Social work

"You will never have a day when you feel your job is not worthwhile," says Ian Wilson, director of social services at the London Borough of Tower Hamlets. "What other jobs can you say that about? There are doctors and nurses, but otherwise there are a very limited number of jobs where you never have to doubt that you are truly needed, and where on a daily basis you do something useful for someone less fortunate."

"You will never have a day when you feel your job is not worthwhile," says Ian Wilson, director of social services at the London Borough of Tower Hamlets. "What other jobs can you say that about? There are doctors and nurses, but otherwise there are a very limited number of jobs where you never have to doubt that you are truly needed, and where on a daily basis you do something useful for someone less fortunate."

The profession is also a consistent employer of people from ethnic minority backgrounds, second only perhaps to the health service. It's a way they people can champion and give something back to their communities. And the profession bears this out by actively encouraging ethnic minority employees to take up senior management positions. There are not as many senior ethnic minority managers as there should be, but there are far more in social work than in other professions. It is also a career equally open to both sexes.

To enter, you'll need experience. Qualifications are not enough. And because of the kinds of clients that a social worker is likely to come across, life experiences, as well as work experiences, are invaluable. It's the very reason so many people become social workers after having had one career already. That said, the scene is rapidly changing and the three-year degree in social work will begin in September 2003. Younger graduates and non-graduates are being urged to think about a career in social work, too, with the full backing of employers and the Government.

If you are thinking about joining the profession, the points raised below may help. They are drawn from the Department of Health's Social Worker Recruitment Campaign site at www.socialworkcareers.co.uk.

What is social work?

Social work gives help and support to a range of vulnerable people. This can include parents and children struggling with deprivation, disability or abusive behaviour; people with mental health, alcohol or drug problems; disabled people or people with HIV/Aids; elderly people living in a care home or needing support to maintain their independence in their own home.

Who employs social workers?

Most social workers work for a local authority, but you can work for a charity such as Barnados, NSPCC, Mind or the NCH Action for Children, or for an independent provider, for instance in the running of a residential care home. You can work for a variety organisations if you work for a staffing agency.

How do I become a social worker?

To become a qualified social worker requires the Diploma in Social Work (DipSW), a two-year diploma-level course. Some universities offer the option of a further year of study converting the DipSW into a degree-level qualification. People who have previous relevant experience and related qualifications may be able to gain credits that would reduce the length of their DipSW programme. In 2003, a new three-year degree level qualification will replace the DipSW.

What GCSE /AS -/ A-level subjects should I take to become a social worker later?

Social workers work with a wide variety of people in different settings. Therefore a broad range of qualifications can be a useful background for a social worker. However, good communication skills are vital. Vocational GCSEs may offer an interesting route that combines general education with some work on health and social care issues. At AS- or A-level, subjects such as law, sociology and psychology may be useful.

What qualifications do I need to study for the DipSW?

If you are under 21, you will require two A-levels or equivalent (in England). If you are over 21, relevant experiences may be taken into account in place of qualifications.

Where can I study for the DipSW?

There are more than 120 universities and colleges of Higher Education throughout the UK that offer approved DipSW programmes. There are part-time, open learning and distance learning DipSW programmes.

What funding is available for the DipSW course?

You may be able to get a job working for an employer, for example as a social work assistant, who will pay for you to study for the DipSW either part-time or full-time. You should contact your local social services department to find out if they run any such schemes.

For entry to a postgraduate programme, the newly formed General Social Care Council is able to offer bursaries for some of the places available. If you are successful in gaining a place on a postgraduate/DipSW programme and the programme offers you a bursary, you will receive a bursary whether or not you have received a grant in the past from your local authority.