Social work career involves activities aimed at maximising the development of an individual’s potential.
The social worker’s role is to help vulnerable children and adults in the community.
Social Work Career Paths for Professionals in the UK
A career in social work can be very rewarding whether you decide to work in adult or children services.
Among other essential skills, social workers are dedicated to challenging discrimination and oppression.
Are social workers in demand?
There is a surge in the demand for social workers.
This is due to a growing acknowledgement of their value.
Research shows that there is a rapid growth in the demand for social workers.
In the UK, it is predicted that there will be a shortfall of social care professionals by 2025, because of a mismatch in the supply and demand of social care professionals of 1 million workers.
A recent report on Community Care also gave an indication of social workers looking to leave their jobs because of several reasons.
You can read more on the results of this survey HERE.
This means that there will be a continued demand for social workers.
I have highlighted some social work career options in the template below.
What can you do after a social work degree?
After completing your social work degree, you can become a social worker straight away.
Alternatively, you can pursue a different career path by engaging in further studies–a postgraduate qualification in any related field such as a high-intensity therapist or education.
If you decide to stay in the social work field, you can also study a postgraduate training programme after 2 years of practice, and specialise in specific fields such as a Practice Educator, a Best Interests Assessor, or an Approved Mental Health Professional
How much does a social worker get paid?
Social worker salary will vary depending on the role.
The location of the role will also influence your salary.
Related reads:
- Social work essential skills
- What is a social worker’s role?
- How to build confidence as a social worker
Social work career pathways
This is not an exhaustive list, but it shows the common career pathways you can follow in social work.
- Newly qualified social worker (NQSW) >>> Referral and assessment >>> Senior social worker >>> Team leader >>> Head of safeguarding service
- Newly qualified social worker (NQSW) >>>Senior social worker >>> Adoption team >>>Adoption team manager >>>Adoption service manager >>>Independent sector
- Newly qualified social worker (NQSW) >>> Social worker >>> Looked – after children >>>Family court adviser >>>Cafcass >>>Independent children’s guardian
- Newly qualified social worker (NQSW) >>>Mental Health >>> Learning disabilities >>>Substance misuse social worker >>>Hospital social worker >>>Older people >>> Academia
Social work career path template
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