Social Work Abroad with US Degree

Sara in Austin, Texas said: I am wondering if anyone knows how possible/easy it is to get a job in another country with a MSW degree from an American University. I am an American and would be interested in working in another country after getting my MSW. Preferably in the UK/Ireland.

Thanks!

Sara,

Your best bet is with the federal government (military jobs)working as a civilian. Check out the federal job site, army, and VA. What are the opportunities for social workers in Austin?

It is more difficult to find a Social Work job in Austin, as there are quite a few Social Work schools in the area. There are a lot of new graduates with BSW's and MSW's every year, and many of them want to stay in Austin, but there are not enough jobs for all the new graduates.

Many social work jobs in this area also prefer or require that you speak Spanish, as there is such a large Hispanic population here.

Austin is a really great place to live though.

Is there any clinical license exam to practice MSW in abroad. guide me

Liz in Marietta, Georgia said: I worked abroad for a year with a MSW. Feel free to contact me and I can tell you how I went about getting the position, the pros/cons, and my experience.

I would like to get more information from you if you are still offering :)

Sure, not a problem. To give you a bit of background, I received my LMSW in 2003 and worked for 4 years in a hospital setting. I had kept info from my Masters program regarding a recruitment program for social work jobs abroad in the UK. I began researching England in general to determine where I would want to live if I had a choice. My main concern was weather. I’m from Georgia. I like the heat ; ) Don’t know how much you know about England, but it’s basically broken down into counties that work sort of like our states. Each county has their own legislation and hiring process. I had narrowed it down to about 4 counties I was interested in, and since I wasn’t in any hurry (I was 27 and had a job I loved) I was just going to keep an eye on the recruitment website to see if one of the counties was ever hiring. Well, as luck would have it, a county I was interested in was hiring and I contacted the recruitment agency to get an interview. They reviewed my resume and gave me a long application to fill out and an interview spot. I prepared for the interview reviewing the laws/legislation that the recruiter provided and went to the interview. I interviewed with 3 employees of the county who had flown over, and was asked your general social work job hiring questions, nothing too difficult. They asked me which population I would like to work with as they were hiring for child protection, children with disabilities, and (I think) Long Term. I was offered a position with the county and then the recruiter walked me through the process of securing a Work Visa and all needed documents. It took 6 months from the time of my interview to the time I was able to start the job. There were 16 others who also got hired from all over the US, who were heading over there as well. I searched out the area on the Internet, found a Bed and Breakfast, made contact with my new supervisor, bought my plane ticket, packed my bags, and headed out on a Friday. A team member at my new office picked me

up from the airport, took me to the B&B, and I started work the following Monday, which was a life saver because I didn’t know a soul. I wouldn’t trade the year long experience for the world.
I could go on and on, but I thought I would pause here. I don’t know how detail oriented you are so I don’t want to bore you with details if you’re a short and to the point kind of person. However, if you would like more info regarding the pros/cons and what I would have done differently, let me know.
Take care,
Liz

Liz in Marietta, Georgia said: up from the airport, took me to the B&B, and I started work the following Monday, which was a life saver because I didn’t know a soul. I wouldn’t trade the year long experience for the world.
I could go on and on, but I thought I would pause here. I don’t know how detail oriented you are so I don’t want to bore you with details if you’re a short and to the point kind of person. However, if you would like more info regarding the pros/cons and what I would have done differently, let me know.
Take care,
Liz

Hey can you tell me a litle more about your experience in the UK, I plan on working overseas once I graduate in May. I was wondering if a license is required in order to work in the UK?

Liz in Marietta, Georgia said: up from the airport, took me to the B&B, and I started work the following Monday, which was a life saver because I didn’t know a soul. I wouldn’t trade the year long experience for the world.
I could go on and on, but I thought I would pause here. I don’t know how detail oriented you are so I don’t want to bore you with details if you’re a short and to the point kind of person. However, if you would like more info regarding the pros/cons and what I would have done differently, let me know.
Take care,
Liz

Liz,

I have some questions about this and would LOVE if you could shoot me an email at mallorydowd@gmail.com, because I can't find your email here! Thank you!!

Take care,

-Mallory

Liz in Marietta, Georgia said: I worked abroad for a year with a MSW. Feel free to contact me and I can tell you how I went about getting the position, the pros/cons, and my experience.

