Social work jobs might sound interesting, but it is worth considering whether you really are aware of what working in this field really entails, and the different kinds of opportunities that are available. There are a a variety of specialisms within social services jobs, but the two most important are residential social work and field social work. The former refers to the care and supervision of a group of people (they might be children, elderly people, the mentally or physically handicapped, or people suffering from alcohol or drug addiction) in a residential home or school. Those who work within field social work handle the issues of individuals or groups. This might involve child care, mental welfare, finding foster homes, or advising those adopting children. Basically, these types of social services jobs are about trying to restore acceptable or improved social conditions for an individual family or community.
Social worker jobs are not right for everyone, and there are certain skills that are required of anybody who is interested in working in this field. You will need a desire to help the disadvantaged, the ability to communicate clearly and effectively, the ability to get on with people from many different walks of life, and a willingness to work outside the normal 9-5 day. It is crucial to be able to show concern for others’ feelings without becoming emotionally over-involved, otherwise the job will become much more stressful than it should be.
Entry requirements are fairly specific; you will need a degree in social work to become a social worker. If you are currently studying for a degree in a different field and you are interested in this kind of career, you will need to take another undergraduate degree, which usually takes three years. However, there are some accelerated two-year programmes for those who have studied relevant subjects such as sociology, social policy, psychology and law. In some cases, graduates can get government funding if they want to retrain as social workers. The ‘step-up to social work’ programme was started to attract high-flyers into the area. Young people with a 2:1 degree and experience working with children or families are paid to study for a Masters degree. The Children’s Workforce and Development Council provide £15,000 for each candidate, and there are up to 200 places on the programme.
There are, therefore, many different routes into social work jobs. Whether you are studying for a degree in social work or have a vague notion that this kind of role might be right for you, there should be a way into social services jobs that suits you. If your skills and interest meet those that are required of social worker jobs, then it promises to be an extremely fulfilling and enjoyable career.
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