Lecture 17 - Social work

Question 1

What is social work?

Answer 1

• considered as the ‘helping profession’, and focuses on enhancing human well-being, especially in those who are oppressed, vulnerable, or otherwise living in poverty
• not limited to working within one domain in society
• is considered a practice-based profession

Question 2

What are the 2 types of roles for social workers?

Answer 2

1. statutory roles
2. non-statutory roles

Question 3

Statutory roles?

Answer 3

• involves either working with government bodies or government partners
• have a duty to abide by such legislation, but also have the power to enforce it where necessary
• it may be common for these types of social workers to work more closely with legal agencies, and many tasks may have a more legal focus

Question 4

Non-statutory roles?

Answer 4

• not specifically responsible for enforcing the law
• such roles are normally found within the charities sector or with specialist independent employers
• tasks may involve providing support for drug and alcohol users, homeless individuals, and people with mental health issues
• may also be involved in early intervention programs in order to prevent problems

Question 5

Training and qualifications needed for social work?

Answer 5

• is a protected title, meaning the routes to qualifying as a social work professional are tightly regulated by the UK care regulators
• most social workers will typically come through the undergraduate course but a growing number are now coming through alternate pathways such as through postgraduate study
• masters take 2 years to complete
• length of time required is due to the course incorporating intensive placements

Question 6

What are some examples of training programmes?

Answer 6

• Step-Up to Social Work
• Frontline
• Think Ahead

Question 7

Interviews?

Answer 7

• provide an opportunity for the applicant to meet their potential employer
• an interviewee should aim to show that they are enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and skilled