Social work assistant

As a social work assistant you could:

• advise clients and families about what help is available
•  visit clients at home to check how they are
•  follow or create a social worker care plan
•  keep up to date with changes in the law, write reports and keep records
•  go to meetings with other healthcare professionals

• counselling skills including active listening and a non-judgemental approach
• 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
• knowledge of psychology
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• excellent verbal communication skills
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

You can get into this job through:

• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• applying directly

With experience you could work towards qualifying as a social worker. You could do this yourself or you might be able to get support and funding from your employer.

You could also move into a related career such as a family support worker or counsellor.

Explore roles in child and family social work to find more information on management and specialist roles.