Career Progression in Social Work: Your Options Explained

Career Stages in Social Work

Newly Qualified (ASYE)

The Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE) is your first year of practice. During this time you:

• Have a reduced caseload
• Receive enhanced supervision
• Complete structured learning and development
• Are assessed against the Knowledge and Skills Statements

Experienced Practitioner

After ASYE, you build experience and expertise in your role. This is often the longest phase of a social work career, and there's nothing wrong with remaining here if direct practice is what you enjoy.

Senior/Advanced Practitioner

Senior practitioner roles typically involve:

• More complex or high-risk cases
• Supporting and mentoring less experienced staff
• Practice leadership without line management
• Contributing to service development

Career Paths

Management Route

Team manager and beyond. This path involves:

• Line management of staff
• Operational decision-making
• Service management and development
• Moving away from direct practice

Advanced/Consultant Practitioner

Staying in practice but at a senior level:

• Expert practice in complex cases
• Practice consultancy and advice
• Training and development
• Research and service development

Specialist Practice

Developing expertise in specific areas:

• Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP)
• Best Interests Assessor (BIA)
• Practice Educator
• Specialist roles (e.g., forensic, adoption)

Education and Training

Moving into teaching and training:

• Practice Educator role
• University teaching
• Training and development roles

Other Directions

• Inspection (Ofsted, CQC)
• Independent reviewing
• Policy and commissioning
• Research
• Third sector roles

Specialist Qualifications

AMHP Training

Approved Mental Health Professionals assess and make applications for detention under the Mental Health Act. Training takes around a year and opens up specialist roles.

BIA Training

Best Interests Assessors conduct assessments under the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards. Another specialist qualification that can enhance your career.

Practice Educator Qualifications

If you want to supervise social work students, you'll need to complete Stage 1 and Stage 2 Practice Educator training.

Postgraduate Study

Masters degrees or postgraduate certificates in specialist areas can support career development.

Making Career Decisions

Questions to Ask

• What do I enjoy about my current role?
• What would I miss if I moved on?
• What motivates me—direct practice or leading others?
• What's my work-life balance priority?
• What development do I need?

It's OK to Stay

Not everyone wants to be a manager, and there's nothing wrong with that. Experienced practitioners are valuable. Career progression can be horizontal (developing expertise) as well as vertical (moving up).

Preparing for Progression

Building Your Profile

• Seek out challenging cases and projects
• Take on additional responsibilities
• Support and mentor colleagues
• Engage in CPD
• Contribute to service development

Getting Support

• Discuss career aspirations in supervision
• Find a mentor
• Seek feedback on your practice
• Apply for development opportunities

Challenges in Progression

Moving into Management

• You'll be managing former peers
• Less direct work with families
• Different pressures and accountabilities
• Some people find they miss practice

Agency and Locum Work

Many social workers move into agency work. This offers flexibility and often higher pay, but may limit career development and can involve frequent changes.

Conclusion

Social work offers diverse career paths. Whether you're drawn to management, specialist practice, education, or expert frontline work, there are options to develop your career in ways that suit you. Be intentional about your development, seek opportunities, and remember that staying in practice is a valid and valuable choice.