FAQ's
This section contains answers to commons queries we receive about Careers. They have been grouped into the three career areas within our sector. If you have query which is not covered by these FAQs, contact the NISCC Information Service (Tel 028 9041 7600).
1. What is a social care worker and what do they do?
2. How do I become a social care worker?
3. What are vocational qualifications?
A Career in Social Work
4. What is a social worker and what do they do?
5. How do I become a fully qualified social worker?
6. Where can I study the new degree in Northern Ireland?
7. What is Post Qualifying social work training?
8. I trained as a social worker outside the UK, can I practise in Northern Ireland?
A Career in Child Care and Early Years
This section is under development
1. What is a social care worker and what do they do?
Social care workers provide personal care and support services to individuals, families and communities. They work with the elderly, people with physical or learning disabilities, people with mental health problems, people with addictions, families and children being looked after in children's homes or by foster parents. For NISCC registration purposes, the term 'social care worker' covers a wider group of people. It includes the staff who directly provide the services, those who manage or supply social care services, and social work students.
2. How do I become a social care worker?
Social care workers may not always have formal qualifications when they begin their employment. Employers provide induction and training to those who are new to social care. Social care workers are often supported by their employers to complete work-related qualifications and in-service training courses. Social care posts are advertised in the main press, on the internet, in employer job bulletins and by employment agencies. You can find out more about working in social care in the Careers section of this site
3. What are vocational qualifications?
Vocational qualifications (NVQs), are work-based qualifications which testify that the person is competent at specified abilities relating to their work. They include National Vocational Qualifications, Vocational A-levels, and Diplomas. They are open to anyone working as a carer (paid or unpaid), providing they can be assessed in their workplace. These qualifications cover a range of skills, including Care, Early Years Care, Promoting Independence, Special Needs Housing, Community Justice and Community Work. Further information can be accessed from the awarding bodies listed in the Links section of this site.
4. What is a social worker and what do they do?
Social workers have more responsibility for the assessment of service users care requirements and for the planning and management of care services. They have completed formal social work training courses which give them the skills needed to work with other professionals to make sure service users receive the particular care and support they need.
5. How do I become a fully qualified social worker?
The Honours Degree in Social Work is the required professional qualification for newly qualified social workers in NI. The Degree in Social Work is designed to provide the necessary skills, knowledge and values, allowing successful graduates to move between jobs and gain a wide range of experience during their careers. An assessed first year in employment, following successful completion of the Degree in Social Work, allows students to consolidate their learning before being registered as fully qualified and accountable professional social workers with the Northern Ireland Social Care Council. You can find out more about social work courses in the Careers section of this site.
6. Where can I study the Degree in Northern Ireland ?
The Degree is available at six educational institutions in NI. You can find out more about where the Degree is offered in the Approved Social Work Training section of this site.
7. What is Post Qualifying Social Work Training?
The Post Qualifying Framework was developed to assist continuing professional development for social workers. Social workers can also follow specialised areas of study at Masters level. You can find out more post qualifying social work training in the Careers section of this site.
8. I trained as a social worker outside the UK , can I practise in Northern Ireland?
Yes, providing your qualification is recognised by NISCC as suitable. Employers recruiting social workers must be sure that they are properly qualified and have suitable experience. As well as providing references from previous employers to support your job application, you must have your social work qualification checked for comparison against the UK standard in order to register as a social worker with the NISCC. The NISCC Registration Team will provide social workers who have qualified outside the UK with a dedicated registration form to assist in this process. This service will confirm that your qualification is recognised as a social work qualification in the country where you trained, but it does not guarantee employment in the UK and the final decision concerning employment rests with the employer.
You can find out more about registration with NISCC in the Registration section of this site.
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