Question 1

Do social workers work weekends?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the role. Many social work positions are Monday to Friday, particularly in adult social care, hospital teams, and non-urgent children's services. These roles typically follow standard office hours with some flexibility.

However, children's social workers in safeguarding and child protection teams often work on a rota that includes evenings and weekends, as emergency referrals don't stop outside office hours. Emergency Duty Teams (EDT) specifically provide out-of-hours cover, including weekends and bank holidays.

Mental health social workers, particularly AMHPs (Approved Mental Health Professionals), may also work weekends when on duty for Mental Health Act assessments.

When browsing vacancies, check the working pattern information—most job adverts clearly state whether weekend work is required or if the role includes an on-call element.

Question 2

Can social workers work part-time?

Accepted Answer

Yes, part-time social work jobs are available. Many local authorities offer flexible working arrangements, and you'll find roles advertised at various hours—from a few days a week to term-time patterns.

Part-time positions are common across both children's and adult services, though availability varies by employer and team. Some councils actively promote flexible working to attract experienced social workers returning to practice or those balancing caring responsibilities.

When searching for part-time roles, look for job adverts specifying hours per week or stating "part-time considered." Some full-time posts may also be open to flexible working requests once you're in post—it's always worth asking at interview.

Job-share arrangements are another option in local authority social work, allowing two people to split a full-time role between them.

Browse our current social work vacancies and use the filters to find part-time opportunities that suit your circumstances.

Question 3

Can social workers work from home?

Accepted Answer

Social work typically involves a mix of home visits, office-based work, and administrative tasks, so fully remote roles are rare. However, many employers now offer hybrid working arrangements where you split time between the office and home.

Since the pandemic, most local authorities have adopted more flexible approaches. You might complete case notes, assessments, and reports from home while attending the office for team meetings, supervision, and duty days.

The balance depends on the team and employer. Some councils expect three days in the office, others are more flexible. Children's social workers generally have less home working due to the nature of safeguarding visits, while some adult services roles may offer more flexibility.

Check individual job adverts for working arrangements—many now specify whether hybrid or flexible working is available. Browse our social work jobs to see what's currently on offer from councils across the UK.

Question 4

Is social work a government job?

Accepted Answer

Yes, most social work jobs are in the public sector. The majority of qualified social workers are employed by local authority children's services or adult social care departments, making councils the largest employers. NHS trusts also employ social workers, particularly in mental health services and hospital discharge teams.

Working in local government means you'll benefit from the Local Government Pension Scheme, generous annual leave (typically 25–30 days plus bank holidays), and structured career progression frameworks.

Some social workers are employed by charities, social enterprises, and private providers, but statutory social work duties—like child protection and Mental Health Act assessments—remain with local authorities and the NHS.

If you're looking for stable, pensionable employment with clear career pathways, public sector social work offers exactly that. Our job board specialises in local authority and public sector roles, which you can browse above.

Question 5

Are there many social work jobs available?

Accepted Answer

There's strong demand for qualified social workers across the UK. Local authorities consistently recruit for children's and adult services, and social work regularly features on national shortage occupation lists.

Children's social work, particularly child protection and looked-after children teams, has ongoing vacancies in most regions. Adult social care also recruits steadily, especially for roles supporting older people, those with disabilities, and mental health services.

This demand means newly qualified social workers typically find employment quickly, and experienced practitioners have a good choice over location and specialism. Many councils offer retention packages, welcome bonuses, and relocation support to attract candidates.

We advertise social work vacancies from local authorities across England, with new positions added regularly. Whether you're newly qualified, looking for your first ASYE post, or an experienced social worker seeking a new challenge, there are opportunities available.

Search our current social work jobs to see what's available in your area.

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Frequently asked questions

457 Social Work Jobs

Frequently asked questions

Do social workers work weekends?down

Can social workers work part-time?down

Can social workers work from home?down

Is social work a government job?down

Are there many social work jobs available?down