Are you looking to write your perfect social worker CV? Social work is a profoundly impactful field, focused on helping individuals and communities navigate through various social challenges and improve their quality of life.
Crafting a well-structured CV is vital in showcasing your qualifications, experience and achievements. Your CV is your initial opportunity to make a strong impression on potential employers so it has to highlight your dedication to making a difference in people’s lives.
In this article, we’ll provide you with a complete step-by-step guide, valuable tips and real-world examples to assist you in creating a compelling CV and securing more job interviews.
I am an experienced, mature, and caring Graduate Social Worker with a firm commitment to social care. My experience is rooted in a rock-solid background of working with young and vulnerable people from all backgrounds and differing life circumstances. I have dealt with social work in both the public and private sectors, and am adaptable to any situation which comes before me. I am comfortable in both solitary and group situations, and have excellent communication skills which are useful in times of contact with external organisations. I also have excellent observational and listening skills which are highly effective when interacting with vulnerable people, as does my extensive training in “Working with Young People and Families”.
Achievements
Local Social Worker of the Year Award (Southampton, 2013)
Graduated with a First Class degree in Sociology & Public Policy
Education
2009 – 2013
BSc Sociology & Public Policy
Cardiff University
Grade achieved: [First Class Hons]
Relevant Modules:
Understanding Cultural Diversity
Exploring Disabilities in Western Societies
The Family as an Agency
Understanding Social Issues and Social Policy
Community Justice and the Police
Understanding Social Inclusion and Social Policy
2007 – 2009 Results: Health Studies: A Sociology: B Psychology: B
A Levels
Newton College
Work experience
Mar 2013 – Present
Social Worker Leeds City Council
Main duties performed:
Working in partnership with external organisations such as the local hospital, schools and GP surgeries to cross-check and discuss any people of concern who may need monitoring and/or extra supervision from Social Services
Performing routine home visitations in the local communities, particularly to families with vulnerable young children, to ensure the care provided is sufficient and meets Health and Safety standards
Help plan and facilitate discharges
Documenting the progress of the families under my supervision and regularly updating my superiors on any changes which may call for action
Contributing to multidisciplinary team meetings
Handling referrals to counselling
Working with families in crisis situations
Working with children in care who need foster parents or homes for adoption.
Working with the care home staff to increase the chances of the children in their care to get fostered or adopted
Dec 2012 – Mar 2013
Community Support Officer Care 1&1
Main duties performed:
Regular home visitations and scheduled appointments
Working with the local council and other authorities such as schools and General Practitioners to monitor any people who were in difficult situations
Reaching out to the local area to raise awareness of issues such as domestic violence and child abuse, through carefully constructed community campaigns
Working in conjunction with the local city council to provide support and advice to families in financial, social or emotional difficulties.
Jun 2011 – Dec 2012
Assistant Support Care Worker Oasis
Main duties performed:
Home visits and routine check-ups on vulnerable people in the local community
Offering support and advice in a professional and considerate manner
Physically helping vulnerable people in their daily routines and activities
Providing mental comfort and companionship for vulnerable people
Keeping the progress and changing circumstances of the people in my care documented physically and electronically, with habitual overviews.
Professional Training and Qualifications
Attended various workshops such as:
Supporting Parents-Supporting Children (2012)
Equality and Justice Training (2012)
Disabilities and Mental Health Training (2011)
Skills
Keen observational and listening skills, which are vital during my regular home visitations and conversations with vulnerable people
Excellent interpersonal skills, which are called upon frequently during liaisons with other authorities to discuss cases of interest/concern
Natural ability to bond with young and vulnerable people, which builds a relationship of trust and disclosure
A logical and analytical mind which harmonises with the demands of my profession (e.g. objectivity, professionalism)
The ability to be friendly and approachable while also maintaining an investigative attitude.
Hobbies and interests
My interests are rooted in the world of social care; I volunteer in the local youth club on irregular weekends to spend time with the children in my community – many of whom I am familiar with from home visits. When I’m not working, I enjoy going out on days out with my family and having fun with friends. I am also a passionate reader, and I look forward to writing a book one day in the future.
