Social Work
Useful Links
Social work code of ethics:
Job Profiles
https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/advice/planning/jobprofiles/Pages/socialworker.aspx
https://www.prospects.ac.uk/job-profiles/social-worker
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/social-work-england-secondary-legislation
https://www.hcpc-uk.org/standards/
https://www.basw.co.uk/resources/become-social-worker/what-do-social-workers-do
If you would like to arrange a mock interview, please email futures@blackpoolsixth.ac.uk
Entry Qualifications
https://www.prospects.ac.uk/job-profiles/social-worker
Social work is a graduate profession and you will need either an honours or a postgraduate degree in social work. The degree will need to be approved by one of the four regulators. These include the:
Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) - in England.
Care Council for Wales - in Wales.
Northern Ireland Social Care Council (NISCC) - in Northern Ireland.
Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) - in Scotland.
Although the diploma in social work (DipSW) and other previous social work qualifications are still recognised as valid social work qualifications, they are no longer offered to new entrants.
If you have an HND or foundation degree you will require an undergraduate degree in social work, although the following subjects may improve your chances:
legal studies;
politics, government or public administration;
social care;
social sciences.
Most undergraduate degrees are full-time courses lasting three years, although there are some part-time courses.
A minimum 2:2 honours degree is needed for entry to the postgraduate professional training. Some universities will only accept applicants with at least a 2:1, so check with each institution. Applicants will also need to have passed GCSE (or recognised equivalent) maths and English at Grade C or above.
Both undergraduate and postgraduate courses cover the same topics and have a strong practical element with over 200 days, (usually six to seven hours a day), of supervised work placements. Approved postgraduate courses are usually full time and last two years, although there are some part-time courses available.
Applications for most courses are made through UCAS. A few part-time postgraduate degrees are available where applications should be made direct to the university. Search for further courses at the HCPC Register of Approved Programmes.
There are different options for training on the job in social work.
Frontline, a new, accelerated, two-year programme for graduates with a focus on leadership development is an innovative opportunity for exceptional people to become qualified social workers and lead change in society.
Frontline participants will work with police, courts, schools, vulnerable children and families as children's social workers. The programme will give participants the opportunity to develop valuable leadership skills to prepare them for influential careers in social work and beyond. It starts with a five-week summer institute, a year of on-the-job training in local authorities, followed by a year as a qualified social worker with the opportunity to study for a Masters.
The Step Up to Social Work programme may be another possibility. It's an alternative, accelerated entry route, which combines work and study. Check the website for details of future student intakes.
Some students may be eligible for a bursary; see NHS Student Bursaries for further details. This can change from year-to-year so you should always check with the institution you are applying to.
Further information on how to train as a social worker is available on Skills for Care and the HCPC website.
How to prepare for your interview
Research the social work course and the University by looking at the website and, if possible, attend an Open Day.
Get as much practical experience as you can. Applicants must have gained work experience in the social care field. Not only will it give you an insight into the realities of the sector, it will also give you plenty to talk about in the interview.
Re-read your application form and personal statement. They will ask you to elaborate on it and it’s vital to be aware of what you have said.
Check the information provided from the University when you were invited to interview what do you need to take with you? What type of interviews will you be undertaking? 1 to 1/ group?Make sure your references are current and still happy to be contacted.
Be on time! Make sure you know where you need to be and how to get there with plenty of time to spare.
Bring all documentation they have asked you to take with you.
Dress appropriately - remember, this is an interview for a professional course.
Be ready to answer questions about the profession – brief yourself on current issues. Check current News related to the profession you are hoping to go into.
Be ready to answer questions about the course
Be ready to answer questions about the University – have you been to an Open Day; why do you want to study here; how will you fit in?
Update yourself on current news and issues. Good websites to read are Social Care Institute for Excellence and Community Care.
Review relevant legislation and the policy framework as the interview will test these.
Be yourself! Be confident ! Good luck!
Interview help
Interview Help
Why do you want to be a social worker?
