{"id":18276,"date":"2018-04-20T15:26:55","date_gmt":"2018-04-20T14:26:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/stonebridge-blog.positive-dedicated.net\/?p=18276"},"modified":"2020-11-26T17:39:17","modified_gmt":"2020-11-26T17:39:17","slug":"how-to-become-a-social-worker","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/health-and-social-care\/how-to-become-a-social-worker\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Become a Social Worker (The Comprehensive Guide + E-book)"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2><span style=\"color: #c40c2b;\">How to become a social worker<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Do you want a career that makes a real difference to people\u2019s lives? Have you got the drive and motivation needed to empower vulnerable individuals? If so, a career in social work could be suited to you. However, before you get going, we thought we would prepare some information to help you along the way. Read on and discover everything you need to know about becoming a social worker.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #c40c2b;\">What do social workers do?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">If you\u2019ve never been involved with social services personally or professionally, you may not know exactly what the role of a social worker entails. To put it simply, social workers are there to empower vulnerable groups and enable individuals to live independently, without external intervention. To give you a more conclusive idea of what the role entails, we\u2019ve compiled a list of the responsibilities of a social worker:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Making difficult decisions about appropriate courses of action on behalf of vulnerable people and families.<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Acting as a source of information and guidance.<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Keeping up to date on appropriate legislation.<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Keeping exact records and making sure reports are ready in case of legal action.<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Attending court hearings and providing evidence.<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Taking part in regular training days and schemes to improve practice.<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Crafting and overseeing packages of support which will help people to live independent and fulfilling lives.<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Holding interviews with families and individuals to assess their individual situations.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Working together with other professionals, such as police and teachers, and writing up reports and assessments.<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Working together with other agencies and making referrals.<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Working in multidisciplinary teams and attending meetings regarding things like mental health or child protection.<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-18282\" src=\"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/stonebridge_associated_colleges_social-work.jpg\" alt=\"Cutout paper chain family with the protection of cupped hands, concept for security and care\" width=\"690\" height=\"453\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/stonebridge_associated_colleges_social-work.jpg 690w, https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/stonebridge_associated_colleges_social-work-300x197.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 690px) 100vw, 690px\" \/><\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #c40c2b;\">What are the different types of social worker?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Of course, the nature of your daily duties will heavily depend on what kind of social work you are doing. Since there is a need for trained and professional social workers across the board, there are a number of different areas in which social workers can choose to work. Usually a social worker will specialise in a particular area. Examples of these areas include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Children and families social work<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Adult social work<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Mental health social work<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Forensic social work<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Hospital social work<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #c40c2b;\">What skills do you need to be a social worker?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">If you plan on becoming a social worker, you will need to be:<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"color: #c40c2b;\"><strong>A good listener:<\/strong> <\/span>First and foremost, social workers must be good listeners. The most successful and effective practitioners are the ones who take time to listen to and understand the service user\u2019s problems. This way the service user feels respected and the social worker will have the information they need to illicit positive changes.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"color: #c40c2b;\"><strong>Organised:<\/strong> <\/span>It\u2019s no secret that social workers have busy schedules. This is why they must be highly organised and able to order their priorities effectively. By doing this, they will ensure that the most urgent matters are always handled first.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"color: #c40c2b;\"><strong>Emotionally intelligent:<\/strong> <\/span>In order to become successful social workers, practitioners must be able to read and understand other people\u2019s emotions. Often, service users are reluctant to reveal information unless prompted. As it is a social workers responsibility to keep the person safe, they must be able to tell when there is something wrong.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"color: #c40c2b;\"><strong>Empathetic:<\/strong> <\/span>Social workers will often come into contact with people who have experienced traumatic things, or lived difficult and painful lives. For this reason, social workers must be sensitive to this, and treat people with the empathy and understanding they deserve.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"color: #c40c2b;\"><strong>Resilient:<\/strong><\/span> Being a social worker takes a lot of resilience. Firstly, professionals must be emotionally resilient, as they will no doubt be exposed to some upsetting situations. Secondly, they must be professionally resilient and willing to continue trying to help even when they receive knock backs.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-18283\" src=\"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/stonebridge_associated_colleges_listening.jpg\" alt=\"man holds his hand near ear and listens carefully alphabet letters flying in isolated on gray wall background\" width=\"690\" height=\"468\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/stonebridge_associated_colleges_listening.jpg 690w, https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/stonebridge_associated_colleges_listening-300x203.