Social work assistant

Social work assistants (SWAs) usually work for social services departments of local authorities. They work with people who, for a variety of reasons, need help or support. SWAs complement the work of social workers.

Also known as:

Assistant social worker

Work activities

The exact role of a social work assistant (SWA) depends on the area of social services they work within. Areas of work could include:

Children and families.
Adult community care.
Hospital care.
Mental health.
Disability.

SWAs usually have a number of cases that they are responsible for. These are less complex cases than those covered by qualified social workers. For example, an SWA working with children would not be responsible for cases where there are child protection issues. SWAs meet with a client or clients to find out what difficulties they are experiencing and how social services might be able to help them. At the initial meeting, the SWA is likely to offer some basic advice and begin to put together a plan for how the needs of the client/s can be met. The day-to-day work varies according to the needs of clients. Tasks might include:

Assessing parenting skills and planning help, where necessary.
Helping with children’s learning and development.
Planning the social care needed for someone leaving hospital.
Preventing problems escalating, or new problems arising.

SWAs try to help clients improve their situation themselves, rather than actually doing tasks for them. SWAs use their knowledge of local resources to help clients achieve their goals. They keep detailed records and reports of their work. In some circumstances, they may need to present their findings as part of a court case. SWAs are likely to provide other services to the team they work with, such as putting together statistical and performance information, and doing some general admin work. They receive regular supervision from their manager or supervisor. SWAs are increasingly taking on tasks that, in the past, have been done by qualified social workers. Some SWAs work during evenings or at the weekend. Local travel is usually a significant part of this job.

Personal qualities and skills

As a social work assistant, you need to:

Listen carefully and empathise when necessary.
Ask the right questions to find out about clients’ needs.
Gain the trust of people from all kinds of backgrounds.
Be flexible and adaptable.
Assess needs and circumstances.
Communicate clearly, both orally and in writing.
Gather, analyse and understand information.
Be observant, read situations and identify problems.
Be non-judgemental and avoid imposing solutions.
Act quickly and calmly.
Work through conflict sensitively and come up with effective solutions.
Work well under pressure.
Have a positive attitude when you are faced with difficulties.
Make difficult decisions at times.

You will also need:

Strong negotiation skills.
Good team skills, to work closely with other professionals.
Resilience, so you don’t become burdened by the problems you encounter.
The ability to manage and prioritise your own workload.
The IT skills required to produce reports.
Knowledge and understanding of the local resources available to help the people you work with.
To be open to suggestions for how the service you provide can be improved.
The ability to face the emotional and intellectual demands of the job.
Travel throughout the local area is usual, therefore a full driving licence can be a requirement of the job.

Pay and opportunities

Pay rates for social work assistants (SWAs) vary depending on employer and duties. The pay rates given are approximate. SWAs start on around £18,200, rising to around £28,000 for more senior positions.

SWAs typically work a basic 37-40-hour week. Shift work, early starts and late finishes are usual in some posts. Some employers offer flexitime working, and part-time and temporary work is also possible.

Opportunities for social work assistants occur in community and residential settings throughout the UK. Employers include the NHS (in hospitals and in the community), local authority social services departments, residential care homes, housing associations and voluntary organisations.

What’s happening in this work area?

The demand for social care will be driven by a number of long-term factors, such as the increase in the size of the elderly population, rising expectations about what social care should be available and the amount of funding available. Employment has grown very rapidly in recent years. However, cuts in government spending are likely to have an impact on available funding for social care. Part-time working is important, providing flexibility for both employers and employees. Job sharing schemes are also likely to remain important. Such jobs are vitally important for filling skill shortages in the sector.

Where are vacancies advertised?

Vacancies are advertised in local newspapers, on employers’ websites, on the Government’s Find a Job service. Vacancies are also advertised on job boards, such as Jobsgopublic.

Entry routes and training

Most employers expect you to have a level 3 qualification in a relevant subject (e.g. health and social care). This is an area of work where experience of working with people in need is important; two years’ experience is a usual requirement. Your experience will usually need to be from a paid position, but voluntary work may also be taken into consideration. Employers are also likely to require you to have some knowledge of relevant laws relating to the area of social care you want to work in.

Once employed, you will usually receive training. This will be in areas relevant to the area you work within, such as child protection, drug and alcohol misuse or legal issues.

Many SWAs go into the job as a route to a career as a qualified social worker, studying for the degree in social work while working as an assistant. There is also a level 6 (degree) apprenticeship in the role of social worker if this is your ultimate career goal.

Rehabilitation of Offenders Act: This career is an exception to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. This means that you must supply information to an employer about any spent or unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands or warnings, if they ask you to. This is different from other careers, where you only have to reveal information on unspent convictions if you are asked to.

Qualifications

Most successful entrants have a relevant level 3 qualification, in health and social care, for example. For many posts, you will need a full, clean driving licence.

Adult opportunities

Age limits: It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Skills and abilities gained in a relevant paid or voluntary capacity are an advantage. Employers look for a practical, responsible approach to work and the ability to relate to a wide range of people.

Colleges usually consider adult candidates who don’t have the regular entry requirements. Check the admissions policy of the college that runs the course you’re interested in. If you are thinking of applying for a degree in social work, but don’t have the relevant academic qualifications, there are relevant courses that you could take.

If you already have a degree, you can qualify in social work by taking a relevant postgraduate qualification. This could be a Diploma or master’s degree, studied full-time, part-time or via distance learning programmes. Further information on courses is available from approved centres.

Related careers

Family support worker
Social worker