Social workers

Average National Salaries (2020)

What does this career do?

Social workers provide information, advice and support to those who are socially excluded or are experiencing crisis; they protect the welfare of vulnerable groups including children, young people, people with disabilities, elderly people and people who are mentally or physically ill, and they may specialise in specific areas of work.

Typical tasks

• liaises with other health and social care professionals and agencies to identify those in need and at risk within the local community
• interviews individuals and groups to assess and review the nature and extent of difficulties
• undertakes and writes up assessments to specified standards
• arranges for further counselling or assistance in the form of financial or material help
• organises support and develops care plans to address service users’ needs
• keeps case records, prepares reports and participates in team meetings
• gives evidence in court
• participates in training and supervision.

Current entry requirements

Social work is a regulated profession and practitioners must be registered with the appropriate statutory body. To register a social worker must satisfy the criteria for registration. Non-graduates must undertake a three-year degree in social work; graduates with relevant experience may take a two-year postgraduate diploma/Masters degree. Prior relevant work experience or relevant voluntary work is encouraged. Background checks including a CRB check are required.

Percentage in work

• Employed

• Unemployed

Due to insufficient sample sizes, some data was excised.

Predicted employment status in 2022

• Full-time

• Part-time

• Self Employed

Predicted employment levels in the East Midlands

Career related courses available at West Notts

• Access to HE Diploma (Social Work) - Level 3
• Certificate in Preparing to Work in Adult Social Care (Advanced) - Level 3

About the statistics

Data is powered by LMI for All and is sourced from labour market statistics from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the Institute for Employment Research, the Department for Works and Pensions, and the UK Commission for Employment and Skills.