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How to become a Social Worker

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Career progression and salary expectations for a Social Worker

Social Worker

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The role of a Social Worker

What does a Social Worker do?

You hate Monday because you hate your job. You should be a Social Worker...

Social Workers support individuals within their community, helping with their happiness and well-being. This could be working with young children, people with disabilities, those struggling with substance abuse, homeless people, and a range of other individuals.

Typical duties include:

Evaluating a client's situation and circumstances
Providing support and safety for individuals who need help
Offering a a range of counselling
Providing supervision
Writing up reports and making recommendations with the client's best interests at heart

Is a career as a Social Worker right for me?

Even with the best intentions, Social Work isn't for everyone. A passion for helping others is essential, but far more skills are needed in order to be successful in this position.

It will often involve making difficult decisions, which client's may not always agree with. Keeping cool under pressure and the ability to see 'the big picture' are absolute necessities.

Other key skills include:

Patience
Excellent interpersonal skills (especially listening skills)
Empathy, and an unbiased approach
Honest and tact
The ability to build trust, and relate to people of all ages and backgrounds

What's it like to be a Social Worker?

"This role is not for the faint-hearted, but knowing that at the end of the day I have made a difference in someone’s life is definitely a rewarding feeling. Providing support and working in a variety of settings varies my day to day roles as I move from schools to hospitals and even part of voluntary organisations, but that all adds to the variety. There's definitely never a dull day as a Social Worker."

Get qualified as a Social Worker

To become a Social Worker in the UK, you typically need a bachelor's or master's degree in social work from an accredited program recognised by Social Work England. Upon graduation, registration with Social Work England is required, along with passing a criminal records check. Some work experience through placements or internships may also be beneficial, and continuing professional development (CPD) is essential to maintain registration and keep skills up-to-date.

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