Social workers

£40,150

Average salary

Average annual salary UK 2020 | Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings

36 hours

Average weekly hours

Average weekly hours UK 2019 | Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings

0.09%

Unemployment rate

Unemployment rate UK 2020 | Labour Force Survey

Definition: Social workers

*SOC Code (Standard Occupational Classification): 2442

Social workers provide information, advice and support to those who are socially excluded or are experiencing crisis; they protect the welfare of vulnerable groups including children, young people, people with disabilities, elderly people and people who are mentally or physically ill, and they may specialise in specific areas of work.

Common tasks include:

liaises with other health and social care professionals and agencies to identify those in need and at risk within the local community;
interviews individuals and groups to assess and review the nature and extent of difficulties;
undertakes and writes up assessments to specified standards;
arranges for further counselling or assistance in the form of financial or material help;
organises support and develops care plans to address service users’ needs;
keeps case records, prepares reports and participates in team meetings;
gives evidence in court;
participates in training and supervision.

Qualifications

Social work is a regulated profession and practitioners must be registered with the appropriate statutory body. To register a social worker must satisfy the criteria for registration. Non-graduates must undertake a three-year degree in social work; graduates with relevant experience may take a two-year postgraduate diploma/Masters degree. Prior relevant work experience or relevant voluntary work is encouraged. Background checks including a CRB check are required.

*Introduced in 1990, SOC is a multi-purpose common classification of occupations in UK. Jobs are defined in terms of skill level and skill content, including qualifications, training and work experience.

Employment status: Social workers

Regional employment: Social workers

Future employment: Social workers

Top 12 industries: Social workers

Alternative & related job titles: Social workers

Officer, review, independent Manager, team (local government: social services) Officer, reviewing (local government: social services) Manager, team, work, social Worker, social, psychiatric IRO (local government: social services) Practitioner, advanced (local government: social services) Coordinator, protection, adult Manager, practice (local government: social services) Worker, social, forensic Practitioner, senior (local government: social services) Officer, reviewing, independent Leader, team (local government: social services) Officer, fostering Worker, field (local government: social services) Worker, social Leader Almoner Worker, social, medical Worker, case, family

Equality focus: Social workers

Breaking down the official government big data sources by gender, age and region. Hours and pay data based on full time equlivalent roles.