What does a Social Worker actually do?

The short version

Social workers hold statutory caseloads — assessing risk, visiting families, writing court reports — in children's or adults' services. It's a registered profession: an approved degree and Social Work England registration are non-negotiable.

The pitch: real demand (vacancy rates still in double digits), structured progression, and work that demonstrably matters. The catch: the sector's retention crisis is the job description — high caseloads, heavy statutory paperwork, and burnout rates that run well above the general workforce. Agency locum work pays a premium over permanent LA posts, though regional price caps are now squeezing it.

Entry routes that actually work

• Social work degree (BA or MA) — the standard route, with statutory placements built in.
• Degree apprenticeship — qualify while employed by a local authority.
• Fast-track schemes (Frontline, Think Ahead, Step Up) — intensive, funded, competitive.