How to Transition from Care Work to Social Work
Working in care can be rewarding, but many care workers want to grow further and move into social work. If you’re ready for more responsibility, better pay, and the chance to make a bigger impact, social work could be your next step. The good news? Your care experience already gives you a solid foundation to build on.
Understand the Difference
Care work focuses on supporting people with daily tasks and personal care, while social work involves assessing needs, creating care plans, and working with other professionals to help people access the right support. If you enjoy helping others and want to take on more responsibility, this path could be perfect for you.
Use the Skills You Already Have
Many skills you use in care are vital in social work too. Good communication, patience, safeguarding knowledge, and empathy are all highly valued. Employers like to hire people who understand real-life care work because they know how to build trust and relate to clients.
Get the Right Training
To make the transition smoother, some extra training can help you feel confident and meet the requirements for assistant social work or support roles. At Solubridge, we offer practical training packages and mentoring support to help you move forward step by step.
Start with Entry-Level Roles
Many people start as support workers, reablement workers, or social work assistants before working up to qualified social worker status. These roles help you gain experience while you build your CV and decide if you want to do further qualifications later.
Stay Connected and Keep Learning
Use free guides, connect with mentors, and learn from people already working in social work. Check out our Free Resources page for helpful templates, toolkits, and tips to get started.
Let’s Talk About Your Next Step
Solubridge is here to help you plan your move from care to social work. Whether you want structured training, personal mentoring, or just advice on where to begin, our team is ready to help. Contact us today and take your next step with confidence.