Social work
A career in social work is grounded in issues of social justice, working with, and advocating for clients to ensure human rights are respected and protected. This can make it a very rewarding role that offers daily variety and the chance to make a real difference.
With opportunities across the country and a focus on personal professional development it can be a graduate option worth exploring.
What does a social worker do?
Social workers are problem-solvers, helping individuals, families and communities to have more control over their lives, protecting vulnerable people from harm and advocating for their rights. You could be the main contact for the client or be working as part of a multi-disciplinary team around the client’s individual needs which could include legal, health care and education professionals.
Your day-to-day duties will vary depending on the client group you work with but could include: providing information and counselling; putting together support plans for clients; taking action to support a client's safety; holding meetings with clients to review their situation; working closely with communities and other agencies.
You may be expected to work unsocial hours and evenings/weekends dependant on your role.
How do I get into social work?
You can become a social worker through a university course, apprenticeship or graduate training scheme.
If your first degree is not in social work, you will need to complete a two-year postgraduate degree in social work. Approved courses are normally full time, however there are a few providers who offer part-time courses. Applicants with undergraduate subjects related to the law, government, politics, social care, and social sciences will have valuable transferrable skills and knowledge to talk about in an application. Research and compare approved courses.
Work-based training programmes are available to graduates with a 2:1 degree (or above) in a non-social work subject, combining postgraduate study with on-the-job training. These are currently offered by:
Many social workers support children, young people, and their families. You could also work with or specialise in other groups, such as:
- The elderly
- People with physical or learning disabilities
- Offenders
- Individuals experiencing mental health challenges
- People struggling with drug or alcohol addiction
- Asylum seekers/refugees
- Those affected by homelessness
Social workers can work in both statutory and non-statutory roles. In a statutory position, your role is to adhere and enforce the laws that exist to protect your clients. In non-statutory roles, often based in the charity or private sector, you may provide similar supportive interventions but are not specifically responsible for upholding the law.
What are the career paths?
Early career support and development
Once you qualify as a social worker in England, you’ll need to register with Social Work England and renew your registration every year. To stay registered, you must keep your skills and knowledge up to date through continuing professional development (CPD). This can include a range of activities like reading, attending conferences, or taking part in training sessions.
Most employers, especially large organisations, will offer support by providing access to relevant training courses or running their own in-house training programmes.
As a newly qualified social worker (NQSW), you’ll likely take part in the Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE). This programme is designed to help you transition into practice smoothly, building your confidence and professional skills in your first year.
It is also beneficial to familiarise yourself with the professional capabilities framework from the British Association of Social Workers (BASW). This framework outlines what’s expected at different stages of your social work education and career, helping you identify what skills to work on next. Joining BASW also gives you access to professional events like conferences, workshops, and training. It is also a great way to stay connected with others in the profession.
Career options and progression
After completing your training and induction, you can explore a range of specialist roles in social work, including:
- Mental health social worker
- Education welfare officer
- Addiction social worker
- Day-care or healthcare social worker
- Homelessness officer
As you gain experience, you might move within your area (from child protection to adoption services) or even switch specialisms entirely (from children to adult services).
After about three to five years, you could move into more senior roles such as a senior practitioner or a team or care manager. These roles involve less direct contact with clients and more responsibility for managing teams, budgets, and strategic planning.
If you enjoy teaching and mentoring, you might become a practice educator, supporting student social workers and new staff.
Where can I find work experience?
Think about the skills that are going to be highly valued for example: active listening; critical and creative thinking; communication; interpersonal skills; organisation and resilience and how you can develop these over the course of your studies.
Gaining experience of working with the public, children and vulnerable groups is highly valued and will give you a better understanding of how to work with clients. You can do this in many different ways:
- NCVS volunteering opportunities in Nottingham
- Volunteer with victim support organisations such as Age UK or Barnardos
- Volunteer as a phone counsellor with charities such as Childline or Samaritans
- Part time work in day care centres, schools or care homes
- Check out our work experience pages
- Join a relevant SU society, for example Nightline
- Contact your local authority social services department to enquire about opportunities
Where can I find vacancies?
Social work jobs are often advertised through local council and local authority websites so look for the one closest to you.
In addition there are specific recruitment agencies that specialise in social work roles and gaining work through an agency can give you experience in a wide range of settings, although you’ll likely be working on short term contracts.
Advice for international students:
Sponsored roles are available for newly qualified social workers; these are predominantly through local authorities and NHS Trusts. To find roles use the above sites and filter ‘sponsorship’. Visit our international students page for specific advice and support. For visa advice contact the visa and immigration team directly.
What specific recruitment advice is useful for this area of work?
Before you apply there are some specific eligibility criteria to be aware of:
- An undergraduate or postgraduate degree in social work approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
- Register with Social Work England
- A driving licence and own vehicle are often an expectation
You can practice different types of recruitment processes through our events or by accessing Graduates First and ECareersGrad below.
What are the hot topics in this sector?
Understanding the current issues and challenges facing Social Workers is important if this is a career you want to pursue, so:
- Follow relevant national bodies on social media such as Health and Care Professional Council and the British Association of Social Workers
- Network with people doing the job – you never know what it will lead to, but it will certainly increase your understanding of the realities of the role
- Subscribe to sector based websites such as Children & Young People Now
Where can I find out more?