ADD ADVICE TO FAVSocial worker
Social workers work in hospitals, prisons, residential and day care centres, or in offices.
What social workers do
- help clients of all ages to identify their problems and come to terms with them
- interview clients and their families, and advise and supervise them
- conduct group sessions for people who have similar problems and establish support groups
- arrange practical support, such as home helps, meals-on-wheels and financial assistance
- keep records and write reports
- liaise with other professionals, such as police officers, doctors and community workers
- write assessments of individuals for court proceedings.
Key skills for social workers
- highly developed communication skills
- ability to empathise, yet remain impartial
- tact
- ability to switch off at the end of the day
- problem-solving skills
- good administrative skills.
Training to be a social worker
Qualification is either by a three-year degree (for which bursaries are available) or a shorter postgraduate course.
Salaries for social workers
Depending on the type of work undertaken, pay ranges from £21,600 to £30,900.
