Social Work

What is it?

Life can be tough. People face problems of all kinds – work, housing, family, money – and sometimes they need extra support. As a social worker, that’s where you come in.

 

Social work is about helping people live successfully in their community. You form a good working relationship, help them come to terms with their problems, and support them as they find solutions.

 

You work not just with your clients, but their families and friends. You’ll liaise with other professionals – teachers, doctors, nurses, police, lawyers. And you need to know how the law operates, and the social welfare system.

 

You could work within the NHS, or for a local authority or a charity. You can work with adults, or with children – for example, finding adoptive families where children will be secure and happy.

 

What are the good bits?

• Challenging, interesting work
• Satisfying and rewarding
• Financial help if you study on an approved course
• Lots of choice about where you work, and who with

What skills and interests do I need?

• Caring, interested in people
• Communication and problem-solving skills
• Good-humoured, able to cope with difficult situations

What qualifications/training will I need?

To qualify you need to study for a Social Work degree at university for three years. You could stay on at school or go to college after GCSEs and do at least two A levels, or alternative qualifications such as a BTECIndividual universities ask for different things. If you already have a degree you could do a shorter postgraduate course to become a social worker.