Next Steps

Carl is an 18-year-old who works at a home for adolescents.

What is your job?

I am a residential support worker.

What are your responsibilities?

I work in a unit with children who have challenging behaviour. I
need to maintain a working rapport with all the children which is
tricky as I work part-time.

What is your salary?

I earn £8 per hour.

What are your career aspirations?

I want to continue working with children, especially helping
them develop their education.

OK, here are three possible career options:

1. Children and families social worker at a council. Possibly
   working as part of a leaving care team you would help young people,
   aged 16 plus, to move towards independent living. You would provide
   support to help young people have a positive transition into
   adulthood and improve their life chances. You would support them in
   their education, employment and training and ensure they have the
   necessary skills. You would earn £24,000 a year.
2. After this role you may be interested in taking on a more
   senior position. A section manager for the children and young
   people’s service would be ideal. You would be responsible for a
   group of front-line staff who undertake assessments and deliver
   support and outreach services to children and their families. You
   would need a social work qualification and four years’ post
   qualifying experience. You would assist in the co-ordination and
   development of the families and young people service. This includes
   staff appraisals and recording of staff training needs. You would
   manage the planning, allocation and the review of staff workloads.
   The salary would be £31,000.
3. You could extend your skills and become an education welfare
   officer. You would work with whole families and deal with the
   problems and issues that may prevent children from attending
   schools. You would require a recognised social work qualification
   and would be based within a local education authority in England
   and Wales. Your salary would be £24,000 a year.