Choosing a career in social work is a decision that can change lives—both your own and those of the people you support.

Whether you’re drawn to working with children and families or supporting adults, social work is a highly rewarding profession that allows you to make a meaningful impact in your community. It’s a career built on compassion, resilience, and a commitment to helping others, with numerous opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Children’s vs. Adults’ Social Work

Social workers can specialise in working with either children or adults, and each area has its own unique challenges and rewards.

As a children’s social worker, your role will focus on the welfare of young people and families, dealing with cases involving safeguarding, child protection, foster care, and adoption. Your work could involve providing support to children in care, helping families navigate difficult circumstances, and ensuring that children’s rights and well-being are always prioritised.

Adults’ social workers focus on helping vulnerable adults navigate various issues, such as mental health challenges, substance misuse, physical disabilities, or elderly care. You’ll be instrumental in advocating for individuals, coordinating care, and supporting adults through difficult transitions such as hospital discharge or community care planning.

Each career path requires empathy, resilience, and a passion for making a difference in people’s lives, but they offer different perspectives and daily experiences.

Introduction to Social Work England

Social work in England is regulated by Social Work England, the governing body responsible for setting professional standards and ensuring that all practicing social workers meet these benchmarks. Anyone wanting to practice as a social worker in England must complete an accredited qualification, register with Social Work England, and engage in Continuing Professional Development (CPD) throughout their career to maintain their registration.

Social Work England ensures that professionals are continuously enhancing their skills and knowledge, staying up to date with best practices, and delivering the highest standards of care and support. It provides a framework that safeguards both social workers and the people they serve, ensuring that the profession remains trusted and respected.

The Rewards of a Social Work Career

Becoming a social worker is more than just a job—it’s a vocation that allows you to be a lifeline for people in their most vulnerable moments. Whether you’re advocating for children at risk or supporting adults through life’s most difficult challenges, the work you do has a direct impact on the well-being of individuals and communities.

Social work offers personal gratification in knowing that every day brings the opportunity to help others achieve positive outcomes. It also provides numerous opportunities for professional growth, from developing expertise in areas like mental health or palliative care to progressing into leadership roles.

While the challenges can be significant, the reward of seeing positive change unfold in the lives of those you help makes social work one of the most gratifying careers out there.

If you’re considering a career in social work, whether working with children or adults, you’re choosing a path that will allow you to make a meaningful difference. Vitalis is here to support you on your journey, providing opportunities and guidance to help you succeed. Social work is not just a career—it’s a chance to create real change, one life at a time.