it is very likely that you would be able to work in the UK. My problem is that although I have a BSC Health and Social Care, because this is not masters level, I understand that I won't be able to get licenced and so will struggle to get a job as a social worker in Florida. I have confirmed that my degree will be recognised. I have been told that academically, a Masters obtained in the US would only be considered as a BSC in the UK - not sure whether this is a fact and I don't know if it works retrospect!

debra in jupiter florida in Jacksonville, Florida said: I have the opposite question most have been asking. I am a LCSW(licensed clinical social worker) in Florida, USA. Went to graduate school in the US. I have a private practice here. I have been thinking of possibly moving to Scotland. Does anyone know if I would be able to practice there?

Hi Debra, can we swap places please. I'm a social worker in Glasgow, Scotland and its "grim" i'm telling you. I shouldn't think you'd have any problems finding work here cept maybe wanting to run a mile from our horrible damp drizzly rain. Scotland is a great place to work and in social work terms its hugely challenging but very rewarding. Wages in Glasgow are not bad £2100 clear per month = $3,750 approx
let me know how you go

Diane in London, United Kingdom said: Hello there,

Karen I am a UK Approved Social worker with the role changing all the time as I'm sure you know.

After 13 yrs in the field and various disciplines certainly not earning that figure. London salaries are meant to be one of the best.

I'm surprised.

Diane

Hi Diane Glasgow, South Lanarkshire and now west dunbartonshire are the top payers in scotland. Newly qualified workers fresh out of uni are starting on £29, 800 per anum. My freinds a social worker in a london Borough and she's not paid as much as me and thats with the London weighting allowance thingy. On the down side we don't get overtime until after 10pm so that means if its not CP no OT

Hello there,

As an approved SW we are some time called to start assessment at 7/730am with the police. One of my duty days I completed a 12 hour shift with the above start and finished with another assessment at 8.30pm. No over time just time taken back. Over time would be nice as its as its some times hard to take the time back.

Hi Michelle...Thank you for the information.
Yes...I have a Master's Degree(MSW) and am also licensed(LCSW). I have a private practice here where I specialize in psychotherapy with children...families..and individuals. I also work in the schools providing individual and group counseling to children there. So...you think I would be able to practice in the UK as long as the General Social Care Council approved my qualifications? Is there market for practitioners in the private sector?

Hey...and I would love to change places with you..haha. I spent this past summer in Scotland. I loved the people and the country seemed absolutely beautiful to me rain and all.

And Michelle...I just re-read your message and I have a question regarding what you wrote about yorself and your needs. You said that even though you have a BSC you will not be able to get licensed in the US. While that is true..as you need a master's to sit for licensure...there are jobs for people with batchlor degrees here. Depends on the type of work you would want to do here. True..without a master's and a license, you cannot have a ""psychotherapy" practice...but there are many forms of social work here...so again...it depends on what you want to do.

Thanks again for the info...Debra

Hello forum,

I'm interested to read the article regarding work in the UK or US. I tend to keep reading and hearing from Social Workers that I have met on my trips to the States. Due to the experience I have in SW and continued professional development one should find work. I have a BSW. But in order to protect the name of SW one has to have the Masters in SW is this correct. In the UK one does not have to have a masters to practice social work. There are several people who entered the field at different times and have various qualifications all practicing as Social Workers.

So how could I as a UK SW with several years in the profession and disiplines, how could I find work in the US in order to continue professional development in another country. I understand the America system to find work is not easy and also some are leaving the profession as the salaries are poor considering the level of responsiblities that are taken on a daily basis.

debra in Stuart, Florida said: Hi Michelle...Thank you for the information.
Yes...I have a Master's Degree(MSW) and am also licensed(LCSW). I have a private practice here where I specialize in psychotherapy with children...families..and individuals. I also work in the schools providing individual and group counseling to children there. So...you think I would be able to practice in the UK as long as the General Social Care Council approved my qualifications? Is there market for practitioners in the private sector?

