How to become a Social Worker

6,205

11,216

£30,000/y

avg. starting salary

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

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

"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

You will usually need to have a degree to become a Social Worker However, there are many qualifications out there which may act as a stepping stone to beginning your undergraduate studies.

Recommended Social worker courses

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Social work is about changing lives for the better. Designed as a route into professional practice for graduates, the Kent MA is taught by qualified social workers. Overview You have access to placements across a range of settings, allowing you to develop your practice and …
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Make a difference in the lives of individuals and communities with our Social Work course. This comprehensive program will equip you with the knowledge, skills and values needed to succeed as a social worker. From understanding human behavior and social systems to ethical and leg …
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