Placement Overview

This VIP is a Senior Social Care Worker for the organisation Together. They provide support for mental health patients. Their role involves them providing after care support and advice to members of the public between the ages of 18 and 65 years of age with long-term mental health problems.

Generic Job Description for a Social Worker

Social Workers work with people who are in need of help, support or assistance. They work with people from all walks of life including children, the elderly, people with mental or physical problems, people with drug or alcohol addictions and homeless people.

Social Workers work in a variety of settings including people’s homes, hospitals and schools. They often work alongside other professionals such as doctors, psychiatrists and the police.

A Social Workers responsibilities might include assessing and reviewing a situation, developing a relationship with the service user, deciding with the service user what action must be taken to help them, keeping records of service users, preparing reports for court and tribunals.

Skills:

• The ability to not get emotionally involved in cases
• Excellent communication skills
• The ability to work well under pressure
• The ability to work in a team
• Good organisational skills
• Patience
• Empathy

Pay:

• Entry £19,000
• £20,000 – £30,000 with a few years experience
• £40,000 or more for Senior Social Care Workers 

Please not that salary figures are a guide only. Actual salaries may vary depending on the organisation and geographical location

Hours:

• Some evening and weekend work can be expected
• Some Social Workers work on a rota basis 

Environment:

• Typically office bases
• Travel to peoples homes and other locations such as hospitals is common

Qualifications:

• A degree in social science or a related subject is required for entry
• Social Work degrees last three years
• Most degree courses require five GCSE passes grades A-C and two A-Levels
• Social Work degrees include a mix of academic learning and placements in social work settings

Training:

• On-the-job training may involve day release or flexible learning
• All qualified Social Workers need to register with the General Social Care Council
• It is essential to keep skills and knowledge up to date 

Opportunities:

• There are over 100,000 registered Social Workers in the UK
• Employers include local authorities, private organizations such as care homes, the Armed Forces
• Many Social Workers work on a short term contract basis

Links:

www.basw.co.uk - British Association of Social Workers

www.socialworkcareers.co.uk - Department of Health recruitment campaign

www.gscc.org.uk - General Social Care Council (GSCC)