What Do Social Care Professionals Do?

Social care covers several roles where the job’s purpose is to protect vulnerable adults, vulnerable children, families, and elderly people. These vulnerable people may have physical disabilities, mental health issues, or illness or require safeguarding from physical or psychological abuse.

A support worker or care assistant may plan or deliver care plans that empower people to take control of their lives, contribute to society, live independently, and remain safe. Social workers and other professionals in health and social care might work for or in local authorities, a residential home, private homes, schools, health centres, prisons, day care, hospitals, or other agencies and private organisations.

Social Care Role

Social care workers find employment in roles with job titles such as:

• Care Worker
• Community Outreach Coordinator
• Housing Specialist
• School Social Worker
• Social worker

Social Care Responsibilities And Duties

The duties and responsibilities of social workers and social care workers focus on protecting people from harm and providing information and support with the aim of helping people live independently. Their responsibilities and duties might include the following:

• Making informed decisions
• Conducting assessments and creating care plans
• Providing advice and emotional support
• Ensuring mental wellbeing
• Provide resources and important information
• Monitoring patient’s vital signs and progress
• Liaising with families to provide updates
• Visiting people in their own home, residential homes, or another social care setting
• Supervising care assistants or social workers
• Attending meetings with support people and other professionals
• Maintaining records and writing reports
• Helping people develop independent living skills

Social Care Skills

Support social workers work closely with families, children, students, and adults, requiring outstanding interpersonal qualities and skills. To practice effectively in various settings, social workers should have soft skills that include the following:

• Ability to remain calm and handle stress
• Active listening
• Analytical thinking
• Attention to detail/detail-oriented
• Committed
• Counselling
• Customer service skills
• Decision-making
• Flexibility
• Good communication skills
• Knowledge of psychology, culture, and sociology
• Patience
• Resilience
• Sensitivity
• Supervision
• Time management
• Tolerance
• Understanding

Social Care Qualifications And Education

The formal qualifications, education, and entry requirements for social care jobs depend on the position and responsibilities. Qualifications for a social care worker or counsellor include:

• Degree in Social Work
• Postgraduate Degree/Postgraduate Course
• Level 2 Adult Care Worker
• Level 3 Youth Support Worker
• Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care
• Level 4 Children, Young People, and Families Practitioner
• Level 4 Early Intervention Practitioner
• Level 4 Diploma in Health and Social Care Management
• Two A Levels
• Enhanced Background Check Pass
• Full Driving Licence

Required Social Care Experience And Social Care Training

Newly qualified social workers require a Social Work England or Northern Ireland Social Care Council (NISCC) Registration, followed by an annual assessment. Social care workers may complete an Advanced Apprenticeship that combines study and workplace learning. Work-based training programmes for graduates include those provided by Think Ahead (mental health social work), Step Up to Social Work (children’s social work), and Frontline (children’s social work).

Social Care Job Description FAQs

Here we answer your questions on social care worker job descriptions and roles.

WHAT ARE THE 5 ROLES OF SOCIAL WORKERS?

The roles and services of a social care worker typically fit into five categories; assessment, securing resources, treatment, monitoring improvement, and advocacy.

WHAT MAKES A GOOD SOCIAL WORK JOB DESCRIPTION?

A concise and compelling text is vital to attract candidates to your career opportunities. When writing job descriptions, organisations should focus on choosing an accurate job title, describing the company culture, duties, skills, professional qualifications, salary, and location.