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 690px) 100vw, 690px\" \/><\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #c40c2b;\">Which course will you need to study with Stonebridge?<\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><a href=\"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/course\/access-to-higher-education-social\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">Access to HE Diploma (Social Work)<\/a><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">In order to become a practicing social worker, you must first have a degree in social work. If you do not yet have the qualifications that you need to get into university, then the Access to HE Diploma (Social Work) can help you get there. This award has been specifically designed as a viable alternative to traditional A-level qualifications. Perfect for individuals who have been out of study for some time, the Access to HE diploma (Social Work) combines social work teaching, with academic skills based training.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #c40c2b;\">What other related courses do we offer?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Although the Access to HE Diploma (Social Work) will teach you all you need to know to gain entry onto a university social work course, you may consider enrolling on another course to supplement your learning. When it comes to social work, the more you know, the better. At Stonebridge College, we have a wide range of accredited courses which will help you further develop your practice. Here are five courses which we think will be beneficial to aspiring social workers:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/course\/mental-health-and-social-care\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">Mental Health and Social Care Course<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/course\/ethics-and-values-in-social-care\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\">Ethics and Values in Social Care Course<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/course\/using-the-law-in-social-work\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">Using the Law in Social Care Course<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/course\/counselling-skills-qcf-level-3\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">Counselling Skills (RQF) Level 3<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/course\/anger-and-aggression-management\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">Anger and Aggression Management Cours<\/a>e<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-18285\" src=\"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/stonebridge_associated_colleges_mentalhealthsocialwork.jpg\" alt=\"Teenage Girl Visits Social worker's Office Suffering With Depression\" width=\"690\" height=\"460\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/stonebridge_associated_colleges_mentalhealthsocialwork.jpg 690w, https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/stonebridge_associated_colleges_mentalhealthsocialwork-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 690px) 100vw, 690px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #c40c2b;\">What will you need to do after the course?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"color: #c40c2b;\"><strong>Get a degree in social work:<\/strong> <\/span>In order to become a practicing social worker, you must have a social work degree. This can either be an undergraduate or master\u2019s level qualification; depending on your situation. An undergraduate degree takes three years to complete, however, if a student already has a degree in a different topic, they can opt for the master\u2019s which takes two years. For most jobs, you will have to obtain at least an upper second class degree.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"color: #c40c2b;\"><strong>Register with the HCPC:<\/strong><\/span> The Health Care Professionals Council (HCPC) regulate social work practice and monitor the standards which are being delivered. In order to practice social work, you must first be a registered member of the HCPC.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"color: #c40c2b;\"><strong>Find a job:<\/strong><\/span> Once you graduate, you will need to apply for your first role. Fortunately, social work degrees involve a large portion of practical placements. This means you won\u2019t be unfamiliar with the working environment. You may also have some good contacts in the field. If you need to broaden your search, you can apply to local councils, charities or even the NHS.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #c40c2b;\">What kind of salary can I earn?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">As a newly qualified social worker, you can expect to earn around \u00a322,000 per year. However, once you become more experienced, you can expect that number to rise significantly. As an experienced higher-level social worker, you could earn up to \u00a340,000 a year. If you begin your social work career within the NHS, you can expect to earn a slightly higher salary. Typically, NHS social workers begin on Band 6 of the pay scale, meaning they get \u00a326,656 a year.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-18287\" src=\"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/stonebridge_associated_colleges_weneedyou.jpg\" alt=\"We need you paper speech bubbles and some paper person under them.\" width=\"690\" height=\"460\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/stonebridge_associated_colleges_weneedyou.jpg 690w, https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/stonebridge_associated_colleges_weneedyou-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 690px) 100vw, 690px\" \/><\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #c40c2b;\">What are the benefits of this role?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"color: #c40c2b;\"><strong>It\u2019s rewarding:<\/strong><\/span> As a social worker, you are able to witness the positive changes you are making first hand. It is a privilege to be able to enter people\u2019s lives and help them when they need it the most. Seeing people build their independence and watching families thrive makes all the hard work worthwhile.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"color: #c40c2b;\"><strong>It\u2019s varied:<\/strong><\/span> Unlike a monotonous office job, a career in social work will see you doing different things every day. One day you could be out meeting with a family, and the next you may be providing evidence in court. This variation means you will be learning all the time and challenged regularly.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"color: #c40c2b;\"><strong>You have flexible career options:<\/strong> <\/span>There are many different areas within this profession. Whether you prefer working with children and families, adults, or those with physical or mental health issues, there will be a suitable career path to match your needs.