How to become a social worker

What qualifications will I need to become a social worker?

To become a social worker in England, you will need a degree in social work accredited by Social Work England. To work in other parts of the UK, the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) is the regulatory body.

Before heading to university, you’ll usually need A-levels or equivalent qualifications. Some universities might also have specific subject requirements that you will need to meet.

The majority of people wanting to become a social worker will begin their studies as an undergraduate student. A social work degree will usually take three years to complete. It is also possible for those with a degree in another subject to take a postgraduate degree in social work, which will take two years to complete. Registration with either Social Work England or the HCPC must be completed no matter which degree course or entry route is taken.

For those with a degree at 2:1 or above, completing a fast-track training programme such as those offered by Think Ahead and Step Up to Social Work may also be possible. This would mean that a Master’s degree will not be required, and entry to the profession can be established sooner.

All social workers need to pass an enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check, which will highlight any criminal record concerns that may prohibit entry to the profession. This is because social workers are in close contact with some of society’s most vulnerable people who must be protected.

What are the most important skills needed to become a social worker?

To become a successful social worker, you will need to possess a broad range of skills. These skills will help you carry out your duties as well as maintain your well-being in some challenging situations. Some of the most important skills that a social worker should have include:

• Exceptional Communication Skills: Ability to articulate ideas clearly and listen actively, adapting to various communication styles.
• Empathy: Understanding and sharing the feelings of others, particularly in stressful or traumatic situations.
• Non-discriminatory Relationship Building: Ability to form and sustain relationships with people from diverse backgrounds and communities. This will include working with children and families, and other vulnerable people.
• Organisational Skills: Strong ability to effectively manage time, resources, and caseloads.
• Problem-Solving Abilities: Skill in identifying issues and developing feasible solutions in complex scenarios.
• Emotional Resilience: Capacity to manage stress and emotional fatigue, particularly in dealing with traumatic cases.
• Critical Thinking: Capacity for objective analysis and evaluation of situations or issues in order to form a judgment.
• Professionalism: Maintaining a high level of ethics and professionalism in all interactions.
• Conflict Resolution Skills: Effective at mediating between individual or community interests while respecting all parties involved.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Understanding and respecting cultural, ethnic, and social diversity in the community.
• Adaptability: Adapting to changing circumstances and new information and adjusting strategies as necessary.
• Computer Literacy: Basic skills in using computers for data entry, case management software, and communication.
• Report Writing: Ability to produce well-organised, clear, concise reports and documentation.
• Negotiation Skills: Ability to negotiate effectively with other professionals or agencies on behalf of clients.
• Teamwork: Ability to work cooperatively and effectively within an interdisciplinary team.

Will I be required to have a medical check and criminal records check to be a social worker?

Anyone wishing to work as a social worker in the UK must undergo an enhanced DBS check. This comprehensive criminal record check will reveal any convictions, cautions, reprimands, or warnings held.

This thorough check ensures that individuals who pose a potential risk to vulnerable groups, such as children or at-risk adults, are not employed in roles where they could exploit or harm them. If you have any convictions or cautions, this doesn’t necessarily mean you will be automatically disqualified from becoming a social worker, but it may make the process more challenging. You may be required to provide further explanations or participate in additional assessments to determine your suitability for the role.

While the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) does not explicitly require a medical check to become a licensed social worker, some employers might ask for a medical assessment as part of their hiring process. This is typically to ensure you are physically and mentally fit to carry out your duties. This can include a basic health questionnaire and may involve further tests or assessments if any issues are identified. The specifics of these requirements can vary depending on the employer and the population you’ll be serving.

What are the typical daily tasks of a social worker?

Working in social services, you will meet a wide and diverse range of people from society. You will be required to work alongside other professionals in order to provide safe, secure and fair living arrangements for those in your care. You may have to work in some of society’s most challenging and emotional environments, including work within broken families, with vulnerable adults and those who need protection.

