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A Career as a Social Worker

The job role

Social Workers are responsible for counselling and supporting vulnerable adults and children living either within residential environments or in the community. Examples of the various issues faced by these clients include mental or physical illness, substance dependence or the effects of abuse, and it is the Social Worker’s responsibility to provide an appropriate level of support.

Within children’s homes, hostels and care homes, a Social Worker helps to provide a stable environment for children or adults by encouraging their participation in individual or group activities designed to develop their social skills and to facilitate their future integration into society.  When working with adult clients, Social Workers help to organise their finances while with elderly clients, they are involved in maintaining their dignity and comfort.

In the community, Social Workers support families and at-risk children, work directly with offenders, assist addicts and help the terminally ill.

Relevant qualifications

It is essential to obtain a General Social Care Council (GSCC) accredited degree or postgraduate qualification in order to practise as a Social Worker and to apply for professional registration.

Skills requirements

The ability to build strong relationships with clients and other professionals, such as health workers, teachers and police, is an essential trait for Social Workers.  They are able to provide effective counselling for clients while ensuring discretion and professionalism at all times.  Social Workers often handle many cases simultaneously and must, therefore, be able to respond to the needs of their clients as and when required.  Above all, Social Workers must have the strength of character to help their clients overcome the difficult, and often disturbing, issues they are faced with.

Career development

There are opportunities available for Social Workers in local authorities, private organisations and charities, and progression is possible to senior roles up to Director of Social Work.