Should I apply for jobs that list an NVQ as an essential requirement?

[Tripletail52]

Hello all,

I recently switched from doing a PhD in politics to working as a support worker with a plan to do a psychology conversion degree. In my current job I have some experience working with people with mental health problems, but I want to work in a more specialised service, so I've been looking at NHS support worker jobs specifically in mental health. Luckily I have an interview coming up for a Band 3 support worker role, but I was put off from applying for many others because of the NVQ requirement. So I've been applying only for positions which list having an NVQ as 'desirable'. A lot of people on the forum have said that a psychology degree is often taken as an equivalent or better qualification for job application purposes, but does anyone know if having a non-psychology degree works too?

Thanks a lot.

[miriam]

I'm not sure there is a simple single rule, but if you apply for a few you'll soon find out! Normally if you highlight your relevant skills and qualifications, and your willingness to undertake training, some organisations will see the merit in your application, even if you don't tick every box.

[Tripletail52]

Thanks, Miriam. You're right, I should apply for a few and see what happens!

[LondonAP]

Hi Tripletail52,

I was able to get a Grade 3 Bank HCA position at a large neuro-disability hospital by arguing (in my application form) that my voluntary experience counted as sufficient equivalent experience. I think in the person spec it said something about 2 years experience being accepted in lieu of NVQ (although I had less than that). I have a Psychology conversion but I don't think that was the deciding factor. My impression of was that, at least in that particular hospital, they had rolling recruitment for HCA roles as they often have shortages. I only did a few shifts in the end because I got an AP post shortly after, but it was still useful experience. If you PM me I would be happy to share further details.

[Tripletail52]

Hi London AP, thanks for sharing that. I'll PM you.

[Tripletail52]

If anyone has the same question, I've applied for about 15 band 3 support worker/therapy assistant jobs and been invited to 6 interviews. Some of them have been submitted just a couple of days ago, so it's likely that I'll be invited to more. I've been to 3 interviews out of 6 so far, and I've got one rejection, one rejection but an offer for a bank contract, and haven't heard back about the last one yet. So I'm quite happy with how it's going.

[maven]

Thanks for the update. So it seems like the NVQ wasn't essential, and your degree and/or other skills and experiences can be considered equivalent.