ABOUT THE ROLE
In simple terms, social workers assist vulnerable people to steer their lives in a more positive direction. The seemingly large size of most local council’s welfare departments reflects the many people, from children, parents and the elderly to the homeless and those suffering addiction, who need some form of support and guidance. And in order to effect change, the social worker will endeavour to form relationships with their clients; to help them live more successfully within their local communities by providing possible solutions to their problems.
Qualified social work professionals are often supported by family support workers and will practise closely with other health and social care staff within a framework of relevant legislation and procedures. Workplace settings may include the service users’ home, schools, hospitals and the premises of other public sector and voluntary organisations.
Social workers tend to specialise in either adult or children’s services
EMPLOYABILITY
Working with anyone undergoing a major life crisis is difficult and can be stressful at times, so social workers need a wide breadth of personal skills.
- Positively want to improve the lives of families and children
- Good people skills, able to problem solve and deal with complex human issues
- Excellent collecting and evaluating information skills plus being good at sharing this with other relevant professionals
- Empathetic nature, a non-judgemental attitude and able to give clients hope
- The ability to relate to people of all ages and backgrounds and gain their trust
- Good team work whilst also able to use your own initiative
- Patience and resilience to cope with difficult situations and challenging clients
CAREER ENTRY
Entry into the profession is now solely via part or full time study for an honours or postgraduate degree approved by the General Social Care Council (GSCC).
Over 80 universities and colleges in England offer a social work degree course and once enrolled, you are eligible to apply for registration with the GSCC as a student social worker. Upon successful completion of one of these courses, you are eligible to apply for registration with the GSCC as without registration, you cannot legally practise in the UK,
It is also possible to take a degree course combining social work with mental health or learning disability nursing which may receive a bursary from the Department of Health. http://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk
EMPLOYERS AND SALARIES
Social workers can work for many organisations but must be registered with the GSCC
- Local councils and authorities (The major employer)
- Independent Not for Profit organisations and charities
- NHS (hospitals, mental health trusts and other community-based settings)
Salaries for social workers in the NHS would typically start on band 6 (£25,472). Local councils may pay slightly less. There are many and various opportunities for progression to more senior posts, most of which will be on salaries of £40K plus.
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