Career pathways for social care

In line with our ‘Being Valued’ agenda, it is important to us that staff feel valued and are enabled to see how their career can be supported and developed whilst working in care and support services. Our operating values have been developed so as to attract and retain staff by valuing them in the job they do, providing opportunities for development and progression, caring about and protecting our reputation, providing positive leadership and ensuring the availability of robust support in practice. With that in mind, the following pathway aims to provide staff with an opportunity to progress within care and support services based on their values, behaviours, commitment and evidence-based practice.

Although progression is largely vacancy led, we believe that by helping people to identify and work towards the next stage of their career is important in keeping a happy and innovative workforce and by using supervision to evidence good practice, enhanced skills, knowledge and expertise, staff can be supported towards their next career goal.

Career pathways guide

View or download career pathways diagram (PDF)

Social work offers a variety of career pathways, with opportunities for progression, specialisation, and leadership. Below is an overview of the routes, training options, and roles available within the field.

Education and Training Pathways

Undergraduate Routes

• Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Social Work

Postgraduate Routes

• Master of Arts (MA) in Social Work
• Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip)
• Apprenticeships: BSc in Social Work

Fast Track Programmes

• Approach Social Work (formerly known as Frontline): Aimed at career changers and graduates.
• Think Ahead: Focused on mental health social work.
• Step Up to Social Work: Postgraduate qualification for aspiring social workers.

Professional Development Frameworks

• Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF): Guides development at all career stages.

  • End of Last Placement/Completion
  • Newly Qualified Social Worker (ASYE)
  • Social Worker
  • Experienced Social Worker
  • Advanced Social Worker
  • Strategic Social Worker

• Post-Qualifying Standards/Knowledge and Skills Statements (KSS): Define expectations for practice in Children & Families and Adults Services.

  • KSS for Child and Family Practitioners
  • KSS for Practice Leaders

Career Stages and Roles

Entry-Level Roles

• Newly Qualified Social Worker (ASYE): Supported induction year.
• Social Worker: Building knowledge and practical skills.

Experienced Roles

• Experienced Social Worker: Managing complex cases.
• Advanced Practitioner/Consultant Social Worker: Leading teams and specialisms.

Supervisory and Leadership Roles

• Practice Supervisor (Children & Families or Adults Services): Managing and mentoring teams.
• Practice Leader (Children & Families or Adults Services): Driving service improvement.
• Service Manager/Operational Manager
• Head of Service

Senior and Specialist Roles

• Principal Social Worker
• Chief Social Worker
• Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP)/Approved Mental Capacity Practitioner (AMCP)
• Independent Reviewing Officer
• Best Interests Assessor (BIA)

Specialist Opportunities

• Education and Training:

  • ASYE Assessor
  • Onsite Supervisor/Practice Educator/Practice Assessor
  • Teaching Consultant/Honorary Lecturer

• Practice Specialisms:

  • Domestic Violence (DV)
  • Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE)
  • Substance Misuse
  • Diversity Champion

• Research and Audit:

  • Researcher/Doctoral Fellowships
  • Audit Manager

Notes on local authorities

Roles and pathways may vary depending on the employing local authority. Some specialisms may be additional responsibilities within roles rather than standalone positions.

For more information on social work training and career development, visit:

• University of Bedfordshire Social Work Courses
• The Frontline Programme
• Think Ahead