Social worker
Give advice and support to vulnerable adults and children to help them improve their lives.
About the job
Salary
Source: National Careers Service
Weekly
£615
Entry level
£923
Experienced
Monthly
£2,667
Entry level
£4,000
Experienced
Yearly
£32,000
Entry level
£48,000
Experienced
15,700
people are currently employed
High growth
1,200 more jobs in 5 years
These figures refer to this job and similar ones with comparable skills and qualifications. They only apply to Scotland. Source: Oxford Economics
What it's like
You would give advice and support to vulnerable adults and children to help them improve their lives.
You could support a wide range of clients, such as:
Children and parents
Older people
People with physical or learning disabilities
People with mental health problems
Young people in care
Homeless people
People moving towards independent living
People with drug or alcohol problems
Foster carers and adoptive parents
People in the criminal justice system
You would specialise in working either with children and families, or with adults.
You would:
Assess each client
Protect adults and/or children from harm
Build strong relationships with clients
Respond to requests for help
Agree what support someone needs (and make decisions for them if needed, for example in child protection cases)
Act as a key worker, organising other staff involved in giving support
Offer information, counselling and advocacy
Organise and manage support plans
Take part in team meetings and case conferences
Manage team members and volunteers
Keep records and write reports
Give evidence at court hearings, when required
You would work closely with other agencies and professionals, such as health workers, youth workers, teachers, the police and the prison service.
Hours
Environment
Travel
Explore more information about this job
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
Social care Healthcare
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Here are some of the skills you'll need to do this job:
- social conscience
- supporting
- cooperating
- verbal communication
- listening
- understanding
- recalling
- coaching
- ethical
- resilience
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Care
Childcare and Development
Modern Studies
People and Society
Skills for Work: Health and Social Care
Sociology
Foundation Apprenticeship: Social Services and Healthcare
Foundation Apprenticeship: Social Services Children and Young People
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
You would need an honours degree or postgraduate qualification in social work (SCQF level 10/11) approved by the Scottish Social Services Council.
To enter a social work degree (SCQF level 9/10) requires National 5 qualifications and a minimum of four Highers at BCCC (or equivalent qualifications) or relevant HNC/D.
If your degree is in another subject, you need to study a two-year full time postgraduate course in social work. If you are studying a postgraduate course you may be eligible for a bursary from the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC).
Many courses will require paid or voluntary experience in a related field such as care work, counselling, community work and teaching.
There may be the option of studying part time or doing work-based qualifications if you are in currently working in a role.
Qualifications and experience that show caring for people and the community such as Skills for Work Health and Social Care (SCQF level 6) or Award in Volunteering Skills (SCQF level 3-5).
Relevant work-based qualifications such as a Scottish Vocational Qualification in Social Services and Healthcare (SVQ level 2/3/4).
You can search volunteering opportunities on Volunteer.scot.
A PVG (Protecting Vulnerable Groups) certificate from Disclosure Scotland
Relevant work experience
Social workers, social work students and many groups of social service workers are required by law to register with the Scottish Social Service Council (SSSC) if they are not registered with another regulatory body.
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