Hey...and I would love to change places with you..haha. I spent this past summer in Scotland. I loved the people and the country seemed absolutely beautiful to me rain and all.

And Michelle...I just re-read your message and I have a question regarding what you wrote about yorself and your needs. You said that even though you have a BSC you will not be able to get licensed in the US. While that is true..as you need a master's to sit for licensure...there are jobs for people with batchlor degrees here. Depends on the type of work you would want to do here. True..without a master's and a license, you cannot have a ""psychotherapy" practice...but there are many forms of social work here...so again...it depends on what you want to do.

Thanks again for the info...Debra

Hi Debra,

In the UK Social Workers work either with Adults or Children and families. I myself specialise in Adults. I work in a duty team with any adult over the age of 18 who is considered vulnerable. I arrange care at home, residential/nursing care, day care and respite for carers. I also act as an Appropriate Adult for the Police when they are interviewing vulnerable adults and I complete adult abuse investigations. I have six years in service and supervise two members of staff as well as student social workers. Social Work in the UK is different to that of the states as most social work services are governed by local authorities and not the private sector.

To continue. I have family in Orlando, Florida, and visit yearly. I have looked at social work positions and I think that I would be able to find suitable work but obviously would be fairly underpaid compared to my UK salary. My husband's brother is sponsering us to move to the US but this could take up to 7 years. I am looking into getting sponsered but that takes us back to me not having a masters. Still, I may decide to pursue a masters here. My ultimate goal would be to access social work within a hospital environment. I think your skills with children would be in need. The UK has trouble recruiting Social Workers, particularly in the field of Children and Families. You may wish to look at the following web site which gives information on social work issues in the UK: www.communitycare.co.uk.

Hello Michelle,

I read your email with interest how are you looking to get sponsered for social work in the states, it seams a much harder hurdle than for those heading to England. My understanding is that one has to find an agency to sponor an individual if there is not an American that can fill that post. I would be interested to hear your comments and ideas. For the level of work and continued studies and registration one has to pay in the States I see the UK pay as much higher than the states, not sure what your views are on that.

You know...I find this whole thread interesting..the different pay scale for what I am assuming basic "social work" practice in the UK is. I am assuming the kind of "social work" practice we are discussing here is what we call "case management". case managers typically have BSW's..not MSW's. They do not have to be licensed to do the work. I feel that the people who practice "Social Work" in the States are not accorded the same kind of respect that our "brothers and sisters" are given in the UK for performing the same type of job. Therefor the wage that is earned here is not as high...because the respect for the profession is also not as high. The other issue we are talking about is the american dollar is half what the pound is worth. Cost of living here kinds of equals out.

I have had another thought for those who would want to practice here and are looking into going to graduate school while in the UK. What about taking classes from an american university "on line"? Is this possible? You could get your degree from a USA school while living and continuing to work in the UK? That could take care of the problem for any of you that would want to mve here at some point in the future because you will have your MSW from a stateside school. Might be very afordable too for you as the pound is so much stronger than the dollar. I don;t know...just a thought.

Cheers...Debra

Hello Debra,

Here in the UK Social workers BA/BSc/MA all carry out the same work here there does not from my experiences appear to be the distinction the US appears to thrive on. Off course with experience one will carry a different case load. I have met US SW both BA/MA and when they tell me the work they are carrying out it is some thing my colleagues do on a daily basis.

Also we do not have to continue to registering in other parts of the UK. I can practice in any part of the UK without having to sit examines in order to practice social work. As I 've said to those I have met is SW not social Work irrespective of what state one may have studied and lives in.

