Social workers must have a degree in social work and be registered with the HCPC (Health and Care Professionals’ Council). It is your responsibility to assess the care requirements of service users, and work alongside doctors and care professionals to advise on how you can collectively improve upon the lives of those within your care.
Social care workers tend to be involved in the practical support of one or two service users: helping individuals complete daily tasks and assisting them in everyday life. Social care workers do not always need qualifications to get a job in this field but they will usually be expected to train towards a qualification as they work.
Some employers and/or roles will require specific training to be completed - notably when working with children or adults who display challenging behaviour. These circumstances often demand the support of a qualified social care worker - usually trained to NVQ level.