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.

Qualifications in Social work

United Kingdom

The main qualification for social work is the undergraduate Bachelor's degree (BA, BSc or BSW) in social work, offered at British universities from September 2003 onwards. There is also available a master's degree (MA). These have replaced the previous qualifying award, the postgraduate Diploma in Social Work (DipSW), which was first awarded in 1991 and will be phased out across the UK by 2008.

Related Topics:
Undergraduate - British universities - 2003 - 1991 - 2008

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Purporting to be either a social worker or a student social worker without registering with the Social Work Register, as well as holding or undergoing training for the recognised qualifications is now a criminal offence. Social workers must renew their registration every three years. These regulations offer protection to vulnerable people by guaranteeing the professional regulation of people working as social workers. They also promote workforce development, as all social workers must participate in at least five days of professional training each year in order to be eligible for renewal of their registration.

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After qualifying, social workers can undertake further training under the social work 'Post-Qualifying Framework'. Until 2007, there are four awards available under this framework:

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• Post-Qualifying Award - for advanced social work practice and management
• Mental Health Social Work award (in England, Approved Social Worker award; in Scotland, Mental Health Officer award) - qualification to work with people with mental health needs
• Child Care Award - qualification to work with children and young people
• Practice Teaching Award - qualification to work as a tutor, supervisor and assessor for social work students on their work placement

From 2007, the General Social Care Council and UK partners is implementing a new framework which unifies these awards in a simpler structure allowing broader study to count towards higher and advanced social work awards.

Related Topics:
2007 - General Social Care Council

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United States

A social worker practicing in the United States usually requires a master's degree (MSW) or a bachelor's degree (BSW) in social work to receive a license in most states. In some areas, however, a social worker may be able to receive a license with a bachelor's degree in any discipline.The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) is the largest organization of professional social workers in the United States.

Related Topics:
United States - Master's degree - MSW - Bachelor's degree - National Association of Social Workers

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A person with a BSW is considered a "generalist" and the MSW is considered "a specialist or advanced generalist; a Ph.D. generally provides research, teaching, or policy analysis often in higher education settings.

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