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"color: #c40c2b;\"><strong>There\u2019s a good career outlook:<\/strong><\/span> Unlike many other oversubscribed career choices, there is a great need for new and innovative social workers. Once you have trained and developed confidence as a practitioner, there will be plenty of job opportunities. Furthermore, there are plenty of related fields in which you could find work, too.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"color: #c40c2b;\"><strong>There are opportunities for progression:<\/strong><\/span> If you want to progress within social work, you are able to work your way up to managerial positions. Alternatively, your social work qualification and experience could lead you into other areas such as policy writing, charity work or child psychotherapy.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"color: #c40c2b;\"><strong>It\u2019s a changing area:<\/strong><\/span> It\u2019s no secret that social work sometimes gets bad press. However, thanks to new schemes, passionate teachers and enthusiastic students, the face of social work is changing. New models and methods are set to make some big changes in the coming years.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-18288\" src=\"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/stonebridge_associated_colleges_elearning3.jpg\" alt=\"Bedroom,workplace without people,close-up of laptop with an inscription- e-learning on screen on table, desk. \" width=\"690\" height=\"460\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/stonebridge_associated_colleges_elearning3.jpg 690w, https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/stonebridge_associated_colleges_elearning3-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 690px) 100vw, 690px\" \/><\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #c40c2b;\">Distance learning vs. classroom learning<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">If you\u2019ve never studied a distance learning course before, the concept can seem alien. However, let us reassure you that there is nothing to be afraid of. In fact, we believe that for many people, distance learning is a superior study option. Here are our reasons why\u2026<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"color: #c40c2b;\"><strong>There are no set classes to stick to:<\/strong> <\/span>Since there are no scheduled classes, the distance learning method is perfect for learners with busy work and family lives. Instead of rushing from work to college, and then from college to home, students can schedule their own time and complete their lessons when it suits them.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"color: #c40c2b;\"><strong>You can move at your own speed:<\/strong><\/span> Often in a classroom environment, the teacher works at a set pace, which accommodates all of the students. This is great, unless your working speed is significantly fasted or slower than the majority. With distance learning, you are able to set your own speed and complete the material at a pace that suits you.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"color: #c40c2b;\"><strong>You don\u2019t have to leave the house:<\/strong> <\/span>After an already busy day, there\u2019s nothing worse than venturing out in the cold weather, braving public transport and sitting in standstill rush hour traffic to get to your evening college class. Fortunately, with distance learning, you gain all the benefits of classroom learning, without moving from the sofa.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"color: #c40c2b;\"><strong>You gain more independence:<\/strong> <\/span>When students enrol on distance learning courses, they become much more independent studiers. Rather than being there in person and answering every query, distance learning teachers and tutors act as a safety net, offering support only when students need it.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"color: #c40c2b;\"><strong>It\u2019s the future:<\/strong><\/span> There\u2019s no doubt that education is changing. We\u2019re not sure exactly what\u2019s going to happen, but following the rise of the internet and technology, we think that the distance learning model is the future. Therefore, if you familiarise yourself with it now, you will be ahead of the curve.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/Access_to_HE-ebook-blog-post.pdf\" download=\"\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-18194\" src=\"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/DOWNLOAD-FREE-E-BOOK.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"690\" height=\"85\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/DOWNLOAD-FREE-E-BOOK.png 690w, https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/DOWNLOAD-FREE-E-BOOK-300x37.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 690px) 100vw, 690px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/category\/he-access-social-work\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-22859\" src=\"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Copy-of-SAC-Become-a-Scientist-without-A-Levels-7.png\" alt=\"Stonebridge | Disability Courses | Enrol Today\" width=\"619\" height=\"250\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Copy-of-SAC-Become-a-Scientist-without-A-Levels-7.png 619w, https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Copy-of-SAC-Become-a-Scientist-without-A-Levels-7-300x121.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 619px) 100vw, 619px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>How to become a social worker Do you want a career that makes a real difference to people\u2019s lives? Have you got the drive and motivation needed to empower vulnerable individuals? If so, a career in social work could be suited to you. However, before you get going, we thought we would prepare some information [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":27,"featured_media":18281,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[338,705],"tags":[654,278,473,597],"class_list":["post-18276","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-health-and-social-care","category-social-work","tag-access-to-higher-education-diploma","tag-health-and-social-care","tag-mental-health","tag-social-work"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18276","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/27"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=18276"}],"version-history":[{"count":20,"href":"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18276\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":24997,"href":"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18276\/revisions\/24997"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/18281"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=18276"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=18276"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=18276"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}