References
Mrs Lilly Jones Care Team Leader, Oasis Address: 22 Argyll Road, Almonds, LL53 2WJ Tel: 0223 231 4525 Email:[email protected]
Mr Oliver Porter Senior Social Worker, Leeds City Council Address: 22 Bellwood Rd, Springfield, KY15 1LU Tel: 0080 3251 3425 Email:[email protected]
Preview
What makes this CV good and effective?
This CV is well presented, follows a conventional format, contains only relevant information and does a great job of introducing the candidate as a strong contester for the role of a social worker.
The personal profile statement is effective because it clearly outlines the individual’s experience, adaptability, and commitment to social care, which are all crucial qualities for a social worker. The profile also highlights the individual’s strong communication, observational and listening skills, as well as their specific training in working with young people and families.
The candidate has incorporated relevant keywords from the job description to increase their CV’s visibility to applicant tracking systems (ATS).
The CV is achievement-focused and everything is backed up with real-life examples, facts and figures.
The employment section comprehensively outlines the candidate’s work experience, showcasing their extensive knowledge and experience in social care.
The skills listed closely match the skills required for the job.
Utilise a Clean and Professional Layout: Begin by choosing a clean, professional template that is easy to read. Use clear headings and consistent formatting throughout your CV.
Craft a Compelling Profile Statement: Start your CV with a powerful, concise profile statement that encapsulates your skills, experience and passion for social work. For example, “Dedicated social worker with 5+ years of experience in child welfare and a commitment to improving the lives of vulnerable children.”
Use Bullet Points for Clarity: Employ bullet points to make your CV scannable and easy to navigate, especially when listing your responsibilities and achievements in each role.
Keep it Concise: Limit your CV to two A4 pages, focusing on the most relevant and impactful information. Omit any irrelevant personal details and outdated information.
Make it Visually Appealing: Use minimal design elements like bold headings, columns and bullet points to enhance visual appeal while keeping the focus on content.
Your CV’s personal details section is where you provide essential information about yourself. It should contain your full name, phone number, email address and home address. You may also include a link to your LinkedIn profile and portfolio website (if you have one).
Think of the personal profile as your professional “elevator pitch.” It’s crucial because it’s your first opportunity to grab the employer’s attention. In this section, you’ll briefly mention your personal characteristics, skills and experiences. This helps the employer quickly understand who you are and what makes you a strong candidate for the job.
As an experienced social worker, I have devoted over a decade to improving the lives of at-risk children, consistently achieving positive outcomes. My expertise in family counselling has led to reuniting numerous families through effective intervention strategies. I am dedicated to providing unwavering support to vulnerable populations, as evidenced by my successful management of a caseload of 30+ families, helping them overcome challenges and build brighter futures.
Achievements
The achievements section in your CV is where you list some of the impressive things you’ve achieved in your work or studies, such as awards, promotions and high grades.
Example:
Promoted to Senior Social Worker within two years of joining the team.
Trained and mentored junior social workers, improving their case management skills.
Led a support group for at-risk youth in the community.
Employment and work experience
In the employment section of your CV, you should list your previous jobs and what you did in them. Start with your most recent job and work backwards. For each job, describe your main responsibilities and accomplishments, using action words to make it clear and compelling.
January 2023 – Present
Social Worker Care for All Services Ltd.
Main duties and responsibilities performed:
Conduct comprehensive assessments of children and families in need of support.
Develop and implement personalised care plans in collaboration with multi-disciplinary teams.
Provide therapeutic counselling to children and adolescents to address emotional and behavioural challenges.
Manage a caseload of 30+ clients, ensuring their well-being and adherence to care plans.
Facilitate support groups for parents to enhance their parenting skills and support networks.
Participate in regular team meetings to review cases and share best practices.
Conducting comprehensive assessments of clients to identify their needs and challenges.
Developing and implementing individualised care plans to address clients’ specific issues.
Providing counselling and emotional support to young people dealing with various life challenges.
Collaborating with other professionals, such as psychologists and medical staff, to coordinate comprehensive care.
Offering crisis intervention and support during emergency situations.
Conducting home visits to assess living conditions and safety for at-risk individuals.
