Social Worker

Social workers work with people of all ages who need support with a range of problems and help with managing their lives.

This may include working with children, families, older people, people with mental health problems, physical or learning difficulties, homeless people, refugees and asylum seekers or people whose lives are affected by drugs, alcohol or HIV/AIDS.

A social worker's job involves:

• assessing a service user's situation
• agreeing with the service user what he or she needs
• organising the support needed
• developing a relationship with the service user and his or her family and often continuing to offer support, information and advice
• keeping accurate records and preparing reports, eg for case conferences.

Salaries range from at least £20,000 a year for a newly qualified social worker to around £42,000 for some lead social workers and managers.

Most social workers work 37 hours a week, but their hours can be irregular, and may include some evenings or working on a rota to provide 24-hour cover. Part-time work and job sharing is possible. Social workers have an office base, but travel locally.

A social worker should:

• be able to develop trusting relationships without becoming emotionally involved
• have excellent communication skills
• be resilient and able to handle pressure
• work well in a team
• be aware of people's different needs and backgrounds
• be interested in people's care and well-being
• be committed to supporting people who may have many problems.

There are over 78,000 registered social workers in England. However, there is a shortage of qualified social workers.

Most social workers are employed by local authority social services, adult care and children's services departments. Other employers include private organisations, charities, armed forces support organisations, hospitals, health trusts, GP practices and recruitment agencies that offer short-term contracts with different organisations.

Social workers need an accredited honours degree or postgraduate degree in social work and registration with the General Social Care Council. Social work honours degree courses usually require at least two A levels plus five GCSEs (A*-C), including English and maths. Other qualifications may be accepted, either on their own or alongside A levels. For social work postgraduate courses, students need a first degree.

For both first degrees and postgraduate qualifications in social work, universities prefer applicants to have had some relevant experience, either paid or voluntary, with carers and service users. Some specify a minimum period of experience before students start the course.

Over 80 universities and colleges in England offer social work courses. Honours degree courses usually last three years, while full-time postgraduate courses usually take two years. There are also part-time, open and distance-learning courses that lead to a social work qualification. These are available to people who already work in the social care field.

Progress is possible to senior social worker or team manager. Social workers may also move into related work, such as counselling, therapy or education and training. Self-employment is possible, as is work abroad.

Further details