Social work may be associated with low pay, unsociable hours and a lack of confidence among the general public, mainly due to negative stories in the media in recent years, but the fact is that job satisfaction remains high among those working in the sector. Various surveys have unveiled high levels of job satisfaction among social care workers, with the Department of Health insisting that this surpasses notions of an imbalance between salary and workload.
The primary motivation for many entering the social care arena is a determination to improve the lives of people in different walks of life, something that is well worth keeping at the forefront of your mind when answering social work job interview questions. Social workers care about people and recognise that the suffering that many experiences in their lives can be relieved with some coordinated intervention. The rewards that are to be enjoyed, therefore, are not monetary but high levels of job satisfaction in the knowledge that real differences are being made to enable needy people to live more safely and independently.
Few jobs can boast the high levels of face-to-face interaction with such a diverse group of people, and this is another aspect of social work that those in the profession tend to highlight as an advantage of their work. Social workers can specialise in different client groups including children, families or senior citizens, and the circumstances under which they work can range from domestic violence to adoption and mental health issues to end-of-life care.
Every client’s personal needs make them among the most vulnerable in society, meaning the social worker can have valuable input into shaping their future, building on the client’s strengths and making important decisions that can help to facilitate positive change. The range of situations facing social workers is immense, with every day potentially bringing a fresh challenge, whether it is in an individual’s home, school, care home or other location.
Feeling that they make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable people is the overriding factor that motivates those who work in the field of social care. The steps that clients take may be tiny, such as a child who improves his attendance at school, or more life-changing, for example a young adult who is dissuaded from suicide, but every success is evidence of the social worker’s successful interventions and positive actions to improve the life experience of people who are most in need.
How to get into Social Work?
As social worker job satisfaction is high it is a popular career option for many.
To practise as a social worker, you must be registered with Social Work England. To register with Social Work England, you first need to successfully complete an approved degree or postgraduate programme in social work. Courses take three or four years full time. A degree apprenticeship in social work has also been approved.
Who will I help?
As well as working with clients and their families and other carers, social workers work with other agencies including the police, local authority departments, schools and the probation service.
You’ll work with clients, their families and others around them and with different client groups including:
- the elderly
- children with disabilities
- teenagers with mental health problems
- young offenders
- adults with learning disabilities, mental health problems or physical disabilities
- people with alcohol, drug or other substance misuse problems
- refugees and asylum seekers
- families at risk of breaking down
- children who need to live apart from their families
- foster carers and adopters
- children who are at risk of abuse or neglect
- carers
I looked at Social work after leaving teaching but studying for a further degree was not an option at that time. I do think I would have found more job satisfaction in social work in hindsight, although I know both have high pressure.
Where to find Social Work jobs
There are many jobs and careers advertised for social workers with many being employed by the local authority. Other jobs are with charities and organisations. Check out local authority job boards for career opportunities.
What Is The Average Salary For A Social Worker?
Broadly speaking, the average salary for a Social Worker is approximately £30,000 a year.
We hope this post has helped you understand more about becoming a social worker and the social worker job satisfaction that can be expected.
Disclosure: Collaborative post
One Response
It’s interesting to know that people who explore social work is their own determination to improve other people’s lives. This might suit my sister, who has devoted her entire college life to helping non-profit organizations around our area. I wouldn’t be surprised if she takes part in some licensing workshops in order to do social work.