Assisting clients in accessing financial assistance, housing and healthcare services.
Offering guidance and education on mental health, substance abuse and parenting skills.
Education and training
The education section of your CV should be written in reverse chronological order, meaning you start with your most recent qualification and work backwards. Include your university or school, the type of qualifications you obtained, like degrees, A-levels, GCSEs or diplomas, and the dates you attended or graduated. This section helps employers see your educational background and how well-qualified you are for the job.
Example:
September 2017 – June 2021
Bachelor of Social Work (Hons)
University of London
Degree classification: 2:1.
Subjects studied:
Social Work Practice
Psychology
Child and Family Welfare
Ethics and Professionalism in Social Work
Research Methods and Applications in Welfare and Care
In this section, you can list your professional qualifications and training, in addition to your formal education. Be sure to include the name of the qualification, the issuing institution or training provider, and the date of completion if applicable.
Example:
Level 5 Diploma in Social Work – University of Social Sciences
Safeguarding Children Training – National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)
Child Protection Training – NSPCC (National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children)
Mental Health First Aid Certification – Mental Health First Aid England (2022)
Skills
The skills section of your CV is where you highlight the specific abilities and qualities that make you an effective social worker. It should contain a mix of technical skills, like case management and knowledge of relevant software, as well as soft skills, such as empathy, active listening and strong communication.
Example:
Active Listening: Employed active listening techniques to establish rapport with clients and provide empathetic support.
Crisis Intervention: Successfully de-escalated high-stress situations, ensuring the safety of clients and reducing emotional distress.
Assessment and Evaluation: Conducted thorough client assessments, resulting in accurate needs analysis and tailored care plans.
Providing Protection: Helping to protect vulnerable people from harm or abuse.
Family Mediation: Facilitated constructive dialogues within families to resolve conflicts and improve family dynamics.
Substance Abuse Counselling: Provided evidence-based counselling to individuals struggling with addiction, resulting in successful rehabilitation.
Mental Health Assessment: Conducted comprehensive mental health assessments, leading to accurate diagnoses and tailored treatment plans.
Time Management: Managed a demanding caseload, consistently meeting deadlines and prioritizing critical cases.
Hobbies and interests (optional)
The hobbies and interests section of your CV is where you can show a bit of your personality and what you enjoy outside of work. It should contain activities or interests that reflect positively on you and can demonstrate skills or qualities relevant to social work, such as empathy, teamwork, or a commitment to helping others. For example, you might include hobbies like volunteering, participating in support groups, or being involved in community service, as they highlight your dedication to making a positive impact on people’s lives.
Example:
In my free time, I enjoy reading non-fiction books and going out with my family and friends. I am also passionate about community involvement and volunteer work, often dedicating my free time to support groups for at-risk youth. These experiences allow me to further develop my empathy, knowledge and active listening skills.
References
The references section of your CV is where you provide the names and contact information of people who can vouch for your qualifications and character. Referees can include current and former employers, teachers and supervisors. You must include their full names, job titles, the name of their organisation or institution, their phone number and email address.
Tailor for the Role: Customise your CV for each job application by aligning your qualifications with the specific requirements of the role. For example, if the job emphasises child welfare, focus on your experiences and training in that area.
Showcase Caseload Management: Demonstrate your ability to manage large caseloads effectively and maintain quality care for clients.
Quantify Achievements: Use specific numbers and outcomes to highlight your impact. For instance, “Reduced case response time by 20%.”
Action Verbs: Use action verbs like “implemented,” “advocated,” and “counselled” to describe your duties and accomplishments.
Conclusion
This is the end of our comprehensive guide on crafting the perfect social worker CV. By following the expert advice and studying the example provided, you now have the tools to create a standout CV that showcases your skills and experience and secure a job in this vital and rewarding job. Good luck with your job hunt!
Written by Sobhan Mohmand Sobhan is a qualified Careers Advisor and Professional CV Writer with over 10 years of experience in helping job seekers get a job. He is a Member of the Careers Development Institute (CDI) and is listed on the official UK Register of Career Development Professionals. He holds a Level 6 Diploma in Career Guidance and Development (QCF).
