Difference between qualified and unqualified staff...

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Jigs Posted: 7 Nov 2012 6:37 PM

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Just looking for people's opinions/experiences on whether there are differences between qualified and unqualified practitioner's use and undertaking of mental capacity assessments? And not just whether one group are 'better' than the other. Thanks

Shirack replied on 7 Nov 2012 6:55 PM

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Qualifications add weight; but not always quality?

Keeping Faith replied on 7 Nov 2012 7:01 PM

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A tough one .. follows a similar thread on here a few days ago about the growing trend for employers to consider significant experience as a qualification in itself. My view is that .. on the whole .. a qualification is certainly preferred. However, that said ... if I had to choose one person to undertake a complex mental capacity assessment it would be someone I know who works for Mind. He has no formal qualifications but is quite simply outstanding.
The issue of litigation plays a part. If the organisation commissioning the assessment has a choice of person (A) unknown quantity, inexperienced but has a formal qualification or person (B) 20 yrs experience, significant recommendations, proven results .. but no formal qualification.. chances are that person (A) will be chosen.
Is that right? I don't know ... Afraid its that 'experience' vs 'qualification' debate arising again which causes our sector such difficulties.

redana replied on 7 Nov 2012 7:23 PM

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Qualified and experienced is best.

Keeping Faith replied on 7 Nov 2012 7:34 PM

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Absolutely agree Redana... However, I also think that the cream of the crop are those who have gained a good level of experience BEFORE they start studying for their qualification. Unfortunately since the economy changed significantly in the 90's and house prices went out of control.. many of those who had experience and wanted to then take time out to study simply couldn't afford to.
Hence we now mostly have (a) experienced, able but unqualified... (b) newly qualified & inexperienced ..or (c) qualified but then gaining experienced at social work level without having really experienced the grass roots of the care sector.
Just my experience and opinion. Very willing to hear others...