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Author: Javaid, Makbool

Q I am in my fifties with 30 years' social work experience, generally as a basic grade worker in council area offices. I have applied unsuccessfully many times for more interesting posts. I wonder whether my age or length of experience goes against me as managers may expect older workers to be more opinionated and less compliant?

A It may well be that your age is affecting your ability to obtain a job. Some say ageism is the last form of legal discrimination in the UK. However, employers are beginning to recognise the advanttages of hiring staff of all ages, especially as there are skills shortages in many occupations, including social work. This brings benefits through fostering a skilled and experienced workforce. In turn, this brings about higher productivity, lower recruitment costs and higher workforce retention rates.

At the moment there is no age discrimination legislation in this country, only a voluntary code of practice. Any that does materialise is likely to prevent employers discriminating on the grounds of age. The EU directive concerning this recognises that differences of treatment on the grounds of age can sometimes be justified. For example, there may need to be special provisions, dependant on age, in order to protect an employee's health and safety.

In any applications you make, it is important to emphasise your skills and experience in your sphere and mention the wealth of talent and expertise that your years of experience have given. Do not focus on your idea that older workers are viewed by employers as more opinionated and less compliant.

Who's doing it? Lucy Benham.

Where? Speedwell community mental health team, Deptford, south-east London.

Job description: Supporting and training workers in the mental health team and in other agencies; working with clients with a dual diagnosis (mental health and substance misuse problems).

Skills/qualifications needed: Social work, nursing or equivalent professional qualification plus three years' post qualifying experience in substance misuse. Non-judgemental attitudes towards clients. Skills in assessment, negotiation, advocacy, diplomacy and training.

What's good about the job? It's a new team in a fairly new area of work, which is exciting and challenging. I have direct contact with clients and a variety of motivational work, training, supervision and networking throughout London.

What's bad about the job? Being part of a virtual team -- all based in different places -- can make you feel isolated. It is difficult to address the negative attitudes people sometimes express towards dual-diagnosis clients. Trying to bridge the gap between agencies with different concerns and priorities is a challenge.

Pay: £28,940-£31,196.

Grade: G or equivalent.

What's the job like? It is varied and interesting. It's about improving the experience of services and the lives of people with dual diagnosis and changing the culture in agencies to achieve this. There is an emphasis on inter-agency collaboration, making agencies talk to each other and to work towards a common goal. Clinical work entails educating staff in skills of assessment, engagement and treatment. Our team is positive and supportive and has shared goals. I can work autonomously and prioritise my workload. We have a service user group which informs our practice and contributes to training.

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By Makbool Javaid

Makbool Javaid is a solicitor at DLA Piper Rudnick Gray Cary