Hello, I am interested in working abroad as a social worker and is in the process of gathering information. I would love to here some of your comments.

thanks

Liz in Marietta, Georgia said: up from the airport, took me to the B&B, and I started work the following Monday, which was a life saver because I didn’t know a soul. I wouldn’t trade the year long experience for the world.
I could go on and on, but I thought I would pause here. I don’t know how detail oriented you are so I don’t want to bore you with details if you’re a short and to the point kind of person. However, if you would like more info regarding the pros/cons and what I would have done differently, let me know.
Take care,
Liz

Liz, which recruitment agency did you interviewed with?

Hi Liz,

I would like to know how to go aobut working abroad with my bilingual MSW qualifications.
thanks for your assistance.

Liz in Marietta, Georgia said: I worked abroad for a year with a MSW. Feel free to contact me and I can tell you how I went about getting the position, the pros/cons, and my experience.

Are there any Licensed Clinical Social Worker, that will be willing to work on a Milatry Base?

Liz in Marietta, Georgia said: I worked abroad for a year with a MSW. Feel free to contact me and I can tell you how I went about getting the position, the pros/cons, and my experience.

how was it working abroad, where did u go?

Sara in Austin, Texas said: I am wondering if anyone knows how possible/easy it is to get a job in another country with a MSW degree from an American University. I am an American and would be interested in working in another country after getting my MSW. Preferably in the UK/Ireland.

Thanks!

It is easy to work in the UK, you need to get your qualifications assessed by GSCC, General Social care Council, once you are regestered, you can apply for any job, it is not difficult.

Hi, I have a few study related questions. I live in and have done my postgraduation (Economics).in India. I would like to know if my education is of any value in Europe, that is, will I get a job in any country like UK, France or Denmark?

You can apply for visa through point-based systems like Denmark Greencard Visa where you can earn points for your education. You get 60 points if your postgraduate degree is equivalent to Danish Master's degree. For details, refer:

www.europeoffice.org/denmark.html

Hello!

I would like to enquire about social work in usa. Right now im in uk, working for nhs, have M.A in social policy, but not yet registered with gscc, though they do expect my social policy degree in social work, so will not be any issue.
I just wonder how is the social work in USA california, compair to uk,here i found it easy to find jobs in social work.
If any one could give me information i would be very pleased.
Thanks!!

Liz in Marietta, Georgia said: I worked abroad for a year with a MSW. Feel free to contact me and I can tell you how I went about getting the position, the pros/cons, and my experience.

Hi, I would love to know about your experience working abroad as a social worker. I'm in the process of trying to find work in the UK right now. I'm an L-CSW but don't have a work permit. I've applied to the CSCC but still don't have permission to work in the UK. I would love to know about your day to day experience most of all. Hope to hear from you, DebbiSue

Sonya Walker in San Antonio, Texas said: Are there any Licensed Clinical Social Worker, that will be willing to work on a Milatry Base?

Can you tell me more about this. I am licensed. Where is the job?
Thanks, DebbiSue

Liz in Marietta, Georgia said: I worked abroad for a year with a MSW. Feel free to contact me and I can tell you how I went about getting the position, the pros/cons, and my experience.

I am very interested in working in the social work field abroad. I have been contemplating the Peace Corps. Please share your experience. Thanks.

Sonya Walker in San Antonio, Texas said: Are there any Licensed Clinical Social Worker, that will be willing to work on a Milatry Base?

Sonya, I would be willing to work in a U.S. military base abroad.

Hi! Im sooo greatful foer this web site! Im a social Work student at Wayne State in Detroit, MI, and I want to work with kids that has development delays, or Autism, but i haven't been hearing good things about the Social Work field. People are telling me I want find a job, and that if I do it want pay much. Can any of you social workers give me some advice? Thanks, i would really appreciate it!

So is there any one who could tell me possibilities of social work in USA????

THANKS, ANNA

i am 31years old.i have my masters degree in msw..please let me know whether i have a chance to work in us or uk...am very eager to work outside india

HI, i hve completed my M.S.W with medical and psyciatry social work from india. I would like to know how to apply as a licensed social worker? Thank you.

Liz in Marietta, Georgia said: I worked abroad for a year with a MSW. Feel free to contact me and I can tell you how I went about getting the position, the pros/cons, and my experience.

