The role of a Social Worker is to listen and support people and their carers, empowering them to improve their lives. When needed, they protect people from harm, this is called ‘safeguarding.’ Adult Social Workers provide personalised support to people over the age of 18. They work with a person-centred approach promoting human rights and well-being. Social Workers assist adults to live their lives by preserving their dignity and promoting their independence.
Social Work is a regulated profession in England which means anyone who wants to work as a Social Worker must be registered with Social Work England (SWE). The Professional Standards set out by SWE highlight what a Social Worker in England must know, understand and be able to do.
The International Federation of Social Work's global definition of Social Work is "Social Workers recognise the bigger picture affecting people’s lives and work for a more equal and just society where human rights are respected and protected".
Who social workers work with
Social Workers work within a number of legal frameworks including The Care Act 2014, The Human Rights Act 1998, The Mental Health Act 2007 and the Mental Capacity Act 2005.
Social Workers work within a number of legal frameworks including The Care Act 2014, The Human Rights Act 1998, The Mental Health Act 2007 and the Mental Capacity Act 2005.
As a Local Authority our main statutory duties are set out in the Care Act 2014. The Act aims to improve the way care and support is provided, promoting wellbeing, independence, and choice and control for the individual and their carers. The Act emphasizes prevention, ensuring people have a voice. There is a national eligibility criteria for care and support, ensuring consistency across the country.
Social Workers work in a variety of organisations, including Councils, hospitals and prisons. They work in partnership with many organisations supporting people and their carers to live in their communities.
Social workers support people with a variety of needs and are often employed in a specific field of work. Within Adult Social Care there are opportunities to experience the following areas of work:
- Prevention and Early Intervention
- Short Term work to support hospital discharge
- Autism
- Learning disabilities
- Physical disabilities
- Dementia
- Older people
- Safeguarding
- Preparing for Adulthood
- Post 18+ care leavers
- Mental Health /Forensic Social Work
This is not an exhaustive list of types of Social Work.