Perhaps one of the more unsung of vocational heroes, Social Workers make real differences to the lives of others. Helping society’s most vulnerable, Social Workers provide compassion, support and understanding to ensure families can live their best life.
Social Workers are readily in demand here in the UK. Data on the total number of employed and self-employed social workers from 2011 – 2020 shows that there are 108,000 Social Workers. A number we would hope to see rise over the coming years, especially as we move out of the pandemic.
What Sort of Qualifications Do I Need to Be Considered for Independent Social Working?
Sound educational routes into the profession include the study of subjects such as psychology, sociology and law, with entry into Social Work dependent on formal qualifications.
As the case for Social Workers across the board, individuals should ideally possess a degree – or masters – in Social Work (BA). As part of this original and approved qualification, work placements provide recruiters with confirmation that new recruits will have benefitted from real world experiences, regarding caring for the needs of others.
In terms of understanding current laws, Independent Social Workers are routinely measured. Including up-to-date understanding of the Mental Health ACT 1983 and The Children Act 1989, as well as other government guidance, such as ‘Working Together to Safeguard Children’. This knowledge is imperative to ensure that expert reports produced by independent social workers are evidence-based.
What Experience Do I Need to Become an Independent Social Worker?
To be an Independent Social Worker you first need to be a qualified social worker registered with Social Work England or the Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC). But thereafter, it is professional experience which determines suitability for the role.
There are many ways you can gain experience relevant to social work. From working with care home residents, disabled people or helping out at youth clubs or play schemes which focused on younger members of society are all hugely relevant.
Examples such as volunteering, placements, paid work experience or even personal endeavours including providing care for a relative will all underline potential to enter into the profession.
The longer someone has been a Social Worker, the more they can be considered ‘experts’ and as such appropriately ‘qualified’ to ultimately deliver the outstanding service that Advanced CCA’s Independent Social Workers provide.
What are Recruiters Looking for in Independent Social Workers?
Most Independent Social Workers start by working for a local authorities, often tending to work independently part time to build up a name for themselves and enhance their CV. This also allows them to become recognised within family court settings. Our team of Independent Social Workers often join us on a more full-time basis – and taking on increased caseloads – having taken this approach first.
An Independent Social Worker has on average 10 or more years’ experience in child protection or children’s services prior to making the required grade. Such experiences are drawn upon when completing assessments and expert reports, and also when providing findings in a court setting. Alongside the significant experience, training and expertise is equally important. Independent Social Workers typically assume caseloads from local authorities or the children’s courts, where their role is to undertake specialist assessments or provide expert opinions. Employed by companies such as Advanced CCA, Independent Social Workers will be individually matched to new cases, based on their skill set and experience.
Our Recruitment Criteria
Below, we’ve outlined the recruitment criteria we look for in our panel of Independent Social Worker experts. To be part of our team, you must be in possession of the following:
- Be a Social Worker with a minimum of 8 years’ experience.
- Be registered with Social Work England.
- Have a full enhanced DBS.
- Not to have been adversely named in a court judgement.
In addition to this, to be considered to join our expert panel, Advanced would expect you to have:
- Strong analytical skills and experience in childcare and child protection.
- Confidence within a court arena and in dealing with court procedures.
- Ability to work independently and to tight deadlines; prepared to commit to the role on a long-term basis.
- Wherewithal to work in courteous and positive manner with professionals and service users.
- Excellent communication and grammar, along with professional court reporting skills.
- Solution-focused, ‘can do’ attitude.
What Are the Benefits of Being Independent
The independence allows Social Workers to fit their hours around their family commitments, often setting their own working timetable. This is in sharp contrast to working for local authorities, which usually demands long hours. Being an Independent Social Worker means you can work as and when you want.
In addition to this, Independent Social Workers get the opportunity to focus more on specific areas of interest or expertise. For example, forensic risks, PAMS assessments, SGO, adoption, connected person’s, child abuse litigation and international assessments are all different areas relating to social work.
What Should I Do Next?
For those considering a move into independent social care, then here at Advanced CCA we are always on the lookout for experienced Social Workers to join our expert panel. Head to our website and fill in the form to find out more.
