Social work and driving

[Anna*emo]

I'm currently undertaking a Master's degree in social work and i was wondering if it is absolutely necessary for a social worker to drive? (especially if they live in a big city with excellent transport links) There is no mention of being able to drive in any of the advice on becoming a social worker and my university have not stated that it is necessary. However i have been told by a few people that it's impossible to get work if you can't drive. Is this allowed by law? Can people be refused a job in social work because of this? If driving ability is essential shouldn't this be mentioned when applying for courses?

[Buenchico]

(I've split this answer into 2 parts to get round the 2000 character limit)

I don't claim any expertise in this area but I'd like to make a couple of observations (and one suggestion so that this post doesn't seem too negative!)

It seems unreasonable to expect an academic institution to know the employment policies of all the health authorities, education authorities and social services departments who will provide employment for its graduates. These policies will vary from one employer to another and also vary within the different types of employment offered. It seems far more reasonable to expect people signing-up for courses to thoroughly research their career prospects before committing themselves.

For many types of social work a car would seem to be essential. Where the job involves being 'on-call', staff will be expected to respond to problems at all times of the day and night. (e.g. at the large railway station I run, it's not unusual for us to have suicidal or disturbed members of the public around in the early hours of the morning. Although the initial response is dealt with by the police, we've had social workers arrive at 3.00a.m. on several occasions. I've also heard of situations - not related to the railway - where children have had to be taken into care in the early hours of the morning). For these types of job, an employer would be negligent if they didn't require their employees to hold a driving licence. There might be some types of social work (e.g. referral officers dealing with vulnerable, elderly people leaving hospital) which are based at a single site (e.g. a hospital) where it would be unreasonable to require a driving licence.

[Buenchico]

(2nd part):

Finally, that suggestion: You're planning to enter a profession which requires a lot of self-confidence and will probably mean knocking on a lot of doors. Start now! Go and see someone at your local social services department (or health authority or whichever other area you're interested in) and ask what opportunities they might have for non-drivers. You've got nothing to lose, you'll get far more accurate information than you'll ever find on the web and you might even end up with a promise of employment!

Chris

[Hermia]

I think driving is a benefit in most jobs, unless it's one where you will never be leaving the building ever. I think I've been asked whether I can drive in every interview I've been to. I'm a Librarian and have to go out on visits etc all the time. It would be hard to do my job without a car and I wouldn't want to be without my car on my late evenings. I imagine a car would be even more critical if you are a social worker.

Is there a reason why you don't drive? If it's because you are epileptic or have a health problem than equal opportunities policies should cover you. If there is no reason why you can't drive why don't you learn? You don't necessarily have to buy a car, just knowing you could drive if you were needed would be helpful. My friend did an intensive one-week course which was cheaper than taking normal lessons (she is an excellent driver). I imagine if you went for a social work job against someone who had exactly the same qualifications and experience, but they could also drive it might go against you.

[ursula62]

There was a story recently where a community midwife was banned from using her pushbike because of the insurance - the hospital trust told her she could only use a car.

I suspect your social work jobs would probably have the same issues in this litigious day and age.