Social care : Entry and progression

How do I find a job?

Vacancies can be found online at a variety of places, including the following:

• sector-focused websites, such as jobsgopublic  (public sector jobs) and NHS Jobs ;
• local council websites - for contact details see the Directory of Local Councils ;
• specialist job sites, such as Jobs in Social Work , AllCareJobs , Great Social Care , Community Care Jobs  and Socialwork and Care Jobs ;
• specialist recruitment agencies, such as Charity People  and RIG Social Care ;
• voluntary organisations - explore those within areas that interest you - see Charity Choice  and Third Sector  for contact details and try sending speculative applications;
• local and national press, e.g. Society Guardian .

Vacancies occur all year round. Staff turnover can be high, creating both advertised and unadvertised positions. It may therefore be useful to send in your CV speculatively. Volunteering, short-term project work and temporary contracts may lead to a permanent career role. Also try careers fairs at your university to find out about opportunities.

Further guidance on getting into social care can be found at:

• Skills for Care
• Social Care Online  
• Skills for Care and Development . 

Find out more about  job application advice.

What skills do I need?

To be successful in this type of work you will need to demonstrate:

• empathy and the ability to relate to a range of clients and professionals;
• strong communication skills - particularly listening skills;
• an ability to maintain clear, consistently well-written notes;
• an ability to motivate yourself and others;
• an understanding of policy and guidelines and the ability to apply them to situations/individuals involved;
• ability to cope in crisis situations in a clear and logical manner;
• a non-judgemental approach - dealing with facts alone.

For roles requiring qualifications and experience, employers may prefer someone who is interested in theory and best practice and has a good standard of literacy.

Professional posts require specific academic and/or professional qualifications. Social workers can qualify via either an undergraduate degree or a postgraduate qualification. Courses are available full time, part time, by distance learning and through the Open University (OU) . Part-time study may be combined with paid work. Employers may sponsor staff working in care support roles to undertake approved training courses whilst employing them as trainees.

For many non-professional jobs, you may not need a particular academic or vocational qualification, but you might be expected to gain an NVQ or other vocational qualification while in employment.

Where can I find work experience?

Many roles require enthusiasm more than direct qualifications and employers are often prepared to train on-the-job. Voluntary work can help you where experience is required but there is often great competition for opportunities. Ensure your CV is tailored to suit the role and that you are able to demonstrate comprehensive understanding of relevant policies and reviews vital to the work involved.

Ways to get work experience include:

• volunteering - look for organisations in the fields that interest you and try Community Service Volunteers (CSV)  and Vinspired  for opportunities;
• agencies offering temporary contracts where training will be provided;
• working in residential care homes or day centres.

A Criminal Records Bureau (CRB)  check will need to be carried out for any work experience you wish to do with children or vulnerable adults. 

Is postgraduate study useful?

Postgraduate study will be required for most roles involving research, policy-making or lecturing, and for many senior or management posts. It is also required for social workers who do not have an accredited qualification.

You may choose postgraduate study purely out of dedication and interest and it may improve your employment chances, depending on relevance. Postgraduate courses are often completed within two years.

Many employers offer sponsorship but there are other sources of funding. For social workers, NHS Student Bursaries  are handled by the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA).

How can my career develop?

This is a broad sector with many opportunities to transfer skills and experience to other roles and organisations. Keeping up to date on industry issues and policies is vital for career development, as is developing contacts and networking.

To maintain your professional status and further your skills, you will need to participate in continuous professional development (CPD). Once qualified, social workers can progress through training to:

• Specialist Social Worker (newly qualified);
• Higher Specialist Social Worker (senior practitioner);
• Advanced Social Worker (team/care manager).

Social workers can choose to progress in five specialist areas:

• children, young people, their families and carers;
• adults;
• mental health;
• practice education;
• management.