Introduction

Children are potentially the most threatened members of society because they are among the most vulnerable. They are prey to physical, emotional, sexual and substance abuse. Some have learning difficulties, physical disabilities or mental health problems. Often the unstable, disadvantaged child is regarded as a menace and should be disciplined. But to social workers he is damaged, perhaps depressed, frightened and lonely. It is their job to help him: to organise care and support for the child and his family who is at risk or who has special needs. It is one of the specialist areas of social work which also includes adult services.

Social work is based in all types of council local authority except district councils.

Work Environment

The work is based in the offices of the Social Services Department but also takes place in other settings such as community centres, hospitals, residential and day care centres, schools, special schools or private homes – where children with complex problems exist in circumstances in which their liberty or safety is threatened. Tasks undertaken outside the office often involve a degree of isolation with physical and emotional risks. There is a fair amount of local travel involved.

Social workers work a nominal 37 hours per week with anti social hours when a case demands it.

Daily Activities

Regular daily requirements include visiting children, families and young people in various places and escorting them to spend time with parents and family. There are meetings to attend, emergencies to respond to, reports, records and letters to write, liaison with other professionals, planning and reviewing of procedures and progress. There may also be a need to attend juvenile court hearings.

Social workers may also get involved with special research projects on issues affecting a number of children and families.

There is considerable scope for using individual initiative but decisions are usually taken as a team with collective responsibility. Deadlines are determined by the statutory/legal framework within which the service operates.

Each day will feature liaison with social services colleagues, other council departments, the police, health officials, GPs, school nurses, consultants, psychologists and the general public.

Skills & Interests

To do this job well you would need to be able to:

• engage with the child to identify its needs
• establish an effective way of talking to a child
• communicate with people from all walks of life
• respect the rights of the child and the family
• be good at interviewing, listening and observation
• negotiate and organise
• deal with difficult situations and conflict
• understand the principles of intervention
• engage with parents to effect change
• have a stable and mature temperament
• have report writing skills.

Being able to use a computer and drive a car is also necessary.

Entry Requirements

The professional qualifying training for social workers is a degree in social work approved by the General Social Care Council (GSCC).

The degree is a three year programme and entrance is via approved universities, who determine their own conditions for entry.

The previous professional qualification, the Diploma in Social Work (DipSW), is still recognised as a valid social work qualification.

Those wishing to pursue a degree in social work will need GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and Mathematics at grade C or above. Although universities will set their own conditions of entrance, possible useful A-level (or equivalent) subjects would be law, sociology or psychology. Vocational GCSEs and A-level subjects may also be useful.

More information about the new qualification is available on General Social Care Council website and the Department of Health website.

More information about professional training in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland can be found at the following websites:
Care Council for Wales
Scottish Social Services Council
Northern Ireland Social Care Council

Estimated salary range

Variable: from £19,800 to £27,300 possibly rising to £28,000+ in some areas and due to possible differences in job description as given above.

Please note that salary information is a guide only and there may be local agreements in place. For further information about salaries for particular positions, please contact your local council directly.

Future prospects & opportunities

Experienced social workers can become senior practitioners or they can move into supervisory posts as senior social worker or team leader. They can also specialize in other areas such as mental health, care of the elderly, family care, youth offending, fostering or adoption. They can work as probation officers, too.

Social work is a growing field with good promotion prospects, structured professional development and on the job training. The demands are huge but there is great satisfaction to be gained from helping to improve the quality of life for children and young people.

Related Occupations

Follow this link to view a list of all related occuptions in Caring For Your Community.
Alternatively, follow this link to view all career profiles placed in the same job area.

Further Information & Services

Community Care journal

General Social Care Council www.gscc.org.uk

Care Council for Wales www.ccwales.org.uk

Northern Ireland Social Care Council www.niscc.info

Scottish Social Services Council www.sssc.uk.com

British Association of Social Workers(BASW) www.basw.co.uk

Social Care Association www.socialcareassociation.co.uk

National Training Organisation for Social Work/Social Care www.topssengland.net

Social work careers information www.socialworkcareers.co.uk

Community Service Volunteers www.csv.org.uk/socialhealthcare

Follow this link for social services recruitment contacts within local councils in your area.

You may find further information about this area of work in your local Connexions service/careers office/school careers library – under V.

What should I do next?

Look for current local government Social Worker, Childrens Services vacancies in the following places:

• LGjobs.com - the official recruitment website for local government.
• Weekly, bi-weekly or monthly jobs bulletins produced by local councils themselves, available from libraries, community centres, town halls/main civic buildings and central council personnel departments.
• Local council websites.
• Local newspapers
• National newspapers – The Guardian is particularly well known for its public sector job advertisements on a Wednesday.

Find out about the council and get some work experience if possible by:

• Making the most of work experience placements arranged through your school, college or university.
• Contacting councils close to your home to find out about the work experience opportunities they offer.
• Talking to someone who does the job you are interested in – ring your local council to see if someone can spare some time.
• Making an appointment to see a careers adviser for more specific information about jobs and training.