The Northern Ireland Social Care Council (the Social Care Council) has launched its campaign, ‘#Yes2SocialWork’, highlighting the many career prospects and pathways to become a social worker in Northern Ireland.
The Social Care Council delivers the campaign annually on behalf of the Department of Health (DoH) to promote the benefits of studying social work in Northern Ireland to teachers, parents and potential social work students.
In particular this year’s campaign is aimed at those seeking a career change to social work, where there is a significant demand to grow the workforce with multiple roles available across sectors.
“We want people to know that having social workers supporting our communities has never been more important,” Declan McAllister, Interim Chief Executive for the Social Care Council said, outlining that a career shift to social work means, “a move to a profession where you can make a real difference, and that offers purpose, satisfaction and great career prospects. Social work provides a dynamic career path with many employment opportunities.”
As well as supporting people to consider a shift to social work as a career, Aine Morrison, Chief Social Worker, DoH, hopes the campaign will challenge stereotypes about social work and promote it as a fulfilling career.
“Being a social worker supporting our communities is expert work,” Ms Morrison said.
While it’s challenging, it’s also deeply rewarding. It requires a passion for social justice and having a desire to help others. Social workers have the potential to improve individual lives as well as build a more compassionate and equitable society.”
The Degree in Social Work is currently offered at five universities and colleges in Northern Ireland:
– Queen’s University Belfast.
– Ulster University (Magee Campus).
– Belfast Metropolitan College (Millfield Campus).
– South West College (Dungannon Campus).
– Open University (this an employer sponsored route).
Students who study the Degree receive a payment as an incentive for each year of study, to encourage the best and brightest to become social workers, including mid-career professionals moving into social work. The Degree equips students with the practical skills and real-world experience to be prepared for success wherever their social work journey takes them.
The campaign includes two new animations which are now available that explain the undergraduate route into social work, alongside the relevant graduate route, which is a shorter two-year option for those who have completed a relevant undergraduate degree.
The digital campaign includes new stories from social workers and social work students on pathways into social work, which are a valuable resource for those involved in careers advice or those who are considering social work as a career.
The Honours Degree in Social Work – 3 Year Undergraduate Route (UGR)
The Honours Degree in Social Work – 2 Year Relevant Graduate Route (RGR)
Want to know more?
To learn more about the campaign and steps to get started in applying to the Degree in social work, explore the website here, or read some of our social work stories.
For more information:
Rita McCullagh, Head of Strategic Communications and Engagement
Rita.mccullagh@niscc.hscni.net / 07874682049