Social work

Social work is a profession carried out by social workers in many different countries. Accordingly the nature of social work can vary widely, but its broad aim is to assess and meet people's social needs by providing services which enable them to live in safety and with independence and dignity.

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In the United Kingdom and elsewhere, a social worker is a trained professional with a recognised social work qualification employed, most commonly in the public sector by local authorities. Spending on social services departments is a major component of British local government expenditure.

Related Topics:
United Kingdom - Public sector - Local authorities - Social services

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Social workers may also work in a variety of other settings and this is often the case in the United States, where they tend to be employed in the administration of charity, social service, welfare, and poverty agencies, advocacy, or religious outreach programs. Social workers in Britain and the United States may also work with community health agencies and other voluntary sector employers. Other social workers work as psychotherapists, counselors, or mental health practitioners, normally working in coordination with psychiatrists, psychologists, or other medical professionals. Additionally, some social workers have chosen to focus their efforts on social policy or academic research into the practice or ethics of social work.

Related Topics:
United States - Charity - Social service - Welfare - Poverty - Advocacy - Religious - Community health agencies - Voluntary sector - Psychotherapists - Mental health - Social policy

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In the UK, the title "social worker" is protected by law (since 1 April 2005) and can be used only by people who have a recognised qualification and are registered with the General Social Care Council (in England), the Scottish Social Services Council, the Care Council for Wales/Cyngor Gofal Cymru, or the Northern Ireland Social Care Council.

Related Topics:
2005 - Qualification - General Social Care Council - England - Scottish Social Services Council - Care Council for Wales - Northern Ireland Social Care Council

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The strategic direction of statutory social work in Britain is broadly divided into children's and adults' services. Social work activity for children and young people is under the remit of the Department for Education and Skills while the same for adults remains the responsibility for the British Department of Health. Within local authorities, this division is usually reflected in the organisation of social services departments.

Related Topics:
Department for Education and Skills - British Department of Health

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