Portman Recruitment genuinely cares about how it’s perceived by social workers we work with and we understand the importance of their work. We tirelessly evaluate how we have helped social workers. In this article, we delve into what the average day of a social worker’s life is like.
If you’re looking for an agency that can offer care, support and your new dream social work job, then Portman Recruitment is the place for you. If you’re a social worker looking for a new role, are based in the North West in places such as Manchester, Liverpool, Cumbria, Gloucestershire, Lancashire or anywhere else in England and Wales and have at least a year’s experience then be sure to get in touch with Portman Recruitment today.
A Typical Day In The Life Of A Social Worker Working For A Local Authority In The UK
A social worker’s day begins with the administrative tasks of checking through emails that have arrived overnight, as well as opening mail. To minimise stress on working days it’s important, early on, to prioritise tasks and create an action plan for the day to ensure things get done at the right time and ensure fellow social workers have a clear understanding of your day.
Home visits and meeting with client groups are a big part of a social worker’s day-to-day activities. The next part of the day may involve preparing for these meetings and writing up notes to ensure they are suitably prepared for the events ahead.
Taking thorough case notes on a subject matter, be it to do with a child protection plan, a home visit or safeguarding concerns, allows social workers and support workers to know what is going on, allowing them to use the available evidence to create a care plan.
Attending meetings will take up a big part of a social worker’s day. It’s vital to take copious notes during these meetings including names of attendees. Notes are what social workers use to make decisions so these must be then written up onto the appropriate system so they can be accessed by all.
Another key element of a social worker’s day is ensuring people are heard, respected and that any potential conflicts are mitigated to avoid an altercation. You’re often discussing sensitive topics like domestic violence, substance misuse or parenting which can aggravate people if they feel they are being talked down to.
As we have discovered, there is no such thing as a ‘typical day’ but you may find yourself taking the heat out of situations on a semi-regular basis.
Social workers, daily, must remember to look after themselves. It can be easy for them to forget about their mental health or neglect to look after themselves and take regular breaks – but all these are vital to them being effective in their job.
A social work career will involve days that are varied and challenging but come with priceless rewards. And know that if you ever are struggling, there’s always someone here to help at Portman Recruitment.
Day to day life of a social worker
What do social workers do on a daily basis?
Social workers perform a wide range of tasks on a daily basis, depending on their specialization and the population they serve. Here’s a general overview of what social workers might do:
- Client Meetings: Social workers often meet with clients to assess their needs, provide counseling, and develop individualized plans to address their challenges. This could involve sessions with individuals, families, or groups.
- Case Management: They manage cases by coordinating services and resources for clients. This may include connecting clients with healthcare providers, social services, housing assistance, employment resources, and more.
- Advocacy: Social workers advocate for the rights and well-being of their clients. They may intervene on behalf of clients to ensure they receive fair treatment, access to services, and protection from abuse or discrimination.
- Documentation and Reporting: Social workers maintain detailed records of client interactions, assessments, and progress. They also write reports to document their observations, interventions, and recommendations.
- Collaboration: They collaborate with other professionals such as psychologists, psychiatrists, educators, law enforcement officers, and community organizations to provide comprehensive support for clients.
- Crisis Intervention: Social workers may respond to crises such as domestic violence situations, mental health emergencies, substance abuse issues, or natural disasters. They provide immediate support and connect clients with appropriate resources.
- Research and Program Development: Some social workers engage in research to better understand social issues, evaluate the effectiveness of interventions, and develop new programs to address community needs.
- Education and Prevention: They conduct educational workshops and outreach programs to raise awareness about social issues, promote preventive measures, and empower individuals and communities to address challenges proactively.
- Self-Care and Professional Development: Social workers prioritize their own well-being by engaging in self-care activities and seeking supervision or support when needed. They also pursue ongoing training and professional development to stay current with best practices and ethical standards.
- Administration and Policy Work: In addition to direct client work, social workers may be involved in administrative tasks such as program management, policy analysis, and advocacy for systemic change to address social injustices.
Overall, social workers play a crucial role in supporting individuals, families, and communities to overcome challenges, improve their quality of life, and promote social justice and equality.
Are You A Social Worker Looking For A New Role?
Get In Touch With Portman Recruitment Today
If you have at least a year’s experience in social work and want to find a new role then we recommend getting in touch with Portman Recruitment today. We operate across the North West, England, and Wales in places such as Stockport, Warrington and Bradford and our group of dedicated consultants look forward to helping you secure your dream role.