Social worker (degree)

Reference Number: ST0510

Details of standard

Occupation: Integrated Degree Apprenticeship for Social Worker

Social Work is an exciting and fulfilling international profession. As a Social Worker you will work in partnership with adults, children, carers and families in a range of different settings to support and promote positive change in people’s lives in order to improve their wellbeing and independence. 

Within the context of relevant Social Work legislation, you will use your professional judgement and build relationships with a variety of individuals and communities, as well as with a wide range of other professionals and agencies. In your role you will assess, plan, implement and evaluate complex situations. This requires an ability to critically reflect and make decisions within a clear professional code of ethics.

As a registered Social Worker, you will engage in protecting individuals from harm, abuse, neglect and exploitation. You will work in a way which is compassionate and which takes account of all aspects of the individual’s life – ensuring their voice is central to decision making. You will use your professional expertise to work, assess, plan, implement, evaluate and intervene putting the needs of people first.

Throughout your career, you will be responsible for ensuring your continuing professional development and will be expected to demonstrate leadership whatever your role. All Social Workers must register with the professional regulator and adhere to their professional standards.

Qualifications

Honours Degree in Social Work.

Apprentices without Level 2 English and maths will need to achieve this level prior to taking their end point assessment. For those with an education, health and care plan or a legacy statement, the apprenticeships English and maths minimum requirements are Entry Level 3, and the British Sign Language qualification is an alternative to English qualifications for apprentices for whom this is their primary language.

Level:

6

Duration

Typically 36 months.

Review date:

After 3 years.

Link to professional registration:

This standard aligns to the requirements of the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) Standards of Proficiency for Social Workers in England (2017). Completion of an approved degree in social work which appears on the HCPC Register of approved programmes will provide eligibility to apply to the HCPC Register.

Behaviours:

Social workers:

• communicate openly, honestly and accurately. They listen to people and apply professional curiosity to evaluate and assess what information they need to gather, to provide quality advice, support or care
• treat people with compassion, dignity and respect and work together to empower postive change
• adapt their approach according to the situation and context
• commit to continuous learning within social work, with curiosity and critical reflection
• adhere to the HCPC Standards of Conduct, Performance and Ethics

Requirements, Knowledge and Skills:

Revision date:

February 2021

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