Hi Kelsey
To become a social worker you will need an honours degree or postgraduate degree in social work approved by the General Social Care Council (GSCC), followed by registration with the GSCC.
You will normally need the following qualifications to get onto an honours degree:
five GCSEs (A-C) including English and maths
at least two A levels, or an equivalent such as a BTEC National Diploma or NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care.
You will also need to pass a
Criminal Records Bureau (CRB)
background check when you apply.
When you apply for training, you should also ideally have some paid or voluntary experience in a social work or social care setting. When you are at college/sixth form look out for vInvolved (formerly Millenium Volunteers) when they introduce their service as they are aware of voluntary vacancies across town with many agencies involved in social care settings.
Hopefully, whilst you in post-16 studies and doing voluntary work you will be able to relate to interviewers/universities that you have the following
skills and knowledge:
- excellent communication and interpersonal skills
-
the ability to relate to people of all ages and backgrounds and gain their trust
-
a practical and flexible approach to work
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tact, patience and empathy
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an understanding of the needs of different client groups
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a non-judgemental attitude
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the ability to work in a team and also use your own initiative
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the ability to assess situations and take appropriate action
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resilience, to cope with difficult situations and challenging clients
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good time management and organisational skills
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computer literacy and administrative skills
Hope this information is useful to you.
Regards Sam