Hi, I have read through all of the above comments but my queries that I've been desperate to be answered, so far haven't (I don't think).
I am currently finishing my last year in my Masters in Social Work. I have done various summer jobs over the last few years in America and really want to work and live over there.
I want to know how I would begin this process? As I understand it social work is one of the occupations that qualifies for a working visa? Is this right does anyone know? and in order for me to apply for a visa do I have to be offered employment first? and if so, how would I do this?
Any advice would be wonderful. Thank you

From my enquiries so far, I have found out that yes social workers can apply for a working visa but that they can only do this if sponsered. You may wish to look at the following web site: www.cswe.org/CSWE/. You will need to get your masters qualification usa recognised. All is explained on CSWE. If I find out anything else, I'll add it to the site.

Diane in London, United Kingdom said: Hello Michelle,

I read your email with interest how are you looking to get sponsered for social work in the states, it seams a much harder hurdle than for those heading to England. My understanding is that one has to find an agency to sponor an individual if there is not an American that can fill that post. I would be interested to hear your comments and ideas. For the level of work and continued studies and registration one has to pay in the States I see the UK pay as much higher than the states, not sure what your views are on that.

If I decide to pursue the matter of sponsorship, I will simply have to convert my qualification and then apply for posts in the US. There are lots of job web sites that I can view. If an agency does not get suitable candiatates, it's up to them if they wish to sponsor me. From previous enquiries I have found out that it costs the agency $1000 to do this but then they can sign me up for six years so it's in their interest.

Ok, so it's all about sponsorship. Do you have to contact each possible vacancy individually and see if they are willing to sponsor you? Also, about converting your qualification, what do you mean by this? And I read in one of the earlier posts you have to be licensed to get a job? Is this right? and is there additional training I would have to do if I did have a job so that my knowledge of policies etc is accurate, or would this be a prerequisite or something that woud be done on the job?

Thank you for your help so far.

sareheath in Cheshire, United Kingdom said: Ok, so it's all about sponsorship. Do you have to contact each possible vacancy individually and see if they are willing to sponsor you? Also, about converting your qualification, what do you mean by this? And I read in one of the earlier posts you have to be licensed to get a job? Is this right? and is there additional training I would have to do if I did have a job so that my knowledge of policies etc is accurate, or would this be a prerequisite or something that woud be done on the job?

Thank you for your help so far.

It appears that the USA has two types of social workers. Those that are case managers as we are in the UK and those that are specialists such as psychotherapists (probably on par with our approved social workers). It appears that if you have a masters you can get licenced but you don't have too unless you want to specialize. Getting licenced involves tests relevant to the state you are working in. However, you have to have your degree recognised by CSWE before you can apply for posts. They will require documentation to confirm that your degree is a social work degree in the eyes of the USA. Have a look at the web site which explains it better. You will just have to apply for jobs and enclose a statement requesting sponsership. Hope this helps - I'm still finding my way around it all also!

Hello fellow Social Workers,

Read all the comments/replies with interest. I had my UK qualifications validated by the CSWE some years ago and I know it is the American BSW, it cost about $200 if not more at that time. So I have the relavent paperwork but of course its finding a job. I may well just send my CV/resume with a covering letter asking for sponsorship and see what happens.

Diane

Diane in London, United Kingdom said: Hello fellow Social Workers,

Read all the comments/replies with interest. I had my UK qualifications validated by the CSWE some years ago and I know it is the American BSW, it cost about $200 if not more at that time. So I have the relavent paperwork but of course its finding a job. I may well just send my CV/resume with a covering letter asking for sponsorship and see what happens.

Diane

The fee has now gone up to $450! How did you find the whole validation process? I find it concerning that the institution that you studied at has to sent the paperwork direct - did you do this? How many years ago did you validate your qualifications?

Michelle

Thanks Michelle for pointing me in the direction of that CSWE website. So am I correct in thinking I can't do anything until I have my certificate that I passed my course? Do I actually have to have graduated and have received the certificate or will they do it on the premise that I've passed? I too would like to know about the validation process and do you get your original paperwork sent/given back or do they keep it?

