Career guides / Careers in social work

A female social worker in a blazer, shirt and lanyard is sitting at a desk opposite a little girl and foster carer whose backs are to the camera

Careers in Social Work

Social work is a profession dedicated to supporting individuals, families, and communities through challenging circumstances. There is a range of specialisms, including protecting children at risk, helping adults with mental health needs maintain independence, supporting care leavers through transitions, or working with offenders to reduce reoffending and rebuild lives.

Discover current vacancies, an overview of key roles, salary expectations, and answers to common questions about getting into social work.

Explore the latest opportunities below and find a role that fits your skills and ambitions.

Browse roles in social work

48 employers, including local authorities and charities, have social work vacancies in the UK.

Looking for a role in social work?

Explore a variety of opportunities across the UK and find the position that fits your skills and experience.

Discover more social work jobs in the UK

Types of social work jobs in the UK

Social work spans multiple specialisms and settings, from children's services to mental health, and from local authority offices to hospitals and courts.

Social Worker Jobs
Senior Social Worker Jobs
Children's Social Worker Jobs
Adult Social Worker Jobs
Mental Health Social Worker Jobs
Senior Practitioner Jobs
Family Support Worker Jobs
AMHP Jobs
Team Manager Jobs
SEND Social Worker Jobs

Salary overview for social work jobs in the UK

Salaries vary depending on the role, experience level, employer, and location. Local authorities, charities, and housing associations may offer different pay scales.

Typical average salary ranges in 2026:

Entry level: £35,125 - £37,163 per year
Mid-level: £44,774 - £50,566 per year
Senior roles: £49,016 - £53,622 per year

FAQs about social work jobs

How do I get into social work?

You'll need a degree in social work (BA or MA) and registration with Social Work England. Routes include a three-year undergraduate degree, two-year postgraduate course, or a Social Work Degree Apprenticeship where you earn while you learn. Fast-track programmes like Frontline (children's) and Think Ahead (mental health) offer intensive training for graduates. After qualifying, you'll complete your ASYE—a supported first year in employment.

What qualifications do I need to become a social worker?

To use the protected title "social worker" and register with Social Work England, you must hold an approved social work degree—there's no alternative route without one. However, you can work in related roles like family support worker or social work assistant without a degree. The Social Work Degree Apprenticeship allows you to earn while studying if you prefer not to attend university full-time.

Is social work a good career?

Social work offers meaningful, impactful work helping vulnerable people—few careers offer this level of purpose. Job security is strong, with consistent demand across the UK and clear progression pathways from newly qualified through to team manager and principal social worker. Public sector benefits include good pensions, generous annual leave, and structured professional development.

What does a social worker do?

Social workers assess needs, manage risk, and coordinate support for vulnerable people. Day-to-day tasks include conducting assessments, writing reports, attending court, chairing meetings, making safeguarding decisions, and visiting people in their homes. In children's services, you might investigate concerns, support families, or plan for children in care. Adult social workers assess care needs and arrange support packages.

Where do social workers work?

Most social workers are employed by local authority children's or adult services departments. NHS trusts employ social workers in mental health teams and hospitals, while some work for charities, housing associations, and private providers. Settings include council offices, family homes, schools, hospitals, care homes, courts, and prisons—many roles involve a mix of office-based work and visits in the community.

Do social work jobs offer remote or hybrid working?

Most social work roles require in-person contact—home visits, court attendance, and face-to-face assessments are core to the job. However, some administrative tasks, report writing, and virtual meetings can be done from home. Hybrid arrangements vary by employer, with some local authorities offering flexibility around office days.