Social workers are an important part of a caring society. At any one time over 190,000 people in Northern Ireland (NI) are in contact with adult and children’s social care
services. Expenditure on these services represent approximately 30% of the total health and social care annual spend. Many of us are likely, at some point in our lives, to consult with a social worker whether on our own behalf or for a family member. Often this will be at a time of personal or family crisis – the onset of mental illness, the birth of a child with a disability, a family break-up, a victim of a crime or a death which leaves someone without the carer they had come to rely on. People depend on social workers to be there at such times, to help them work out what needs to be done, to make the right decisions and to access services and benefits they are entitled to. Social workers therefore do not only support ‘social casualties’ within society, they support many people in many different circumstances.
Social services are delivered by both social workers and social care workers in statutory, voluntary and private sector agencies. Social workers represent approximately 15% of the whole social services workforce in NI which is estimated to number 35,000. The majority of social workers are employed in Health and Social Care Trusts (HSC Trusts) with the majority of social care workers employed in the voluntary and private sectors.
The difference between social workers and social care staff relates to their respective functions, responsibilities, levels of accountability and related qualifications. Broadly speaking, social workers are in the lead role in cases where there is one or more of the following:
• major complexity;
• significant level of risk;
• need to safeguard children and vulnerable adults and/or protect the public;
• actual or potential interference with people’s rights (including right to libertyand right to family life);
• the need and/or accountability for the discharge of statutory functions;
• need for knowledge of relevant legislation and its application;
• significant trauma or change in people’s lives; and
• a need for expert interagency and/or multidisciplinary co-operation.
This strategy is aimed at social workers in NI and their employers. It is also relevant to service commissioners, social work regulators and education providers. It provides an overview of the profession and how it is organised in NI as well as describing the contribution social work makes to delivering government policy and improving the safety and social wellbeing of individuals, families and communities.
Published : 31st July 2010
Publisher : Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety [ More From This Publisher ]
Rights : Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety
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