The next steps for a qualified social worker

Regardless of what point you’re at in your career within social care, social work requires a complex set of specific skills to deal with the different challenges you may face.

Randstad’s research of social care shows that there are 18,500 people being cared for every day. This level of care ranges from positively impacting the community to caring for elderly people within nursing homes.

Whether you are in the process of trying to land your first social care job after recently qualifying, or perhaps you need some guidance in how to develop your current proficiency, we’re aiming to offer you some advice on how to take the next steps in your career.

What you need to know if you’re newly qualified

Over recent years the social care sector has become increasingly competitive, with entry level candidates requesting as much guidance as possible to help them with securing that first social worker with client and flowersposition.

A social care worker requires the ability to be compassionate with people of all ages and all backgrounds

Top tips to consider

This checklist provides you with some things to think about whist you’re searching for care jobs:

• Ensure that your register with one of the four UK Regulators – HCPC, Care Council, NISCC, SSSC

• Consider the idea of a fast-track route into social care if you have a 2:1 Degree or above, and then receive training whilst on the job – Step Up to Social Care and Frontline can help you with this

• Optimise professional networks such as Skills For Care and BASW

• Ensure that you know The Code of Ethics For Social Work

• Enrol on The Assessed and Supported Year of Employment

• Make sure you’re familiar with CPD standards. Perhaps devise a plan to ensure you always stay up to date

• Ask for help on your CV and application from people who have expertise in the field

• Take full advantage of graduate internships or voluntary schemes

• Shadow whoever you can during your induction – don’t be afraid to ask questions!

• Don’t push yourself too hard, it is important to find a healthy work-life balance