Hi, I would like the same info as well. I have an MSW from an American uni.
thanks!

hi iam azeema i have done my M.S.W with medical and psychiatry specialization from India, i have one year experience in medical field dealing with cancer patient, i want to work abroad, i want to know how to apply for jobs, what will be the formalities i have to go through?

DebbiSue in Fort Collins, Colorado said: Hi, I would love to know about your experience working abroad as a social worker. I'm in the process of trying to find work in the UK right now. I'm an L-CSW but don't have a work permit. I've applied to the CSCC but still don't have permission to work in the UK. I would love to know about your day to day experience most of all. Hope to hear from you, DebbiSue

Hi DebbiSue,
It is probably easier to work with a recruitment agency to find a position. It's not impossible to find a job on your own, it's just that the employer has to be willing to fund and complete the application of the work visa, which some just aren't willing to do. It's also easier from the interviewing point of view becuase they set all of that up for you. Working over there was great. Not really that different from the US. The parenting style is a little different so you have to be flexible and adjust your view on some things. My team was lovely and very supportive. They hook you up with a car and insurance. But the job is still social work-- long hours, lots of emotions, stressful situations...the usual stuff. If you want, you can email me specific questions at Liz396 at hotmail.

Good luck,
Elizabeth

Jess in Jacksonville, North Carolina said: I am very interested in working in the social work field abroad. I have been contemplating the Peace Corps. Please share your experience. Thanks.

My experience working/living in England was great! I went by myself, so it was really freeing. The job was very similar to a government DFACS job. Child protection, adoption, children with disabilities, etc. The process is different, but the assessments are the same. The experience varies depending on the quality of the team (just like in the US). I had a really supportive team, but knew some other teams that were less collaborative and more isolated. The pay was a little better. I was able to visit a new country a month, which was the best part of living over there. I found flat mates off a room share website and they ended up being absolutely lovely and I still email them. The people were great. I think as social workers we are already pretty open-minded and diverse so it isn’t that big of an issue for us to go and live in another country. It was just really cool. The hardest part obviously was being away from the US on holidays. On Thanksgiving, I pretended my package of fish and chips was a turkey ; ) and Skyped my parents to chat. If you have any other specific questions, you can email me at Liz396 on hotmail.
Liz

I would love to know more information about this. I am graduating in May for my MSW and I am looking for something abroad.

I have recently graduated in the UK with a Masters degree in social work. I have over 13 years unqualified experience within the social care field ranging from children and families work, youth offending and learning disabilities. I am keen in gaining experience overseas and would like to seek advice in being able to secure social work roles in the US. I would be grateful for any advice given. Thanks

Hi I have completed Socila work with specialisation in Community development. and have the experiance in Rural development and Evironment sector for three years. I would like to the oppurtunities in abroad based on my qualification and experiance. contact me in yahoo mail. vishnu_msw@yahoo.co.in or at gmail vishnuarmour@gmail.com

Sacha in London, United Kingdom said: I have recently graduated in the UK with a Masters degree in social work. I have over 13 years unqualified experience within the social care field ranging from children and families work, youth offending and learning disabilities. I am keen in gaining experience overseas and would like to seek advice in being able to secure social work roles in the US. I would be grateful for any advice given. Thanks

Sacha....I've worked as a school social worker for 18 years in an urban public school system in Providence, RI. I don't know about the work visa, but I do know that you have to have a school social work certificate, granted by the Rhode Island Dept. of Education (a state agency). They review your transcript from your Masters Degree in Social Work and then issue a temporary certificate. Good luck! I'm looking to go in your direction....too bad we just couldn't switch jobs!!!
Nancy

I hold an MSW, I am in the midst of working on my licensing hours.Is there such a "thing" in the UK; May I transfer my licensing hours to continue my work and receive a licence in the UK I would like to interview, I am looking for a clinical position

Hi Nancy,

Thank you for your advice. I think that the UK system for recruiting qualified SW from the US is more of a straight forward process. I know that there are a lot of agencies and local authorities trying to recruit SW's especially if you have a Children and Families background so I would start making some contacts.

