Social Worker
Career information and advice on being a Social Worker

Social workers are concerned with social problems, their causes, their solutions and their human impacts. Social Workers provide support and assistance to improve the lives of individuals, families, groups, organisations and communities. This can be done within a mental health, hospital or government department such as Police Child Protection, Rape Crisis or freelance agencies. 

The role of a Social Worker is to support these people, commonly referred to as ‘Service User’s’ to live a fully functioning life within society.

Social Worker functions include

Social Workers are required to practically assess and review a service user’s needs in accordance with government legislation.  The first function is to review each case by conducting interviews with all relevant parties. 

Once the details of the case have been clarified a Social Worker may be required to liase with, and make referrals to, other agencies. They may also be required to maintain accurate records and prepare reports in the event that they are called to give evidence in court.  In these situations specialist knowledge and practical experience will be required to recommend and sometimes make decisions about the best course of action.

Social Workers often need to work closely with other health and social care professionals, for example when recommending the best course of action in child protection or mental health cases.  In all situations they are required to offer information and counselling support.

Social Workers may need to develop programmes of social care/care packages and maintain client records and write reports.