Sarah

hello Sarah

You have to have proof of certification and all orginal papers and transcripts must be sent from the establishment you studied. That is how I did it some 14 years ago.

Diane

Thanks Diane.
Are you working over in America now? Or have you ever applied to do so? Someone has said to me that it would be difficult for me to get a working visa and job over in the states because I won't have any working experience in the social work field. I have worked 200 days placement and a year at the Age Concern charity, as well as working 1 year and 2 summers with children at summer camps and children's homes in America, but not specific social work. What do you think about this?
Thanks
Sarah

Hello All,
I am currently living in Chicago and have a B.S. in Therapeutic Recreation but am working in a rehab center as a Social Worker. I would like to obtain my masters in social work in the UK, preferably in or around London. I have been trying to find graduate level programs and need some help. I don't know if I need to look for a program that is more specific than just "social work" because I am not finding a program for Social Work except for at Royal Holloway. Can anyone guide me in the right direction? Is it worth it for me to study there rather than the US? Not sure where to start looking. Thanks for any advice or suggestions!!!
Carlie

Carlie in Chicago, Illinois said: Hello All,
I am currently living in Chicago and have a B.S. in Therapeutic Recreation but am working in a rehab center as a Social Worker. I would like to obtain my masters in social work in the UK, preferably in or around London. I have been trying to find graduate level programs and need some help. I don't know if I need to look for a program that is more specific than just "social work" because I am not finding a program for Social Work except for at Royal Holloway. Can anyone guide me in the right direction? Is it worth it for me to study there rather than the US? Not sure where to start looking. Thanks for any advice or suggestions!!!
Carlie

In the UK not many universites do an MA in Social Work. You will need the MA Social Work or Msc to be a registered Social Worker. I know Brighton do the MA course.

Darryl in Stafford, United Kingdom said: In the UK not many universites do an MA in Social Work. You will need the MA Social Work or Msc to be a registered Social Worker. I know Brighton do the MA course.

I think Darryl means that a BSC/BA in Social Work is required in the UK to register as a Social Worker (not an Masters). Your BS in Therapeutic Recreastion will not be considered a social work approved degree in the UK. There are various universities in the UK that offer the Masters in Social Work to include Luton University, Leicester University and Hatfield University (close to London) should you wish to study at a post graduate level but there are many that offer the social work BA/BSC.

Thank you for your replies. My main concern however, is to make sure that my Masters in Social Work in the UK, would be recognized in America when I eventually come back to work here. I have been looking into Middlesex, Goldsmiths, and Royal Holloway. Do you know anything about these Universities? I will look into the others you mentioned, thanks. If you know anything about if my degree in the UK is recognized in the USA, please let me know!!!

I have researched salaries for social workers in the USA and in Canada and Ihave noticed that Canadian social workers with an MSW degree are paid significantly more in Canada, than their counterpart in the US. In Canada, the province of Alberta pays medical social workers (Social Worker III positions)$69,000-89,500 per year, while the in Toronto, Ontario medical social workers are paid up to $84,000 per year. Yale Medical Center in Connecticut pays social workers up to $90,000 per year.

Hi,

I am a Canadian second year social work student soon to be graduating next year with a BSW. I am very interested in working in the UK. I worked there during a gap year and loved it. I just wanted to know if there are jobs out there for just BSW?. I know that a lot prefer MSW. But I want some work experience before getting mine.

I know there are agencies out there, and job postings. But does anybody know if there are social work agencies or councils who help new graduates find a place to live, and find a job?. The reason I am asking is, I once found a post on a different forum from a social work graduate who got all these perks from either an agency or a council in the uk( I can't recall from which). They found her a flat( shared of course),and paid for her fare to fly from Canada to the UK.

I know that must be rare, just wondering who should I register with ( agency wise) and should I contact councils directly?. I have to start looking within the next few months because I graduate in one year.

Thanks and hope to hear from someone soon!