Good Luck

Sacha

I am noticing that no recruitment venue is place in New York, and am wondering if at anytime this year with one be taking place. Furthermore i hold a BSW, however, i am a citizen of Trinidad and Tobago what options should i pursue meaning going back home and then applying from there or doing the process from here. I am interested in work in the UK

I am an MSW soon to be licensed in the state of California. I live in the Los Angeles area and I am VERY interested in an opportunity to work and TRAVEL in Europe. I am not interested in working in substance abuse/chemical dependency which many available gov't contracts offer with the military). I have good experience in assessment, working with individuals and families, and I have 2 years of management experience. Are there opportunities out there for me? And what the DOWNSIDES of working abroad. Any info you can give would be greatly appreciated.

Liz in Marietta, Georgia said: I worked abroad for a year with a MSW. Feel free to contact me and I can tell you how I went about getting the position, the pros/cons, and my experience.

Ola! Would like to hear more about your working abroad experiences. I myself worked in Africa 5 years and hope to go back.
Ruth at rutheile@hotmail.com

I am social worker with three years of experience. One year in rural development and two year in Environmental programmes. Based on this is it possible to find a fruitful opportunity in abroad.

If you are open to going to a developing country (Africa, etc.) you might want to check out VSO India. Doesn't pay much, but good experience...

I would like to share all of them. First of all i thanks to everyone. i am doing MPHIL scoial work. After finish my course i would like go UK Organization. i pland to do work from there. so could you help to me.

Liz in Marietta, Georgia said: I worked abroad for a year with a MSW. Feel free to contact me and I can tell you how I went about getting the position, the pros/cons, and my experience.

I am very interested in working in the UK as a social worker following my graduation next month. I will have an MSW and hope to sit for the LGSW licensing exam in May as well. Any information you can provide would be very much appreciated. Please email me at Fscn8nSt@aol.com with any advice or information. Thank you so much! Deb Thompson

Hi,

My question is, Does a British citizen who was educated in the US (and lives in the US) and got the Masters in social work have to go through the same procedure

Liz in Marietta, Georgia said: I worked abroad for a year with a MSW. Feel free to contact me and I can tell you how I went about getting the position, the pros/cons, and my experience.

how did you get a position? Where did you work? Did you have to get a Visa or were you sponsored?

HI I am Anuu I from WI I did my MSW form India and now i am in H4 visa ...I want to work in US ....Is their any exam that I have to give work Here in US?? Pls let me know .
Thanks

I have completed an MSW in Ireland and have 2 years experience working in Child Protection...was interested in working in New York and moving in the New Year. Visa is not an issue as I am a US citizen. I do not know where to start with regards to applying for licensure or if my qualifications are even recognized. If anyone has any information to send me in the right direction it would be much appreciated...thanks

If you have experience in the UK as a qualified social worker in child protection this will most likely not transfer to work experience in NY. NY requires 3 years of pretty specific job related experience and most UK jobs do not qualify. Look under NASW New York chapter to see their requirements for LCSW and LCSW-R as they are more strict than most states, I would not choose to try and practice in NY if you are not already a resident and don't have family there, they make it pretty difficult.

I have looked into this. you must apply for licensure with all of your qualifications the state will then allow you to take the exam..you must also do three years child protection supervision i beleive. this is conducted through a licenced Social worker who will conduct so many hours of supervision and must sign off. you receive a limited licence while this is ongoing so that you can practice. Correct me if I am wrong?

leeza in Dallas, Texas said: If you have experience in the UK as a qualified social worker in child protection this will most likely not transfer to work experience in NY. NY requires 3 years of pretty specific job related experience and most UK jobs do not qualify. Look under NASW New York chapter to see their requirements for LCSW and LCSW-R as they are more strict than most states, I would not choose to try and practice in NY if you are not already a resident and don't have family there, they make it pretty difficult.

Leeza thanks for that..it does seem quite complicated. I dont altogether understand it as I have the application forms to see if I am eligible to take the state exam for a licence...but I keep running into contradictions.. So I would basically be going there as if I was fresh out of college?...is the salary for social workers good in the states? I am very interested in going to New York but if the process is so complicated..then what would you suggest? I suppose the simple question is...can I practice or not with an MSW from Ireland?

Can someone tell me the process for getting a job as a social worker in Ireland
I am from California and would like to work in child protective services in Ireland . The equivalent to California's department of children and family services.