A social worker may be required to work with homeless people, those who have a dependency on drugs or alcohol, and people who have physical or mental disabilities. This means that as a social worker, you will likely witness distressing scenes and be working in an invaluable and vital role to help bring security and care to some of the most vulnerable people.

Social workers will need to work with a wide range of other people, including:

• Carers, foster parents and adopters.
• People who receive palliative care or end-of-life treatments.
• The elderly.
• Children who are in care.
• Young offenders.
• Prisoners and those who have recently been released from prison.
• Victims of domestic violence and abuse.
• Refugees.
• Asylum seekers.
• Individuals who are at risk of being abused or neglected.

A social worker’s day-to-day work is likely to vary significantly over the course of a week. The prime role of a social worker is to offer help, guidance and support to people in order for their lives to improve. This may be done in an office setting, at the person’s home or in an independent area. A social worker will be required to use their communication skills to build a solid professional relationship with the people they work with to meet their needs best.

The day-to-day tasks of a social care worker might include duties such as:

• Providing information and counselling services in multiple areas to help people achieve their needs.
• Building, administering and reviewing support plans for individuals and families.
• Maintaining thorough records.
• Attending court hearings and, where necessary, providing evidence.
• Working alongside other professionals.
• Carrying out regular case reviews, discussing progress with supervisors and making adjustments when needed.
• Working in a supervisory role for colleagues and other associated professionals.
• Carrying out mediation duties within families.

How much will I be paid as a social worker?

The starting salary for a newly qualified social worker will be around £27,000.

The more experienced a social worker is, the higher their salary will become. An experienced social worker who has worked within the profession for several years can expect to earn up to £42,000.

Does a career in social work offer good opportunities to progress?

Social workers receive extensive training and support, particularly in the early stages of their careers. Within the first year of employment, a newly qualified social worker may be offered additional support through the Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE), which includes:

• Regular and ongoing supervision
• A training plan which is tailored to help the social worker develop their skills and career
• Time to meet the goals set out in the training plan.

A newly qualified social worker will be required to pass their ASYE in the first 12 months of their employment in order for them to obtain their fitness to practice certificate.

Once the ASYE has been completed, social workers will receive a new training plan, ensuring that their skills and practices remain current. By following this training plan, a social worker will have a direct journey for career progression. The plan that each social worker receives will depend upon the local authority they work for, with some authorities offering the opportunity for social workers to obtain advanced qualifications such as an MA in Advanced Professional Practice.

Once a social worker has gained enough experience, their career may progress into a management and training role, into a research position, or specialise in specific types of social care work.

What are the typical working hours of a social worker?

A standard working week for a full-time social worker in the UK is usually around 37 to 40 hours, generally from Monday to Friday. However, social work often demands flexibility. In many settings, you may work on a rotational shift basis, including evenings, weekends, and sometimes even public holidays.

Part-time and job-share positions are also available for those who require more flexible working arrangements.

Due to the unpredictable nature of social work, expect some instances of overtime, especially when working on critical cases that require immediate attention.

Where do qualified social workers spend most of their time?

Much of your time will be spent in an office environment, where you’ll carry out tasks like case reviews, planning, and administrative work. However, social work is not a desk-bound job. You’ll often be required to visit clients in various settings, such as their homes, schools, hospitals, and other community settings.

Social workers often collaborate with professionals from other sectors, such as healthcare, education, and the justice system. You may attend multidisciplinary meetings, courts, or case conferences as part of your job.

Due to the varied nature of the job and the potential for fieldwork, many social workers do not have a fixed desk or office. Hot-desking, where you use whatever desk is available, is common. The COVID-19 pandemic has also shifted some aspects of social work to remote or hybrid models, involving a mix of in-person and virtual meetings. However, face-to-face interaction remains a crucial part of the role.

The job can be emotionally taxing, given that social workers often deal with vulnerable and at-risk populations. Adequate self-care and mental health support are essential for long-term career sustainability.