Being a social worker is a interesting, challenging and very rewarding career. They are involved in the lives of people from all types of social backgrounds, this means every working day is different with it’s own set of unique problems. It’s a responsible role where your aim is to change and improve the lives and circumstances of your clients or people under your care for the better. To be a effective social worker you must be a good listener, counselor and advisor.

It can be a stressful job as you will be dealing with some of societies most vulnerable people. The consequences of things going wrong can be tragic, as is often highlighted in the national press. To meet these challenges social workers must be properly trained, qualified and equipped to the highest standards.

This page aims to give you a comprehensive overview of all the social worker training available and required to become a certified professional in this field. It will also list approved universities, training colleges and institutions that run accredited courses.

A social worker training course will teach students how to

  • Assess and learn about disability, mental health, human growth and development.
  • Develop the necessary communication skills required to effectively communicate with vulnerable adults and children.
  • Become fully aware of relevant social care legislation, best practice and government policy.
  • Respond quickly and effectively to crisis situations.
  • Produce, implement and evaluate care plans.
  • Manage risks to service users.
  • Be accountable for their own caseloads.
  • Demonstrate professional competence at all times.
  • Work in the statutory, voluntary and private sectors.

Social worker training course modules typically include
Studying the legislative, ethical and theoretical issues related to social work.
Social work in the community
Social policy
Social Work approaches
Reviewing relevant literature and research.
Analysing social work methods.
Mental health and social care

The qualifications required to become a social worker
You need to obtain a professional qualification in social work, usually at degree level i.e. BA (Hons) Social Work. These are generally available at undergraduate or postgraduate masters level.

Social worker registration
Once you have passed you training and qualified and before they can practice in the UK you need to be registered with the General Social Care Council (contact details below).

Social worker training will require individuals to demonstrate
Practical application of their newly gained skills and knowledge.
Knowledge of human growth and development.
An ability to handle confidential information.
Capability to work with individuals, families, carers and communities to identify their needs and requirements.

Practical social worker training
Students must spend at least 200 days working in a practical setting so they can gain the required learning and experience. During this time they will shadow qualified and experienced social workers.

The personal qualities required to become a social worker
Sensitive to people and their problems.
Maturity
Able to handle responsibility.
Emotional resilience
Patience
The ability to change any long held attitudes.
Open mindedness
Personal commitment

Useful contacts

General Social Care Council
Myson House
Railway Terrace
Rugby
CV21 3HT
Tel: 01788 572119
Fax: 01788 532474
http://www.gscc.org.uk/

Social Worker resume examples
Social Worker resume
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Social Worker cover letter examples
Social worker cover letter example
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Social worker CV examples
Social worker CV sample
Online degrees
Online degree courses
Online social work degree

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Related degrees
Counselling degree
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