Newly qualified social worker

Newly qualified social workers are social workers in their first year of practice.

Practitioners

Newly qualified social workers provide assessments, interventions and support to ensure the wellbeing and safety of children and families.

What you'll do

As a newly qualified social worker you’ll:

  • build and maintain effective relationships with children and families
  • provide evidence-based support that has a positive impact on the lives of children and families
  • carry out assessments to identify needs and risks
  • develop care plans that promote the wellbeing and safety of children and families
  • work with other social workers and multi-agency teams
  • seek support and advice from colleagues and other sources, such as clinical practitioners

You'll need to:

  • write clear, evidence-based assessments, care plans and progress reports
  • practice in accordance with legal, regulatory and policy requirements
  • attend regular meetings with your supervisor
  • take part in development activities such as training, research and critical reflection
  • stay up to date with legislation and statutory guidance to inform your practice decisions

Skills and knowledge

You'll need: 

  • communication skills to build and maintain relationships with children and families, colleagues and multi-agency partners 
  • knowledge of evidence-based practice 
  • the ability to manage relationships between parents, carers and family members 
  • an understanding of the impact of social and cultural factors on child development 
  • professional judgement skills to identify potential risks to children 
  • knowledge of the law and regulatory and statutory guidance to inform practice decisions 

Support you'll receive

In your first year of practice, your local authority or employer can register you for the assessed and supported year in employment (ASYE) programme. This is an employment-based programme funded by the Department for Education. 

It’s designed to help you develop your skills, knowledge and professional confidence through:

  • regular supervision
  • a protected caseload
  • protected time for critical reflection

How to become one

There are different routes you can take to qualify as a social worker. These routes are suitable for anyone thinking about a change in career or just starting out on this career path. 

Career paths and progression

With experience you could:

  • become a senior practitioner, taking on more complex cases and mentoring newly qualified social workers
  • use your knowledge and expertise to supervise students during their placements
  • specialise in specific areas of child and family social work such as child protection or adoption and fostering
  • move into a research or policy development role within a government agency, charity or other organisation

Current opportunities

The Find a job service can help you with your search for jobs and send alerts when new jobs become available.

Next page: Social worker

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These resources have been developed by Department for Education.
Published: 18 September 2023
Last updated: 21 November 2025
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