Social worker

As a social worker, your duties will depend on the age groups you work with. For example, you might:

• meet individuals and families to review their needs and make support plans
•  give emotional and practical support to clients
•  build trust and confidence with young people to support their wellbeing
•  help clients develop and maintain independent living skills
•  keep clients safe and take action to protect them when necessary
•  work closely with communities, health professionals and other agencies
•  keep accurate records, write reports and review cases with your supervisors

• a desire to help people
• sensitivity and understanding
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• to be flexible and open to change
• the ability to work well with others
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• active listening skills
• counselling skills including active listening and a non-judgemental approach
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

You might need a driving license and your own transport.

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• an apprenticeship
• a graduate training scheme

During your first year as a social worker, your employer is likely to offer you professional development, like the Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE).

This includes extra support such as:

• regular supervision
•  a tailored caseload
•  training time to complete professional development tasks

With experience you could:

• become a senior practitioner, mentoring new staff and dealing with complex cases
•  become a practice supervisor or service manager, supporting a team of social workers
•  specialise in a particular area, such as substance abuse, mental health or child protection
•  move into research, teaching, consultancy and policy development

Explore roles in child and family social work to find out more about career progression options.