Social Worker

Social Workers make a difference to individuals and families by helping them live their lives more successfully and working with people to determine their own plans.

You will work with people to find solutions to their problems. This may be helping to protect vulnerable people from harm or abuse or supporting people to live independently. You will play a vital role in giving a voice to those who need it, having a positive impact on an individual and their family's wellbeing and quality of life.

Role Characteristics

Conduct assessments with people and families to assess and review their situation
Organise and manage packages of support to enable people to lead the fullest lives possible
Visit people you support wherever they a, which could be at home or in, for example, a care home, hospital, hostel or prison
Advocate for people and families, often in complex situations
Maintain accurate records and prepare reports for legal action
Give evidence in court

Skills

Advice giving
Decision-making
Empathy
Taking initiative
Working with groups
Working under pressure

Day in the life

Watch this video to learn about Ania's role as a Social Worker.

Routes into this role

Here are some example routes that can lead into this role.

GCSEs

A-Levels

An apprenticeship

Undergraduate degree

Postgraduate degree

How to become

You will normally need 5 GCSEs including English, maths and sciences, or equivalent. You will normally need either A-Levels, BTEC or T-Levels depending on your preference in learning. However, volunteering and work experience are valued by employers.

It is important to check your preferred course provider's entry requirements for guidance.

If you are wanting to do a Masters course, you will normally need an honours degree.

To practice as a Social Worker, you must be registered with Social Work England.

Where can this role lead

No matter what role you start in or where you are in your career path, there are always opportunities to develop and progress in health and care.

You may decide to specialise in a particular client group or issue such as the elderly, young people, substance misuse, mental health or domestic violence.

With experience, you could become a Senior Social Worker, supervising the work of other Social Workers, or a Primary Mental Health Worker working in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services. You may be able to progress into a management position, responsible for a department or an area.