Most positions are within Local Authority Social Services Departments, although there are opportunities in hospitals, family centres, day centres, residential homes and the private/voluntary sector.
Local Authority social workers work in teams and specialise in an area, such as Children and Families or Mental Health. They are normally office-based and work 9am to 5pm, five days a week. Duties include managing a caseload, visiting clients, writing reports, attending case conferences and following procedures laid down by legislation. They also undertake assessments and reviews and may be expected to do duty work, such as dealing with general enquiries, taking referrals and responding to emergency situations.
For further information …
The General Social Care Council (GSCC) deals with general queries about social work.