Hi to all,

This would be the most rare case :-)
I studied Social work in Croatia & almost finished my 3.year (still few exams), then quit that college. It wasn't in Bacchellor/ Bologna system, but before (diploma system, with 4 yrs to get the diploma)
I'm wondering if there is any chance to relocate my college in UK, eventually near/in London (I have a place there); any university's name, anything?
I'd like to finish it in Uk, and is it there possible to study just part-time? How much regulary years could it be, as it would be the best for me if I can move to the last year of Ba.
How much years first level of SW education lasts?
What is procedure as for UK, where I can start with papers, where to apply first?

Anything, really anything helps... :-( thanks!

I am an accredited counsellor in the UK with a few years experience and am thinking about doing a Masters in Social work as I am finding it hard to find a salaried position here. I would prefer to do a Masters in Psychology but it is so much more competitive and I dont have a bachelors in Psychology. I am interested in eventually maybe working abroad...ideally the US/Canada and would even be interested in studying there if I could find a way. I guess the question I want to ask is around the business of Licensed CSW...what does that qualify you to do in the US/Canada. I am getting a sense from posts that it means you can be a therapist. That is not the case here as far as I know (maybe someone will correct me if I am wrong?) While I think anyone techinically can work as a therapist, you would never get a job here without a psychology/psychotherapy or counselling training. I am confused about this apparent overlap in roles in other countries.

Molly Blank in London, United Kingdom said: I am originally from the US and I came to the UK to study SW to be with my current partner - it really was for no other reason. With regards to going to the US to practice SW - I would think the greatest hurdle you would have would be getting a visa to live and work in the US. Why did you refer to going to the US to 'study for your MSW in America' when you already have an MSW - I am under the impression that they are equivalent.

HAPPY NEW YEAR... All the best.

Hi Molly,
How do you like studying social work in the UK? Are you currently working there? I'm going to graduate in May, and thinking about moving there & working abroad in the UK. Just wanted your opinion.
Thanks.

I have a Master's in Counseling Psych from a US university and am moving back to the UK to live soon (I am a British citizen). It seems there really isn't much work there I can apply for except a number of NHS positions but there is a huge call for social workers. I'm wondering if my degree could transfer and I could be accredited by the GSCC. My internships were with social work agencies. Perhaps I'd have to take one or two extra classes to fill in the gaps. Does anyone know?
Thanks!

Jenny in Chicago, Illinois said: I have a Master's in Counseling Psych from a US university and am moving back to the UK to live soon (I am a British citizen). It seems there really isn't much work there I can apply for except a number of NHS positions but there is a huge call for social workers. I'm wondering if my degree could transfer and I could be accredited by the GSCC. My internships were with social work agencies. Perhaps I'd have to take one or two extra classes to fill in the gaps. Does anyone know?
Thanks!

I'm afraid that you would have to complete a degree in Social Work to be able to register as a Social Worker in the UK. You may be able to transfer some of your credits and study less modules but that will be up to each individual university. I would suspect you would have a minimum of 2 years full-time study. There is a lot to learn!

Hello! I am interested in working in the UK in the social work field. I have an MSW from the US. I am also already registered with the GSCC. I'm not sure what my next move should be. I've applied for several positions around London in the "children in care" field, but haven't heard back on any of them. I'm wondering if it is because I don't yet have a work visa. I've been working in the child welfare system for almost five years in the US, so I think I probably have enough experience.

I appreciate any help/insight any of you may be able to give. Thanks!

I would like to move to the UK with a MSW - can I work as a therapist over there?

Molly Blank in High Valleyfield, United Kingdom said: I am American but I obtained my MSW in Scotland. I plan on moving back to Los Angeles to start working as a social worker. I am wondering if anyone else has been in a similar situation and has any advise about transitioning into employment in LA.

well, I am British living and working with a MSW from Liverpool. There are opportunities in social work. I wish you the very best. Good luck.