Roles and functions of social workers in England: advice note

Author:
COLLEGE OF SOCIAL WORK
Publisher:
College of Social Work
Publication year:
2014
Pagination:
27
Place of publication:
London

This Advice Note sets out the essential contribution of social workers, both to the lives of the people who need and use their services and to the teams and organisations within which they work. The intention is to give core examples of social workers’ roles and functions in the context of the situations in which they are required, both in adults’ and children’s services, and that these are suited to their level of experience. An introduction summarises the role, expectations and values of social work, taking into account the multidisciplinary context in which many social workers operate. The next section (Part 1) sets out the situations in which social workers should be deployed; it gives examples of the roles and functions they are required to perform in these situations, and in which their social work skills, knowledge and expertise are relevant. Five situations are considered: responding to complex needs; effective safeguarding and risk management; addressing adversity and social exclusion; promoting independence and autonomy; and prevention and early intervention. Part 2 shows how the responsibilities of social workers should be aligned with their capabilities as defined by the Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF): Newly-Qualified Social Worker; Social Worker; Experienced Social Worker; Advanced Social Worker; and Strategic Social Worker. It notes that a social worker’s level of capability will depend on the ability to manage issues such as risk, complexity and decision-making. (Edited publisher abstract)

Subject terms:
social workers, professional role, professional conduct, good practice;
Content type:
practice guidance
Location(s):
England
Link:
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