Social workers are qualified professionals who help people, families, and communities deal with challenges and improve their wellbeing. They provide support, advocacy, and access to services for those in need.
What Do Social Workers Do?
Social workers support individuals and families facing various challenges, including:
- Housing Issues: Help finding and maintaining suitable accommodation
- Child Protection: Safeguarding children and supporting families
- Adult Social Care: Supporting vulnerable adults
- Mental Health: Supporting people with mental health needs
- Substance Misuse: Helping people with addiction issues
- Domestic Violence: Supporting victims and families
- Elderly Care: Supporting older people and their families
Types of Social Work Services
Children and Families
- Child protection and safeguarding
- Family support and intervention
- Adoption and fostering services
- Youth justice support
- Education welfare
Adult Social Care
- Assessment of care needs
- Care planning and coordination
- Support for people with disabilities
- Mental health support
- Safeguarding vulnerable adults
Housing and Homelessness
- Housing assessments and referrals
- Support for homeless people
- Tenancy support
- Help accessing housing benefits
- Support with housing-related issues
How to Access Social Work Services
Through Local Authority
- Contact your local council's social services department
- Request an assessment of your needs
- Social worker will be allocated if you meet criteria
- Services are usually free for eligible people
Through NHS
- Referral from GP or healthcare professional
- Mental health social workers
- Hospital social workers
- Community mental health teams
Private Social Workers
- Hire a private social worker directly
- Usually for assessments or specific support
- Fees vary depending on services needed
- May be covered by insurance or funding
Qualifications and Registration
Professional Registration
All social workers in the UK must be registered with:
- Social Work England: Registration body for England
- Scottish Social Services Council: Registration for Scotland
- Social Care Wales: Registration for Wales
- Northern Ireland Social Care Council: Registration for Northern Ireland
Qualifications Required
- Degree in social work (BA or BSc)
- Or postgraduate qualification (MA or MSc)
- Registration with relevant regulatory body
- Ongoing continuing professional development
What to Expect from a Social Worker
Assessment
- Comprehensive assessment of your needs
- Discussion of your circumstances
- Identification of support available
- Development of a support plan
Support and Advocacy
- Help accessing services and benefits
- Advocacy on your behalf
- Support in meetings and assessments
- Help navigating systems and processes
Regular Reviews
- Regular reviews of your support plan
- Adjustments as your needs change
- Monitoring of progress
- Coordination with other services
Your Rights When Working with Social Workers
Your Rights
- Right to be treated with dignity and respect
- Right to be involved in decisions about your care
- Right to have your views and preferences considered
- Right to privacy and confidentiality
- Right to complain if you're not happy with the service
Confidentiality
- Information shared is confidential
- Only shared with your consent or when legally required
- You should be informed about information sharing
- Right to access your records
Finding a Social Worker
Local Authority Social Services
- Contact your local council
- Request an assessment
- Social worker allocated based on needs
- Usually free for eligible people
Private Providers
- Search directories of registered social workers
- Check qualifications and registration
- Discuss fees and services
- Ensure they're registered with regulatory body
Browse Social Work Providers
Find qualified social workers and social work providers who can help with your housing, care, and social needs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a social worker?
A social worker is a qualified professional who helps people, families, and communities deal with challenges and improve their wellbeing. They provide support, advocacy, and help accessing services.
How do I get a social worker?
Contact your local authority social services department and request an assessment. If you meet the eligibility criteria, a social worker will be allocated to support you.
What can a social worker help me with?
Social workers can help with housing issues, accessing care services, mental health support, child protection, adult safeguarding, benefits, and navigating social care systems.
Do I have to pay for a social worker?
Social workers provided by local authorities are usually free if you meet eligibility criteria. Private social workers charge fees, which may be covered by insurance or funding.
Are social workers qualified?
Yes, all social workers must have a degree in social work and be registered with the relevant regulatory body (Social Work England, Scottish Social Services Council, etc.).
What is the difference between a social worker and a support worker?
Social workers are qualified professionals who can assess needs, make decisions, and coordinate services. Support workers provide practical support and assistance but don't have the same level of qualification or decision-making authority.
Can I choose my social worker?
If you're allocated a social worker through local authority services, you usually can't choose, but you can request a change if there are issues. Private social workers can be chosen directly.
What if I'm not happy with my social worker?
You can raise concerns with the social worker's manager, use the local authority complaints procedure, or contact the relevant regulatory body if there are professional conduct issues.
How long will I have a social worker?
This depends on your needs and circumstances. Some people have short-term support, while others may have longer-term involvement. Your support will be reviewed regularly.
Can a social worker help me with housing?
Yes, social workers can help with housing assessments, referrals to housing providers, support with housing applications, and help accessing housing-related benefits and services.