Describe what you think a social worker does and what type of people or groups you might work with
What do you think are the qualities of a good social worker? How do your talents and skills match the qualities needed?
Describe a stressful or demanding role you've had and explain how you coped with it
Tell us about a time you have contributed to effective team working
Describe your understanding of The Code of Professional Practice and how it would inform your daily work
What current issues in the media with regard to social work are you aware of?
More questions to consider:
What do you think a social worker does?
Why does society need social workers?
What experience do you have of social work?
Has a social worker ever worked with you or your family?
What is the ultimate aim of social work?
What do you think people expect from social workers?
Is there a particular area of social work that interests you, and if so why?
Describe a typical week for a social worker?
What are the biggest issues in social work right now?
Your attitude, approach and personality will play a major role in your daily life as a social worker, so it is important that your university interview identifies whether you have got ‘what it takes’ to succeed.
Typical personal questions include:
What do you hope to achieve as a social worker?
What qualities do you have that would make you a good social worker?
Are you a good listener, and can you listen without judging?
Describe a situation where you have shown empathy
How would you go about calming down an anxious or agitated client?
Social workers often have a huge caseload. How would you manage your time effectively?
How would you distance your own feelings from an emotional situation?
Describe an example of when you have worked in a team
Ethical social work university interview questions
Social work can be a minefield of ethical issues, and you will not be expected to deal with them all on your own. However, your approach to these issues will be an important part of your interview. Consider how you would answer questions like:
When is it right to take a child from its parents?
Should we waste resources on people who don’t want to be helped?
Is the welfare state a trap for the poorer members of society?
Is the so-called ‘bedroom tax’ fair?
Isn’t positive discrimination as bad as the problem it is trying to solve?
Would you be able to help a person who you did not personally like?
If people bring problems on themselves, shouldn’t they have to find their own solutions?
Shouldn’t families be left alone to sort out their own problems?
Group discussion (if applicable)
At some Universities you will be required to complete a group task.
For example The University of South Wales does the following:
Within your group, you will be given a topical issue to discuss. You will be observed by a member of the teaching team, a representative from practice and a service user or carer. The panel are looking for people who can communicate clearly, appropriately and expressively, but they are also assessing your listening skills, body language and ability to communicate as part of a group.
Useful websites
http://socialworktutor.com/social-work-university-interview-questions/
University links :
Specific Interview help
Interview Question examples
Tell us about why you want to work as a social worker /what have been your experience
*it can be personal experiences / health and social care student, they want to support/ advocate and make a difference.
What do you understand the role of a social worker is / who do they support
*Work with children and adults, assessing risk/ offering advice and support/ working with families / signposting/ doing assessments/ writing reports. Children / adults with disabilities/ youth justice/ care leavers
Tell us about something you have read / watched etc related to social work
*think of an article in the paper that you have read / health and social care book – make sure you give context not just the title but what did you take from it/ documentaries are also good to talk about that you may have watched.
What do you think are your skills which will support you as a student social worker
*Able to study and work is a good answer / time management /patient / empathetic/ able to listen/ trustworthy / non judgemental etc
Can you tell us about a time which has challenged your value base
*Think about where someone has been treated differently – could be anything / racism/ not inclusive for disabled people / gender / sexuality – what did you think ./ what was your actions.
Can you tell us about a time where you have managed conflict / what did you do?
*Draw on a personal experience – talk about being calm/ listening / seeking support from a manager / trying to bring it to conclusion.
Lancaster Interview example
Consists for 3 sections:
1 to 1 with a member of the department
group work (case study- identify concerns/ possible interventions) observed by department and 2 service users.
Example: pregnant mother - drug / alcohol user / previous child taken into care.
written piece (case study- to answer questions/ legislation/ appropriate intervention and analyse the information).
Career Videos
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLluQAjQaw176F1gfWrRajA
Social Work England Youtube channel
We Are Social Work England
A Day in the life of a Social Worker
What is social work? Emergency Duty Team
Social Work | University of Hull
A Day in the life of a Social worker.