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However, there are a number of careers available to social work graduates, all of which have the potential to make a positive contribution to society...

1. Psychotherapist

A psychotherapist works with individuals and groups in order to help clients to overcome a wide range of psychological barriers that impact upon their standard of living; this may include dysfunctional relationships, low confidence or feelings of anxiety, paranoia and depression.

There are a wide range of approaches a psychotherapist may take when assisting a client, although this will mainly depend upon the nature of the problem. For the most part, a psychotherapist uses a wide range of healing techniques from psycho-analysis to cognitive behavioural therapy.

2. Child welfare officer/social worker

Some individuals will find work as a child welfare officer/social worker whose main role is to care and protect more vulnerable members of society such as the elderly, the young and the disabled. Maintaining a professional relationship with individuals and families, a social worker/child welfare officer acts predominantly in an advisory capacity, although sometimes they are required to take sole responsibility for their client.

3. Residential care worker

It takes a specific skill set, one which is most prevalent amongst social work graduates, to work as a care worker in a residential setting. Whether looking after the elderly, the disabled or the infirm, care workers are expected to be kind, compassionate, but also highly responsible individuals.

As well as cooking and cleaning for clients, a residential care worker will also be responsible for administering medication, taking clients to and from hospital appointments as well as organising care plans to ensure that all of their needs are met.

4. Local government

It essential that all social workers and residential care workers operate within the structure of the law, which is where graduates who work in local government  play an essential role in the provision of care. As well as taking responsibility for the region’s social care budget and allocating resources where needed, those who work in local government also take responsibility for ensuring high standards of care are met.

5. Charity worker

A charity worker is some-one who works for, or is the trustee of a charity or not-for-profit organisation. There are a wide range of duties covered within this role from fundraising and marketing to PR and events organisation as well as raising awareness of the charities key goals and ambitions.

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