Social Worker CV Example

A social worker CV is built on clearly showing your setting (statutory/voluntary), your service-user group (children, older people, disabled adults, refugees) and your case-management experience. Your qualification and Social Work England registration are decisive. Keep it one page, ATS-friendly and free of photos or personal details.

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Sample Social Worker CV

Emma Collins

Social Worker (Child Protection)

Manchester, UK

Summary

7 years of social work experience across statutory and voluntary settings, the last 4 focused on child protection and family services. Skilled in case management, family assessment and care planning. Registered with Social Work England; trained in children's rights and trauma-informed practice.

Experience

Social Worker · Local Authority — Children's Services

Mar 2021 – Present
  • Held an active caseload of 60 cases; completed intervention plans within statutory timescales.
  • Carried out family assessments and managed fostering/kinship application processes.
  • Worked jointly with schools and health services to build holistic support networks for children.

Social Worker · UNICEF UK (Project-Based)

Jul 2017 – Feb 2021
  • Delivered psychosocial support services to refugee children and families.
  • Trained the field team on case management and ethical standards.

Skills

Case ManagementFamily AssessmentChild ProtectionPsychosocial SupportCare PlanningCrisis Intervention

Education

BA (Hons) Social Work · University of Manchester (2013 – 2017)

What to Highlight in a Social Worker CV

  • State your Social Work England registration and registration number.
  • Clearly state your service-user group (children, older people, disabled adults) and setting (statutory/voluntary).
  • Give the size of your active caseload.
  • List your specialist training (child protection, trauma-informed practice) in a separate section.

Technical Skills

  • Case management
  • Family assessment
  • Care planning
  • Crisis intervention
  • Psychosocial support
  • Safeguarding & statutory frameworks (e.g. Children Act 1989)

Soft Skills

  • Empathy
  • Ethical decision-making
  • Communication
  • Resilience
  • Teamwork

Common Mistakes

  • Not stating your Social Work England registration.
  • Not specifying your service-user group (children, older people, refugees).
  • Giving no information about caseload size or types of intervention.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is registration required on a social worker CV?

Yes — Social Work England registration is a legal requirement to practise in England; always state it. It also reassures voluntary-sector employers.

Can I list both voluntary and statutory experience together?

Yes — both are valuable. List them chronologically; lead with whichever is closest to the role you are applying for.

What should newly qualified social workers do?

Describe your placements in detail with role, duration and what you learned. Voluntary-sector experience and short courses provide strong support.

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Social Worker Interview Questions & Answers

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